Madison's Common Council spent the better part of tonight listening to public testimony on the city's 2006 capital and operating budget. Kristian of The Daily Page blogged live, summarizing the testimony of Madison's residents.

The scene in the hallway prior to the meeting could best be described as the land of confusion. Numerous people, coming to testify on various budget items and amendments, found a short list of "items of interest" (to whom?) created by city staff, a long list of proposed amendments, and registration forms with little explanation as to how to proceed. Missing from the scene were city staff available to answer questions or assist residents with the registration process.

Some of the registrants had tried to find out more about the process for the evening prior to the meeting. Alder Konkel tried to help inquiring residents, sending the following email to Council President Van Rooy and various city staff members on Saturday:

The registration slips found on the tables outside Council chambers asked constituents to mark "support" or "oppose" to a specified agenda item and individual budget amendments. Conversation in the hallway included questions about whether amendments supported and opposed should be listed on the same form; whether those wishing to speak could speak on only one item at a time or all amendments together; if one could speak on some amendments listed on the registration form and list support or opposition for others without including them when speaking; questioning whether the 5 minute limit was for capital and operating budgets together or 5 minutes was given for each; general discussion of how to best complete the forms so they make sense; and much frustration over the lack of assistance in understanding and completing the registration process.

Some were still confused when they had their turns to speak. At least 2 speakers returned to their seats thinking that they would have another opportunity to speak on additional amendments.

A large crowd turned out for the meeting, many of whom do not ordinarily attend. This sort of civic involvement should be encouraged with a friendly welcome and some assistance with the process, rather than stifled by confusion and frustration.

If city staff is unavailable to assist residents with registration, perhaps the city could enlist willing volunteers to greet residents and help them better understand how to make their voices heard.