We think it’s great when public entities, such as boards, councils and commissions, open up the floor to the public for input. This often happens at regular meetings, but time can be limited. So an additional public forum can be great for giving everyone a chance to speak.

So we offer kudos to the Fairmont Area School Board, which will hold just such an event on Feb. 24. It will be at 6 p.m. in the elementary school media center, near the district office.

Topics to be addressed include:?the school district’s role in the soccer and hockey programs; the future of the school resource officer position; the school calendar for 2015-2016; and the operating levy renewal, among other items.

The public is being encouraged to attend. Says school board member Dan Brookens, “If something’s been on your mind for a while, this would be an ideal time to bring it forward.”

All of our local government entities operate for and on behalf of the citizens they represent. While it is true that we elect officials to serve us, it is also true that they can use our thoughts and advice on an ongoing basis. This helps ensure everyone is informed and on the same page, and that citizens are not surprised by or alienated by decisions. The ultimate goal is to build consensus, which is to reach a decision that everyone agrees is best or, at least, workable.