Stratford council adopts new rules allowing limited responses to public comments after close vote

The Stratford Town Council voted 6-4 on Jan. 9 to adopt amended rules of procedure that give the council chair discretion to request a council member to respond publicly to a speaker after public comment.

Supporters said the change would allow the council to acknowledge concerns raised in public and direct follow-ups in the open meeting. “The council chair, in their sole discretion, can request a response to public comment by the appropriate council member if present,” Councilwoman Caitlin Shaikh told colleagues when she offered the amendment.

Opponents said the rule risks forcing council members to answer complex questions without staff support or time to check the facts. “When I’m answering questions myself, I like to be thoughtful,” Councilman Rilley said in the debate. “I don’t see myself being either of those all the time,” he added, arguing that written follow-up or staff consultation is often necessary.

The amendment’s approval followed a failed procedural amendment and a roll-call vote. The chair announced the tally as 6 in favor and 4 opposed. The council then adopted the full rules of procedure as amended.

Councilors emphasized different goals in the discussion: proponents framed the change as a way to publicly acknowledge and direct follow-up on issues raised by residents, while opponents emphasized accuracy, the need for staff input, and the potential for rushed or incomplete answers.

The new rules also formalize other procedural items that had been tabled in December and were taken off the table for consideration this meeting. The council approved the motions to take the rules up and then voted on the substantive amendment.

The council meeting record shows the adoption concluded the discussion on rules; the council moved on to other business, including grant resolutions and appointments later in the evening.