Dear editor:

As a practice, I do not respond to letters to the editor on a regular basis. However, when a letter is so inaccurate that the public is clearly misled about an important aspect of your city government, I feel a certain responsibility to set the record straight. Last week, a letter was published from a county resident, Bob Driggers, about his recent request to address the Hot Springs Board of Directors. This is the second time Mr. Driggers has made this request to add a "public comment" portion to the Board’s agenda. Several months ago, Mr. Driggers made this request, and he was provided full opportunity to state his position at a board agenda meeting. The majority of the board related to Mr. Driggers that they did not have an interest in granting his request.

On Oct. 31, Mr. Driggers again requested that this item be added as part of the agenda for every board meeting. Once again, Mr. Driggers was allowed to address the board during the agenda meeting to fully state his position. Following discussion, the majority of the board stated that they were not interested in adding this item to their normal agenda. The City of Hot Springs offers several opportunities for citizens to be heard at the board meetings. These meetings are open to the public and are held at the Municipal Building on the first and third Monday of each month (except for holidays) at 7 p.m. We are fortunate to have local residents at tend each and every board meeting to offer their comments. A sign-up sheet is available at the front door of the Board chambers for citizens to sign up prior to the meetings. A second opportunity is available to local citizens if there is anything that they would like to add to the agenda for the board to ad dress. An agenda request is available in the city clerk’s office, which should be completed and returned at least one week prior to the board meeting. Citizens use these forms to make presentations to the board on any topics of concern.

Mr. Driggers has been informed about these opportunities, and he has, in fact, made presentations at several board of directors meetings. Yet, he suggests that referring to our meetings as public meetings is a "hypocrisy." The public is allowed to speak and many of our citizens take advantage of this opportunity. We invite all local citizens to attend our board meetings and take advantage of their right to be heard. If for some reason you want to provide comments and cannot attend a board meeting, all e-mails and written correspondence are provided to the board of directors.

I hope that this information clarifies some of the opportunities for our citizens to express your views to city officials.

Kent A. Myers, City manager