UPDATED WITH NEW TIMES:
There have been some unfortunate events unfolding in the “Trout Capital of the World”, the City of Buhl. Here is Bill Colley, of NewsRadio 1310 KLIX, who recently interviewed Eli Johnson to help get you caught up to speed on why there is an important city council meeting on February 12, 2024, in Buhl, Idaho at 6:30 p.m.
“The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,
But terror to those who practice injustice.” (Proverbs 21:15 NASB)
I’m encouraging every citizen of the City of Buhl and all who travel to or through the city to familiarize yourselves with this situation and make plans now to attend the city council meeting on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m. A large number of people showing up to a meeting like this is one of the ways to speak without using words. A large number of people showing up to a meeting like this who know how to effectively speak cannot be unheard by their elected neighbors.
Any citizens interested in knowing what to expect and sharpening their public speaking skills are encouraged to gather at Buhl Bible Church on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. for a planning meeting on how to use words most effectively for such a meeting as this.
At this gathering
- we will explain several things to expect at the Feb. 12 City Council Meeting
- we will give advice on how to formulate your talking points. (The council has updated the rules just prior to this meeting to only allow citizens 2 minutes to speak.)
- we will collaborate on how to effectively ask questions
- we will address the art of being respectful while also being direct
- we will discuss how to most effectively keep your emotions in check without being emotionless
Please invite as many people as you can to attend this special training and prayer time for the city council and the City of Buhl.
Here are a few tips to begin thinking through how to aim your words in the most effective way
- Remember, not everyone holds the same values and opinions. A meeting that offers public input is a meeting that invites all people to speak, even those who you disagree with.
- Attempt to write your talking points down. At most public hearings you will have a time limit. Usually 2 – 5 minutes; depending on the subject and number of people expected to speak. If you don’t stay on point, your time will be up before you are finished and in danger of saying a lot of words without communicating your point. Don’t be fooled, 2 minutes at a public hearing is a very difficult task.
- Keep your cool, you will most likely not be given a second moment to defend disparaging comments made after your time limit.
- Take a few deep breaths as you walk to the mic to speak. I speak often, and I still have to remind myself to breathe.
- If you are in the minority, prepare for strange pokes and unusual comments by the majority that will feel like a dig against you to strengthen their point. This is normal, I think it may even be fair play, within reason.
- Refuse to take opposition personally. It’s very hard. Resist being a thin-skinned person. Thin-skinned people say foolish and irrational things that help make the point for the opposing side.
- Remember you are speaking at a public meeting. Public meetings are public, your words are free to be recorded and used for or against you. Prepare yourself, you may be quoted in local news outlets without your knowledge.
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