The East Norwich Civic Association plans to have one of their members present at all of the Town of Oyster Bay meetings. The ENCA wants to be more visible as they observe town government.

Recently, they had asked to be informed of when the decision on Boulder Creek's seating expansion was to be made by the town. They were interested in having their concerns about parking answered. Instead, the Boulder Creek resolution to allow the restaurant to expand to 227 seats from 199, happened very quietly.

Since it wasn't on the agenda, I was also surprised at the decision. In fact, when I called to find out about the new plans for the restaurant, before going on vacation, I was told the facade would become Victorian and that there had been no decision on the expanded seating. Wrong. When I called about the resolution the town passed, I was told it was put on the calendar after the agenda was printed. That happens from time to time.

But, back to the original intent of the editorial. One of the concerns of the ENCA is that residents have to wait until the end of the hearings to make comments about things not on the agenda, but of importance to them and their areas.

John Peterkin, government activist spoke at the Aug. 18 meeting. He said "The people should speak first!"

He said, "What the people say is 1,000 times more important than what the board says and yet the stenographer is excused as the people who have waited for hours to speak, get their turn to speak."

That is what the East Norwich Civic Association would like too. They would like a chance to be heard before the audience clears out and before the press leave to meet their deadlines.

Mr. Peterkin also sees town meetings at 10 a.m. not to be in the public's interest. He called it, "The most undemocratic time for patriots, taxpayers, owners of the town, workers, students, commuters, businessmen, civic workers, politicians, judges, bankers, accountants, environmentalists etc. It is the most advantageous time for the developers, builders, their lawyers and so-called 'expert consultants', wheeler-dealers, those who want favorable decisions without formidable neighbors in attendance."

A few years ago the town changed the process and let people speak. At that time the meetings began at 7 p.m. which allowed the public to speak first. Maybe it is time to reconsider the scheduling of public comments.

As Mr. Peterkin went on the say, the councilmen are paid to be there: the residents come on their own time and at their own cost. It would be good if they could communicate with their representatives in government without waiting as several hours of hearings take place.

When the public spoke first, the councilmen appeared not to enjoy hearing residents' complaints. In sales, you have to overcome the negatives to make a sale. Maybe the same is true of a vote. Maybe it's time to reconsider the issue, as Mr. Peterkin suggested, and as the ENCA would appreciate.

- DFK