Oakland County Commissioners, who normally hold full commission meetings on Thursday mornings, have decided to try night meetings.

It is the hope of the Commission to learn, finally, if holding meetings at night will increase public participation enough to justify the extra cost of holding meetings in the evening.

The debate over whether to hold evening meetings has been going on, with different levels of intensity, since 2003.

"Anything we ccan do to make it easier for the public to see or attend is a good thing," according to Commisssioner David Coulter.

"The night meeting thing has been a debate that has gone on forever," says Michael Gingell, Commission Vice Chair.

Echoed Commissioner Jeff Potter, "Maybe this will put an end to it one way or another, praise God."

If Commissioners determine there is enough additional public participation to justify the extra cost of evening meetings, more night meetings are likely to be scheduled.

The recent resolution was adopted by a 21-1 vote, and calls for five evening meetings on Wednesdays at 7 o'clock p.m.  Dates for the night meetings are July 15, August 12, September 2, October 14, and December 9.

For citizens wishing to become more involved in their local government, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.