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These are all but one of the times I’ve spoken at the Visalia City Council, during Public Comments. My first time isn’t on their website, and was in 2012, when I accepted the first June Pride Month Proclamation issued by the City of Visalia. It was the first Pride Month Proclamation by a government body in the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

I got bored, so I counted the times I appeared before the City Council, according to the minutes. As of this writing, I’m at 58 times.

There are fewer than 58 entries above, because I spoke several times at several meetings. One time I had so much to say about things that I spoke five times! Another day it was four. It’s usually just once per meeting.

I still get nervous, sometimes, but I probably enjoy it more than I should.

Lest you think I’m hogging all the time, there’s a lady that has spoken over 85 times in the same time frame. I don’t know if she enjoys it or not.

If you would like to let them know what you think about things, here’s the 4-1-1:

PUBLIC COMMENTS  

This is the time for general public comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the Visalia City Council. Each speaker tonight may speak for up to 3 minutes during this general comment period on a matter that is not on this agenda. The public may also make one comment for up to 3 minutes prior to the consideration of the Consent Calendar, and immediately before any regular agenda item is heard. The Council asks that you keep you comments concise and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.

There are general public comments at the beginning of each session (work session and regular session), before the Consent Calendar, and after each item on the regular agenda, regarding that item.

Come join us at the meetings, on the first and third Mondays of each month (except on holidays, when they generally meet Tuesday). The regular session starts at 7pm, at City Hall, 707 W. Acequia. Work sessions start anywhere between 4pm and 5:30pm. Check the agenda for exact times.