Public comment periods during Westmoreland County commissioners’ meetings are meant to give everyone an equal chance to speak — under the same rules and time limits. Unfortunately, that standard is not being upheld at the commissioners’ meetings, as of late.

On more than one occasion, individuals have been allowed to speak after the official comment period ended — and for far longer than the time typically allowed. Meanwhile, others who signed up and followed the proper process were cut off or limited strictly to their allotted time. This double standard is troubling.

Even more concerning is that Commissioner Doug Chew, who strongly advocated for a visible time clock to enforce time limits — especially when the board is being criticized — appears to support these exceptions.

The commissioners should not be permitted to apply rules selectively based on who is speaking or what is being said.

Public meetings must be conducted with fairness, not favoritism. If time limits apply to some, they must apply to all. The public deserves transparency, consistency and accountability, not special treatment for a few.

Taylor Stuart

Greensburg

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