Attend Public Meetings
Showing up matters. Public comments at county meetings become part of the official record and demonstrate community concern.
St. Clair County Board of Commissioners
When: Typically meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month
Time: Check county website for current schedule
Where: St. Clair County Administration Building Board of Commissioners Chambers 200 Grand River Avenue Port Huron, MI 48060
Agenda: Posted on the county website before each meeting
How to Make Public Comment
Most county commission meetings include a public comment period. Here’s how to participate:
- Arrive early — Sign up for public comment before the meeting starts
- State your name and address — This is typically required
- Keep it brief — You’ll usually have 3 minutes
- Stay factual — Reference specific depositions and documented evidence
- Be respectful — Firm and factual is more effective than angry
- Bring written copies — Offer to submit your statement for the record
Sample Public Comment Script
“Good evening. My name is [NAME] and I live at [ADDRESS in St. Clair County].
I’m here tonight to address accountability concerns at the Sheriff’s Office. Federal court depositions have revealed that Sheriff King investigated his own brother without recusal, and multiple officers have admitted under oath to deleting text messages that may have been evidence.
I’m asking this board to:
- Request an independent review of Sheriff’s Office policies
- Consider budget conditions requiring conflict of interest policies
- Ensure evidence retention policies are in place
These are not political requests. They are basic good governance practices that any law enforcement agency should follow.
Thank you.”
Other Meetings to Attend
Sheriff’s Office Budget Hearings
When the county sets its annual budget, the Sheriff’s Office funding is discussed. This is an opportunity to tie funding to accountability reforms.
Township Board Meetings
Your local township contracts with the Sheriff for services. Township boards can advocate for accountability measures.
State Legislative Hearings
When police accountability bills are considered in Lansing, public testimony matters. Check legislature.mi.gov for hearing schedules.
Tips for Effective Participation
- Bring others — Numbers matter; organize a group to attend together
- Coordinate messages — Different speakers can address different points
- Follow up in writing — Email commissioners after the meeting
- Record the response — Note how officials react to your comments
- Be consistent — Show up repeatedly; persistence demonstrates commitment
- Share on social media — Post about your participation to encourage others
Meeting Conduct Rules
Most public meetings have rules of decorum:
- No personal attacks on officials or staff
- Stay on topic (county business)
- Observe time limits
- No signs or disruptive behavior
- Recording is usually permitted (check local rules)
Remember: Your goal is to be heard and taken seriously, not to create a scene. Calm, factual persistence is more effective than emotional outbursts.
Can’t Attend in Person?
- Submit written comment — Email the board before the meeting
- Watch online — Many meetings are streamed or recorded
- Request to speak remotely — Some boards allow Zoom participation (check current policy)