Couple unhappy with board

To the editor:
On August 19, we attended the Redkey Town Board meeting to discuss a large tree that had been cut down in an area that does border town right of way.
We maintain this area and were not notified, in any way, that the tree was to be cut down.  
We asked and received permission to speak. We asked why we received no notification and the answer was “We do not have to answer to you.”
We asked you do you not have to answer to voters and taxpayers of the town? The answer: “No we do not we are the town board.”
We tried to continue discussing this matter but were repeatedly and immediately cut off by the board remarking “we did it; it’s done; it’s over; we do not have to consult you. You’re done and you are out of here.”
Finally, three board members (including the head of the town board) shouted “Get out. Get out. You are done,” and two police officers arrived and escorted us out.
There are a few definitions we would like to clarify for the town board and residents of Redkey:
1. Town — the inhabitants of a town; townspeople; citizenry. (www.dictionary.com)
2. Town board — A Town board is a democratically elected form of government for small municipalities. (www.wikipedia.com)
3. Town meeting — town meeting is an open to the public meeting about issues and problems concerning a certain area. They are usually held on a monthly, quarterly or an as needed basis. They go over community problems or issues and try to come up with solutions. (www.ask.com)
We would like to ask residents of Redkey to attend these meetings and discover what is really taking place.
You have the right to discuss concerns with the board. You also have the right to disagree.
In a public forum, it is our right to speak and it is the obligation of the town board to listen.
As elected officials, it is their job and responsibility to hear the concerns of their constituents.
 It then is also their right to address these concerns. The town board is not an autonomous entity existing outside the bounds of criticism, public account, or due responsibility. These concerns do not always have to be pleasant or easy to deal with. In fact, they often are not easy.
It is NOT the right, however, of the town board to decide these matters are unworthy of being heard. Democratically elected officials are elected to be the voice of the people, and they are unable to fulfill this role if they refuse to listen.
Assertion of power without acknowledgment of any responsibility is nothing short of abuse of power and an affront to constitutionally-guaranteed rights.
To borrow a familiar phrase, “no taxation without representation.”  We pay our taxes, we demand to be represented, and my question to the Board is, “How can you represent me, if you won’t hear me?”
We are residents, we vote, we pay taxes, and we want our voices heard.
Respectfully,
Larry and
Leeanne Davidson
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