What has happened to public hearings in Utah?
There seems to be a recurring theme. Hearings are announced (though often few people hear about them) and the public assembles to express their concerns about a particular issue, proposal or legislation. The listening body sits silently while there is overwhelming evidence presented for or against said issue. The public leaves and their opinions and ideas are completely disregarded.
This has happened with the inland port (Salt Lake City Council and Port Authority Board), state tax reform (Utah Legislature) and Legacy highway (Utah Transportation Commission), just to name a few.
Then the listening body will come out with their final decision, completely disregarding the will of the people. Sometimes they even brag about the hours of public hearings that were held. How is it a public hearing if the voice of the people is ignored?
Katie Pappas, Salt Lake City