“Freedom is participation in power.” These words were spoken over two-thousand years ago by the Roman orator Cicero. By accepting this definition of freedom, we must also accept that freedom is in jeopardy here in Marshall County. Our County Council and Commissioners choose to meet during the morning hours. According to the Department of Labor, 85% of the American workforce is at work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the October County Council meeting I asked that the meetings be moved into the evening so that the majority of the tax paying residents of Marshall County could attend. This request was met with a mix of responses. Council President Matt Hassel explained that the Council meets in the mornings to accommodate county executives. Rex Gilliland claimed that the 9 a.m. time slot does the greatest good for the great number since there is little to no public participation. Finally, Judy Stone stated that she was not against the change to evening meetings as long as more people would attend.

These responses miss the point. It is not important how many members of the community decide to attend. What is important is that we all have the opportunity to participate in our local government. There should be no quotas or stipulations to opening up the meetings. Nor should the council member’s or executive’s preferences come before the people’s right to freedom and participation in power.

During the November County Council meeting, I will again ask the council to move the meetings to the evening. Council President Matt Hassel and the other council members will decide whether or not to make this change. I sincerely hope they choose to do so. The hard-working residents of Marshall County have the right to oversee how their tax dollars are being spent.