During the height of the COVID pandemic when emergency measures were in place, single parents, disabled residents, homebound seniors and others were able through remote access (e.g., via Zoom) to hear, see, and comment upon in real time the decisions being made by their elected officials and commission members. 

Now that we have returned to exclusively live, in-person meetings but with COVID variants emerging and seating limited to about 20 people, it is more difficult than ever for many residents to attend Board of Supervisors (BOS) meetings and other public meetings. Residents, regardless of their age, disability, or susceptibility to COVID, must attend to make their views known.

There is no need to put residents at risk. Many people overwhelmingly support "hybrid" public meetings that give them the OPTION to attend important public meetings such as BOS meetings virtually via Zoom or some other remote technology. This does not prevent any resident from attending in person and all Supervisors plan to attend in person. 

As a Newtown Supervisor, I strongly believe that hybrid meetings will allow more residents to attend meetings and participate in local government.

If you agree, I urge you to sign my petition.

John Mack, Newtown Township Supervisor

www.johnmacknewtown.info