How to Stick to the Agenda at a Public Forum

Now that those who rule the roost on Parkersburg City Council managed to essentially silence their constituents, a little bird told me to check the April 8th agenda. And while its contents didn’t exactly ruffle my feathers, and it wasn’t a cardinal sin, I wonder what birdbrain is setting the priorities here. Are they just winging it?

While we have non-profit agencies running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to help the homeless of our community, our elected officials are setting boundaries for a bird sanctuary. Now I’m all for helping our fine feathered friends, but we need to prioritize. We have big birds, little birds, black birds, white birds, dirty birds, free birds, songbirds and yes, a few dodo birds that we need to help first.

We have people in our community who need some assistance to spread their wings and soar. Our unhoused population is not an albatross, but rather an opportunity to expand our flock as it were. So council, draw your lines for the birds if you must, but don’t duck your responsibility to the people.

This is an example of how you can stick to the agenda and still make your point. Just remember, this is a City Council chamber, so be sure to show respect by avoiding woodpeckers and birds that flip. I also want to thank Wendy Tuck, Zak Huffman, Chris Rexroad and Cathy Daily for leading the flock. You guys are good eggs.

Contributor: Sonya Ashby, Parkersburg