41 Berkeley St
Nashua, NH
w--------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Laurie Ortolano
Date: Wed, Jan 19, 2022 at 3:08 PM
Subject: Can you put this in the Board Packet - oppose O-22-002
To: Graham, Donna <grahamD@nashuanh.gov>
Cc: Board of Aldermen <BOA@nashuanh.gov>
Dear Honorable Board of Alderman members;
Please oppose O-22-002 that allows an Alderman participating in meetings through video
teleconferencing to be the Presiding Officer and conduct the meeting.
As a member of Right-to-Know New Hampshire, we have taken a position this year to
oppose remote meetings that will not have a physical location.
While this ordinance maintains the physical location, it allows the Board chair to
participate remotely, through a video teleconferencing option.
Our current policy allows for board members to participate remotely provided a reason is
stated as to why they cannot be in the physical location. The reason should not simply be
a convenience to stay home. It is understood that those with medical issues, immune
compromised, or mobility issues may need a remote accommodation, but otherwise
healthy appointed or elected representatives should be participating from the physical
location, especially the Board chairs. Once we clear this pandemic, which | am optimistic
we will, full in person participation for elected or appointed people should be expected.
Technology is not perfect and we have witnessed glitches and delays associated with
remote meetings. Board chairs should be in personal face-to-face contact with the board
majority and public to command and control the meeting.
The sponsors of this legislation are the younger folks who were elected to serve. These
are the folks that | would expect to be in the chamber regularly, not remotely. The younger
folks are the ones missing meetings or using remote access the most. This is concerning.
Please let's not make this business as usual. Please keep the leadership for our meetings
present with the board majority in a physical location.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Laurie Ortolano
