Public speakers might soon be facing green, yellow & red light
February 23, 2002
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula City Council
Public speakers might soon be facing a green, yellow and red light after the City Council decided to try out a system that will time the time spent at the podium.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesPublic speakers might soon be facing a green, yellow and red light after the City Council decided to try out a system that will time the time spent at the podium.The council made the decision at the Feb. 4 meeting.Public speakers have a five minute limit at the podium, less time when many have put in the yellow request slips to address the council on issues and concerns.Mayor Ray Luna had requested at a previous meeting that the city explore acquiring an electronic timing device for public speakers.Deputy City Clerk Josie Herrera said she researched such devices and found on that features two units: “One would be a remote time set and the other would display,” speaker time remaining.
In addition, the unit would display a green light, yellow light when a speaker’s time is nearing the limit and then a red light when time is up.The cost of the timer unit is $589, Herrera noted.Councilman Don Johnson noted that the city can test the unit on a trial basis.Vice Mayor Laura Flores Espinosa said the council in the past had reviewed electronic voting devices; estimates had been obtained for same, and perhaps the council would include such equipment with the timing device request.But, “I want to clarify for my mind why we need a timer for people speaking,” added Espinosa. “It is because people are speaking for too long or for the mayor is it more convenient,” to have such a device.“It’s not more convenient but more user-friendly,” then handling a stop watch, said Luna. “I’m not saying the old way didn’t work but if there’s an option for something that will do a better job,” it should be explored.