I was recently denied the opportunity to participate in a recent Bureau of Zoning Appeals hearing due to being temporarily out of the country, I faced a ruling made without my testimony. This experience highlights a significant gap in our public participation process, as I believe everyone deserves a voice in government proceedings.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.221, we have the capability to bridge this gap by adopting a policy that allows virtual attendance in all council hearings, zoning appeals, and public meetings via video conferencing technology. This step is crucial for several reasons:

Firstly, it ensures equal access for individuals with health limitations, disabilities, or care giving responsibilities who may find it challenging to attend in person. For instance, according to data from the CDC, about 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability that may impede their participation in conventional meeting formats.

Secondly, it accommodates travel constraints, allowing residents like myself to engage in local governance, irrespective of their temporary geographical location. In an increasingly mobile and global society, such flexibility is not just a convenience but a necessity.

Moreover, this change can significantly enhance public engagement and transparency, making government proceedings more accessible to all. By adopting virtual attendance, we can foster a more inclusive and participatory democratic environment where every voice counts.

This initiative is a call to action for greater accessibility and democracy. Encouragingly, video conferencing technology is both readily available and user-friendly, making its implementation feasible and efficient.

I urge the Toledo City Council and relevant stakeholders to consider this policy change seriously. Your support in signing this petition will help ensure that ALL residents have the right to participate in shaping our community, no matter their circumstances. Your signature can lead to a more inclusive Toledo. Please sign and share this petition.