As a concerned resident of Edison, New Jersey, the proposed Ordinance O2233-2024 threatens our right to express our views and actively engage with the Council. This proposed legislation will reduce the time allotted for public comments from six minutes to just four, a reduction of 33%, and worst of all, it will completely eradicate the opportunity for rebuttals. This ordinance, initially introduced on September 9, 2024 and spearheaded by Council President Nish Patel potentially has majority support and undermines the effectiveness of expressing our views on matters that directly impact us.  The Council will vote to adopt the Ordinance on September 25, 2024.  

Our Council exists "to do the work of the people", but this legislation contradicts this principle. Council members' rationales, such as  (paraphrased quotes) "How do we know what amount of time is ideal?", "Residents can express in 4 minutes what they can in 6 minutes" "Issues can be taken offline" "It can be amended- dont let perfect be the enemy...", do not justify any attack on our ability to communicate our needs and concerns. It is important to remember that Council members do not represent only themselves: they serve us, the people.  And also importantly- The Council deserves our Respect but also needs to reciprocate Respect to the Residents.

The impact of this legislation extends beyond just those of us who attend Council meetings. Our taxes fund these meetings, and they may also fund legislation we do not support if we are denied adequate comment time and rebuttals to voice our opposition. This is about maintaining our democratic process, a cornerstone of our community in Edison, NJ.

Oppose Ordinance O2233-2024. Support adeqaute Public Comment Time and the opportunity for rebuttals at Edison, NJ Council meetings. Edison residents, let's protect our right to be heard.  

Thank You.