In a representative democracy, there is always a balance of gathering public input and allowing elected officials to make decisions.

That balance was vehemently questioned during this week’s Huntertown Town Council meeting.

The council allows for public comment at the end of its meeting, which drew the ire from some residents who said they should be able to speak throughout the meeting on whatever item they deem necessary. The suggestion drew some concerns from council members and the council’s attorney about letting the elected officials have time to debate amongst themselves.

Other residents argued that public comment should be given at the start of the meeting, before votes are taken. The council responded by saying it used to be at the start but people complained that it should be at the end so they could respond to what was discussed.

In the end, the council agreed to offer public comment at the beginning and at the end of the meeting.