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We wholeheartedly agree with Fredonia Trustee Paul Wandel when it comes to reading letters during the public comment portion of a government meeting. If someone wishes to offer an opinion, they need to have their name attached to it.
Why would it be any other way?
Wandel's resolution, which was not voted on this week, was spurred by comments read at a recent meeting with the writer requesting anonymity. That individual's thoughts then included name calling of Mayor Michael Ferguson while bashing his behavior.
Talk about not having courage in your convictions. That letter is better suited for a social media banter, not an open meeting that is on the record.
With all the criticism the Village Board has heard in recent months regarding public comment, trustees may have given the unnamed writer the benefit of the doubt. That does not make the decision a proper one.
Even with our newspaper, we believe opinions have to come with identification. If letters are unsigned, they do not get published in print or online. It is that simple.
Making statements in public requires accountability. Even if the anonymous writer -- who had the audacity to belittle an elected official while in hiding -- is upset by Ferguson's actions, at least the mayor is taking responsibility for his thoughts.
Trustee Ben Brauchler later countered that if a writer requested anonymity but used their name, the village should honor the request when reading it.
We also think that sets a poor precedent. Public comment is just that. Identify who you are and offer your opinion.
That is a much more credible way of being heard.