NBAF communication thread shows debate over debate follow up questions
The following shows the email exchange between Tim Bryant of NewsTalk 1340 WGAU AM in Athens and the Kathy Prescott and Grady Thrasher of Athens FAQ (who are opposed to the NBAF coming to Athens.
While opposed to NBAF in principal because of lack of infrastructure and roads specifically to the area at Milledge and Whitehall, I do not blame Bryant for not wanting to let the opponents of NBAF carry on with copious follow up questions. While the NBAF opponents may have completely legitimate arguments and relevant follow-up questions, they do themselves no favors by making enemies in the media. I doubt that Thrasher and Prescott will be back on Bryant's four day a week interview program anytime soon. The following is from their email release of the back and forth between Bryant, Prescott and Thrasher, along with some folks in North Carolina. Convoluted would be a polite assessment of this clusterf*ck.
Dear All,
Thanks to all of you that have signed the petition. And to all of you that attended the 2/19 "town hall" meeting with DHS and left dissatisfied, we are forwarding this exchange with DHS, UGA and Tim Bryant. We objected to the altered format and felt that DHS should have that objection in their records.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Kathy Prescott
Grady Thrasher
Athens FAQ
"This is an era of specialists. ... When the public protests, it is fed little tranquilizing pills of half truth. ... It is the public which is being asked to assume the risks. ... The public must decide whether it wishes to continue on the present road, and it can do so only when in full possession of the facts."
- Rachel Carson
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kathy Prescott
Date: February 25, 2008 5:37:45 PM EST
To: nbafprogrammanager@dhs.gov
Cc: Grady, KP
Subject: Fwd: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Dear Program Manager,
I'm aware that in North Carolina the format of their town hall meeting was strictly followed as agreed to in advance by DHS.
What happened in Georgia? Does Tim Bryant trump the Department of Homeland Security? (see below)
I'm aware that your intended purpose for coming to Athens was to reach out to the community. Since the communication I received detailing the format for this meeting was sent by Terry Hastings, I will assume that the moderator, Tim Bryant, was chosen by The University of Georgia. Unfortunately, the way in which Mr. Bryant presided over this meeting was completely counterproductive to your stated objective. Many people left this meeting disappointed in the lack of "transparency" afforded our community, and even more dissatisfied after hearing about the format of the later NC gathering.
The meeting, as a result, diminished the credibility of DHS and, in conflict with your stated aims, went a long way toward cementing the reality that this community does not accept NBAF in Athens, GA.
Sincerely,
Kathy Prescott
From: timbryant@southernbroadcasting.com
Subject: Re: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Date: February 24, 2008 11:49:41 AM EST
To: preskat@bellsouth.net
Against my better judgement, I'm going to respond once more.
Hopefully, you'll accept what I'm telling you and give UGa and DHS a
break. The "no follow-up" business was my call, and mine alone. There was--sorry to disappoint--no conspiracy, no "editing of the format," at
least not intentionally, certainly no attempt to silence anyone. To the> contrary, my intention was to bring as many people to the microphone as> possible, given the constraints of time. That's it, period. There is, or was, nothing beyond that.
As Terry has already mentioned, anyone who had further questions was able
to pose them to the DHS people who graciously remained after the forum
(despite being referred to as "fascists" and "traitors"). I'm at a loss as
to why that was not satisfactory.
Perhaps we would have had more time, had those who approached the
microphone come armed with actual questions, rather than statements. You
might be interested to know that DHS talked me out of my original
position, which was that questions should be limited to 30 seconds. DHS
insisted on 2 minutes, over my objection. I ask questions for a living,
and I know that any question that can't be asked in 30 seconds isn't a
question, it's a statement attached to an agenda.
As I said earlier, any issues you might have with the format of the forum
are issues with me, and not with UGa or DHS. Whether you chose to accept
that or not is entirely up to you, but it's the truth, and also my final
word on the subject.
From: Kathy Prescott
Date: February 24, 2008 11:26:05 AM EST
To: Terry Hastings
Cc: Tim Bryant, don.nelson@onlineathens.com, editor@flagpole.com, Grady
Subject: Re: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Terry,
As I recall, Tim Bryant said in advance of oral questions, "we are right on schedule". As I stated, the questioners knew that the meeting adjourned at 10 PM. The purpose of this meeting was to get ANSWERS. The purpose of the Scoping Meeting in September was for DHS to hear QUESTIONS.
Changing the format to eliminate the advertised and agreed to "follow up" enabled the panelists to defer to the draft EIS in most cases or totally ignore the basis of questions in others (mine included). At the North Carolina meeting two days later, the moderator "pressed" for answers. One example:
“We will not study anthrax, Ebola, the plague or smallpox,” Johnson said.
However, when pressed by meeting moderator Frank Stasio of WUNC, Homeland Security officials acknowledged the list of diseases could change or expand depending on what new pathogens or threats could emerge.
“Yes or no?” Stasio asked repeatedly.
After several roundabout answers, Johnson said, “Yes. If threats change, we would look at the list.”
http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:185588
and more from North Carolina:
"I would like to say Thank You to Frank Stasio of NPR’s, State of Thing’s for his thoughtful moderation of this meeting. Frank allowed and facilitated a format of questions that pressed the DHS for answers to all questions. Having been present at both meetings, I only wish the same format would have been afforded to the concerned residents of Athens.
In Athens if the DHS didn’t completely answer a question they were not pressed further and no follow-up questions were allowed. Instead they continuely reiterated the answer would not be available until the draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement). That was unfortunate and should have not been allowed."
http://butnerblogspot.wordpress.com/2008/02/22/dhs-town-hall-wrap-up/
That was the public's last opportunity to ask questions unrelated to the Environmental Impact Statement. The Scoping Meeting following the Draft EIS will only allow questions that address information in that document.
I would like to know, did Tim Bryant agree to allow "one initial question and one follow-up question" as stated below, or not? Is his statement that "everything was based on discussions with DHS and UGA, and that point (follow-up) never came up" true, or not? I'd like to know what is going on here.
The area residents that planned for this meeting with deliberate and diligent questions left disappointed that they did not get answers. Either Tim Bryant decided as moderator to contradict the advertised format - or you sent me an email with bogus information to disrupt the questioning process.
Which is it? Maybe you can communicate this very explicitly.
Thank you,
Kathy
On Feb 22, 2008, at 2:07 PM, Terry Hastings wrote:
Kathy,
In the time available for oral questions, there was a trade-off between accommodating one question from as many individuals as possible, or allowing potentially half as many individuals to also have a follow-up question . I'm sure you would agree that DHS needed to hear from as many people as possible in the available time, and Tim did an excellent job ensuring that those who wanted to speak were heard during the oral questions period.
Please note that the panelists made themselves available after 10 p.m., staying as late as necessary to hear follow-up questions or additional comments if people wanted to engage with them. Since there were no restrictions on how this time might be used (questions, comments, discussion with others, etc.) and panelists remained in the auditorium for close to an hour, I'm confident that everyone who had follow-up questions had opportunity to have them addressed.
Regarding the draft EIS meeting: The NEPA prescribes the format, and I'm sure DHS will communicate it very explicitly.
Regards,
Terry Hastings
From: Kathy Prescott [mailto:preskat@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 6:31 AM
To: Terry Hastings; nbafprogrammanager@dhs.gov
Cc: Tim Bryant; Grady
Subject: Re: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Dear Ms. Hastings and NBAF Program Manager,
I'd like to know what happened with the AGREED TO format sited below concerning Tuesday's town hall meeting in Athens so as to avoid the same confusion when DHS comes back to town in May/June.
Thank you,
Kathy Prescott
On Feb 22, 2008, at 5:27 AM, Tim Bryant wrote:
I don't know what else I can add to what I said on the show. I never saw anything about follow ups. In fact, I never saw anything, period. Everything was based on discussions with DHS and UGa, and that point never came up. The "no follow-up" thing was strictly arbitrary on my part. They asked me to moderate, they get my judgement on how to moderate.
----- Original Message -----
From: Kathy Prescott
To: Tim Bryant
Cc: Terry Hastings ; Grady ; Nbafprogrammanager@dhs.gov
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:50 PM
Subject: Fwd: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Tim,
After listening to your response to Matt this morning on your radio show, I was compelled to forward the communication below.
This morning you said, "I was never made aware of the business about a follow up question. I was in two conference calls with the DHS folks and we had a meeting prior to the thing on Tuesday night at 5:30 or 6:00. I don't remember anything about follow ups.
...I was never directed by anybody to allow follow up questions. Using my own judgement, I said no follow ups."
Many of the citizens of the Athens area that showed up on Tuesday night had spent hours preparing questions for this specially scheduled "town hall" meeting with this exact format in mind - because I sent it to everyone on my email list (that's 200+ people). I would like for you to explain to me why you felt the need to ignore the "agreed upon" details below and "use your own judgment" by allowing no follow up questions.
It very clearly states below that the meeting adjourns at 10 PM. People expected that. What they did not expect was an edited format.
I look forward to your reply.
Kathy Prescott
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Terry Hastings"
Date: February 7, 2008 11:15:47 AM EST
To: "Kathy Prescott", NBAFProgramManager
Cc: "David Lee"
Subject: RE: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Kathy,
The date and time of the meeting were confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 31, and posted on the NBAF web site on Friday, Feb. 1.
Following are details on the meeting, as agreed upon with DHS on Tuesday, and with the meeting moderators (describedbelow) yesterday. The time has changed slightly to allow people to come early and submit written questions, although the presentation time remains 7 p.m. Details on format will be added to the NBAF web site today.
The meeting will be held Feb. 19, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Mahler Auditorium, Georgia Center for Continuing Education. It is intended to be an informal meeting that will allow the community to hear directly from experts from DHS, USDA and Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Its purpose is to address misperceptions about NBAF and set the record straight. The top concerns of the Athens community will be addressed. These include: What the mission of NBAF will be, how it will be designed, what measures will be taken to ensure safe operations, how it will impact the environment, what types of input the community will have, and more.
DHS is holding similar meetings at all of the consortia to ensure that these communities also have accurate information about NBAF. The meetings are not part of the public record.
A format was developed to ensure that citizens who are not comfortable asking questions in front of a large audience, as well as those who are, have opportunities to ask questions. To ensure that there is an impartial review and selection of written questions, members of the Athens media who are familiar with the NBAF proposal and community concerns, are participating.
Jim Thompson, editorial editor, Athens Banner-Herald, and Ben Emanuel, city editor, Flagppole, will be reviewing, sorting, and selecting the written questions to be answered. Questions may be submitted in advance to: Jim.thompson@onlineathens.com andben@flagpole.com.
Tim Bryant, news editor at WGAU, will be moderating the meeting, reading the selected written questions, and calling on people for oral questions.
The schedule is as follows. Times may vary slightly, but will be adhered to as much as possible.
6:30 p.m. - Meet and greet session. At this time, attendees may continue to submit advance questions in writing to the moderators. Cards will be provided.
7 p.m. - Introduction and presentations by panelists from DHS, USDA, and PIADC.
8 p.m. - Short break so people will have another opportunity to formulate, write and submit written questions, based on what they heard, and formulate any oral questions for later in the meeting.
8:10 - Written questions will be answered by panelists. Jim Thompson and Ben Emanuel will be moderating written questions submitted in advance of the meeting and at the meeting to ensure that the range of community concerns is addressed, and to eliminate duplicate or already answered questions. Tim Bryant will be announcing the questions, re-stating as needed for clarity.
9:15 - The audience will be invited to ask oral questions of the presenters. Tim Bryant will moderate. Each person who approaches the mike will be allowed to ask one initial question, and one follow-up question. Tim will clarify what is a "question" and any other rules.
10:00 - Meeting adjourns.
You will begin hearing radio PSAs and ads this coming weekend. Print ads will also run in the ABH and Flagpole the week of Feb. 11.
Jim Thompson and Ben Emanuel will provide information about the meeting in their columns, too.
I hope this provides you with adequate information about the Feb. 19 meeting. Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Terry
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Prescott [mailto:preskat@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:51 AM
To: NBAFProgramManager; Terry Hastings
Subject: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Dear NBAF Program Manager and Ms. Hastings,
We understand that at the DHS supplemental meeting to be held in North Carolina on Feb. 21, citizens are required to submit their questions to DHS ahead of time for review before they can be asked at the meeting. We at FAQ "For Athens Quality-of-life" for several days have been seeking information from DHS (UGA's website has been slow to provide even the date of our meeting) as to the format for the Athens meeting to be held Feb. 19 and how citizens' questions will be received, prioritized and answered. The Athens meeting is only 12 days from now, and since it is being held as a public information undertaking, it appropriate and necessary that we be timely advised as what conditions may be place on our inquiries.
Please advise asap.
Thank you,
Kathy Prescott and Grady Thrasher
for FAQ www.athensfaq.org
While opposed to NBAF in principal because of lack of infrastructure and roads specifically to the area at Milledge and Whitehall, I do not blame Bryant for not wanting to let the opponents of NBAF carry on with copious follow up questions. While the NBAF opponents may have completely legitimate arguments and relevant follow-up questions, they do themselves no favors by making enemies in the media. I doubt that Thrasher and Prescott will be back on Bryant's four day a week interview program anytime soon. The following is from their email release of the back and forth between Bryant, Prescott and Thrasher, along with some folks in North Carolina. Convoluted would be a polite assessment of this clusterf*ck.
Dear All,
Thanks to all of you that have signed the petition. And to all of you that attended the 2/19 "town hall" meeting with DHS and left dissatisfied, we are forwarding this exchange with DHS, UGA and Tim Bryant. We objected to the altered format and felt that DHS should have that objection in their records.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Kathy Prescott
Grady Thrasher
Athens FAQ
"This is an era of specialists. ... When the public protests, it is fed little tranquilizing pills of half truth. ... It is the public which is being asked to assume the risks. ... The public must decide whether it wishes to continue on the present road, and it can do so only when in full possession of the facts."
- Rachel Carson
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kathy Prescott
Date: February 25, 2008 5:37:45 PM EST
To: nbafprogrammanager@dhs.gov
Cc: Grady
Subject: Fwd: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Dear Program Manager,
I'm aware that in North Carolina the format of their town hall meeting was strictly followed as agreed to in advance by DHS.
What happened in Georgia? Does Tim Bryant trump the Department of Homeland Security? (see below)
I'm aware that your intended purpose for coming to Athens was to reach out to the community. Since the communication I received detailing the format for this meeting was sent by Terry Hastings, I will assume that the moderator, Tim Bryant, was chosen by The University of Georgia. Unfortunately, the way in which Mr. Bryant presided over this meeting was completely counterproductive to your stated objective. Many people left this meeting disappointed in the lack of "transparency" afforded our community, and even more dissatisfied after hearing about the format of the later NC gathering.
The meeting, as a result, diminished the credibility of DHS and, in conflict with your stated aims, went a long way toward cementing the reality that this community does not accept NBAF in Athens, GA.
Sincerely,
Kathy Prescott
From: timbryant@southernbroadcasting.com
Subject: Re: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Date: February 24, 2008 11:49:41 AM EST
To: preskat@bellsouth.net
Against my better judgement, I'm going to respond once more.
Hopefully, you'll accept what I'm telling you and give UGa and DHS a
break. The "no follow-up" business was my call, and mine alone. There was--sorry to disappoint--no conspiracy, no "editing of the format," at
least not intentionally, certainly no attempt to silence anyone. To the> contrary, my intention was to bring as many people to the microphone as> possible, given the constraints of time. That's it, period. There is, or was, nothing beyond that.
As Terry has already mentioned, anyone who had further questions was able
to pose them to the DHS people who graciously remained after the forum
(despite being referred to as "fascists" and "traitors"). I'm at a loss as
to why that was not satisfactory.
Perhaps we would have had more time, had those who approached the
microphone come armed with actual questions, rather than statements. You
might be interested to know that DHS talked me out of my original
position, which was that questions should be limited to 30 seconds. DHS
insisted on 2 minutes, over my objection. I ask questions for a living,
and I know that any question that can't be asked in 30 seconds isn't a
question, it's a statement attached to an agenda.
As I said earlier, any issues you might have with the format of the forum
are issues with me, and not with UGa or DHS. Whether you chose to accept
that or not is entirely up to you, but it's the truth, and also my final
word on the subject.
From: Kathy Prescott
Date: February 24, 2008 11:26:05 AM EST
To: Terry Hastings
Cc: Tim Bryant
Subject: Re: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Terry,
As I recall, Tim Bryant said in advance of oral questions, "we are right on schedule". As I stated, the questioners knew that the meeting adjourned at 10 PM. The purpose of this meeting was to get ANSWERS. The purpose of the Scoping Meeting in September was for DHS to hear QUESTIONS.
Changing the format to eliminate the advertised and agreed to "follow up" enabled the panelists to defer to the draft EIS in most cases or totally ignore the basis of questions in others (mine included). At the North Carolina meeting two days later, the moderator "pressed" for answers. One example:
“We will not study anthrax, Ebola, the plague or smallpox,” Johnson said.
However, when pressed by meeting moderator Frank Stasio of WUNC, Homeland Security officials acknowledged the list of diseases could change or expand depending on what new pathogens or threats could emerge.
“Yes or no?” Stasio asked repeatedly.
After several roundabout answers, Johnson said, “Yes. If threats change, we would look at the list.”
http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:185588
and more from North Carolina:
"I would like to say Thank You to Frank Stasio of NPR’s, State of Thing’s for his thoughtful moderation of this meeting. Frank allowed and facilitated a format of questions that pressed the DHS for answers to all questions. Having been present at both meetings, I only wish the same format would have been afforded to the concerned residents of Athens.
In Athens if the DHS didn’t completely answer a question they were not pressed further and no follow-up questions were allowed. Instead they continuely reiterated the answer would not be available until the draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement). That was unfortunate and should have not been allowed."
http://butnerblogspot.wordpress.com/2008/02/22/dhs-town-hall-wrap-up/
That was the public's last opportunity to ask questions unrelated to the Environmental Impact Statement. The Scoping Meeting following the Draft EIS will only allow questions that address information in that document.
I would like to know, did Tim Bryant agree to allow "one initial question and one follow-up question" as stated below, or not? Is his statement that "everything was based on discussions with DHS and UGA, and that point (follow-up) never came up" true, or not? I'd like to know what is going on here.
The area residents that planned for this meeting with deliberate and diligent questions left disappointed that they did not get answers. Either Tim Bryant decided as moderator to contradict the advertised format - or you sent me an email with bogus information to disrupt the questioning process.
Which is it? Maybe you can communicate this very explicitly.
Thank you,
Kathy
On Feb 22, 2008, at 2:07 PM, Terry Hastings wrote:
Kathy,
In the time available for oral questions, there was a trade-off between accommodating one question from as many individuals as possible, or allowing potentially half as many individuals to also have a follow-up question . I'm sure you would agree that DHS needed to hear from as many people as possible in the available time, and Tim did an excellent job ensuring that those who wanted to speak were heard during the oral questions period.
Please note that the panelists made themselves available after 10 p.m., staying as late as necessary to hear follow-up questions or additional comments if people wanted to engage with them. Since there were no restrictions on how this time might be used (questions, comments, discussion with others, etc.) and panelists remained in the auditorium for close to an hour, I'm confident that everyone who had follow-up questions had opportunity to have them addressed.
Regarding the draft EIS meeting: The NEPA prescribes the format, and I'm sure DHS will communicate it very explicitly.
Regards,
Terry Hastings
From: Kathy Prescott [mailto:preskat@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 6:31 AM
To: Terry Hastings; nbafprogrammanager@dhs.gov
Cc: Tim Bryant; Grady
Subject: Re: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Dear Ms. Hastings and NBAF Program Manager,
I'd like to know what happened with the AGREED TO format sited below concerning Tuesday's town hall meeting in Athens so as to avoid the same confusion when DHS comes back to town in May/June.
Thank you,
Kathy Prescott
On Feb 22, 2008, at 5:27 AM, Tim Bryant wrote:
I don't know what else I can add to what I said on the show. I never saw anything about follow ups. In fact, I never saw anything, period. Everything was based on discussions with DHS and UGa, and that point never came up. The "no follow-up" thing was strictly arbitrary on my part. They asked me to moderate, they get my judgement on how to moderate.
----- Original Message -----
From: Kathy Prescott
To: Tim Bryant
Cc: Terry Hastings ; Grady ; Nbafprogrammanager@dhs.gov
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:50 PM
Subject: Fwd: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Tim,
After listening to your response to Matt this morning on your radio show, I was compelled to forward the communication below.
This morning you said, "I was never made aware of the business about a follow up question. I was in two conference calls with the DHS folks and we had a meeting prior to the thing on Tuesday night at 5:30 or 6:00. I don't remember anything about follow ups.
...I was never directed by anybody to allow follow up questions. Using my own judgement, I said no follow ups."
Many of the citizens of the Athens area that showed up on Tuesday night had spent hours preparing questions for this specially scheduled "town hall" meeting with this exact format in mind - because I sent it to everyone on my email list (that's 200+ people). I would like for you to explain to me why you felt the need to ignore the "agreed upon" details below and "use your own judgment" by allowing no follow up questions.
It very clearly states below that the meeting adjourns at 10 PM. People expected that. What they did not expect was an edited format.
I look forward to your reply.
Kathy Prescott
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Terry Hastings"
Date: February 7, 2008 11:15:47 AM EST
To: "Kathy Prescott"
Cc: "David Lee"
Subject: RE: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Kathy,
The date and time of the meeting were confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 31, and posted on the NBAF web site on Friday, Feb. 1.
Following are details on the meeting, as agreed upon with DHS on Tuesday, and with the meeting moderators (describedbelow) yesterday. The time has changed slightly to allow people to come early and submit written questions, although the presentation time remains 7 p.m. Details on format will be added to the NBAF web site today.
The meeting will be held Feb. 19, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Mahler Auditorium, Georgia Center for Continuing Education. It is intended to be an informal meeting that will allow the community to hear directly from experts from DHS, USDA and Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Its purpose is to address misperceptions about NBAF and set the record straight. The top concerns of the Athens community will be addressed. These include: What the mission of NBAF will be, how it will be designed, what measures will be taken to ensure safe operations, how it will impact the environment, what types of input the community will have, and more.
DHS is holding similar meetings at all of the consortia to ensure that these communities also have accurate information about NBAF. The meetings are not part of the public record.
A format was developed to ensure that citizens who are not comfortable asking questions in front of a large audience, as well as those who are, have opportunities to ask questions. To ensure that there is an impartial review and selection of written questions, members of the Athens media who are familiar with the NBAF proposal and community concerns, are participating.
Jim Thompson, editorial editor, Athens Banner-Herald, and Ben Emanuel, city editor, Flagppole, will be reviewing, sorting, and selecting the written questions to be answered. Questions may be submitted in advance to: Jim.thompson@onlineathens.com andben@flagpole.com.
Tim Bryant, news editor at WGAU, will be moderating the meeting, reading the selected written questions, and calling on people for oral questions.
The schedule is as follows. Times may vary slightly, but will be adhered to as much as possible.
6:30 p.m. - Meet and greet session. At this time, attendees may continue to submit advance questions in writing to the moderators. Cards will be provided.
7 p.m. - Introduction and presentations by panelists from DHS, USDA, and PIADC.
8 p.m. - Short break so people will have another opportunity to formulate, write and submit written questions, based on what they heard, and formulate any oral questions for later in the meeting.
8:10 - Written questions will be answered by panelists. Jim Thompson and Ben Emanuel will be moderating written questions submitted in advance of the meeting and at the meeting to ensure that the range of community concerns is addressed, and to eliminate duplicate or already answered questions. Tim Bryant will be announcing the questions, re-stating as needed for clarity.
9:15 - The audience will be invited to ask oral questions of the presenters. Tim Bryant will moderate. Each person who approaches the mike will be allowed to ask one initial question, and one follow-up question. Tim will clarify what is a "question" and any other rules.
10:00 - Meeting adjourns.
You will begin hearing radio PSAs and ads this coming weekend. Print ads will also run in the ABH and Flagpole the week of Feb. 11.
Jim Thompson and Ben Emanuel will provide information about the meeting in their columns, too.
I hope this provides you with adequate information about the Feb. 19 meeting. Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Terry
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Prescott [mailto:preskat@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:51 AM
To: NBAFProgramManager; Terry Hastings
Subject: DHS/NBAF supplemental meeting in Athens Feb. 19
Dear NBAF Program Manager and Ms. Hastings,
We understand that at the DHS supplemental meeting to be held in North Carolina on Feb. 21, citizens are required to submit their questions to DHS ahead of time for review before they can be asked at the meeting. We at FAQ "For Athens Quality-of-life" for several days have been seeking information from DHS (UGA's website has been slow to provide even the date of our meeting) as to the format for the Athens meeting to be held Feb. 19 and how citizens' questions will be received, prioritized and answered. The Athens meeting is only 12 days from now, and since it is being held as a public information undertaking, it appropriate and necessary that we be timely advised as what conditions may be place on our inquiries.
Please advise asap.
Thank you,
Kathy Prescott and Grady Thrasher
for FAQ www.athensfaq.org
Comments