When a public hearing regarding proposed premium increases and benefit cuts in PEIA coverage took place in Beckley Tuesday night, members of the public let their opinions be known.
Problem was, only two of the nine Public Employees Insurance Agency finance board members were present to hear them.
Maybe the rest of the board attended the larger venue. Charleston perhaps? Not so. Only four of those board members, including the two who listened in Beckley, showed their faces in the capital city.
A public hearing is just that — an opportunity for the public to be heard. But if none of the decision-makers are present to hear what the public has to say, then what’s the point?
It would appear the PEIA finance board schedules such hearings for no reason other than meeting the legal requirements that mandate it holds such hearings.
It also looks as if some members of this board simply do not care. And why should they? After all, the PEIA doesn’t believe public hearings are important: “There is not a requirement to have a quorum at the public hearings because it is not an official meeting,” Diane Holley-Brown, a PEIA spokeswoman, told the Charleston Daily Mail.
If the public isn’t official enough, we have to question what is.
We must also question whether the right representatives have been appointed to these important posts. If they’re not going to show up for public hearings, their positions should be filled by people who will.
This is an important issue, and the board is expected to make a decision regarding it on Dec. 3. On one hand, state employees and retirees argue the proposed insurance rate increases would amount to pay cuts for them. On the other, PEIA officials say the rate increase is needed to keep pace with rising medical costs.
Regardless of where the public stands on the issue, they have a right to be heard and to have their opinions considered.
The entire proposal can be reviewed at www.wv.peia.com. Written comments can be sent to Public Comment, West Virginia PEIA, 601 57th St., SE, Suite 2, Charleston WV 25304.
Maybe members of the finance board are better readers than they are listeners.
Opinion
November 12, 2009
PEIA
<b>Lack of board attendance slaps public opinion in the face</b>
- Opinion
-
-
No-bid contracts
Lawmakers need to put checks, balances in place
-
Negative campaigning
Smear tactics do nothing but add to public’s distrust
-
Deterrent
Authorities’ use of murder charge could help curb copper thefts
-
Mine safety
For agencies to remain relevant, public must demand a better job
- Thumbs
-
Sweep it up
Volunteers to converge on litter today, tomorrow
-
Fighting the flu
CDC recommending vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older
-
Dental hygiene
Give kids healthy snacks and take advantage of programs
-
Get it right
Election officials must stop abdicating responsibilities
-
Too late
Reactive rather than proactive, MSHA decision on ventilation enforcement a slap in face
- More Opinion Headlines
-
No-bid contracts
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
