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159 <br />COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 1991 <br />access channel for this forum. She noted that without debate and <br />access, there would be no government. She felt the forum should <br />not be discounted because it is to be provided to the public by <br />the local newspapers. <br />Council Member Kuether asked how the format was established. Ms. <br />Elliott said that originally, the newspapers were promoting a <br />"call in" type of format. She noted that there is a great deal <br />of time on the government access channel and it would not be <br />"dirtied" if it were opened to the debate. Ms. Elliott felt that <br />to not allow the forum would be to deny access to the <br />handicapped. She said it is a golden opportunity to use the <br />channel. It would not be opening the door to profit motive <br />operators. Ms. Elliott respectfully asked the Council to <br />unanimously approve use of the government access channel for the <br />public forum. <br />Joyce Scharpen, 801 Main Street asked how many homes does cable <br />TV reach in Lino Lakes. She asked if it would cost the City to <br />pay for this program. Ms. Scharpen also asked if the audience <br />would be able to ask questions. Ms. Scharpen was told that there <br />would be no cost to the City. <br />Council Member Neal noted that there will be another public forum <br />at Mar dee's Restaurant on Thursday. <br />Council Member Bohjanen asked if any other City Council has <br />authorized the use of the government access channel for this <br />forum. Mr. Schumacher explained that the City of Circle Pines <br />had denied use of their public access channel. <br />Barry Klieder, reporter for the Circulating Pines told the <br />Council that he was before the Council tonight to answer <br />questions about the forum. Council Member Reinert expressed <br />concern about the format. Mayor Bisel said that was not <br />relevant, the use of the government access channel was the <br />concern. Council Member Kuether said she felt the format was <br />important. Mr. Klieder said the format would be basically that <br />used by the League of Women Voters. Each candidate would have <br />equal time, each person would have the chance to be first and <br />last. Questions from the floor would come on paper to Mr. <br />Klieder first and he would ask the question. This procedure <br />would eliminate the "loaded" questions or "speech making ". No <br />one would know who asked the question. <br />Council Member Kuether asked why the City of Circle Pines did not <br />allow the forum on the government access channel. Mr. Klieder <br />said it was because the sponsor was not a government agency. He <br />noted that there was no such government agency who would sponsor <br />the forum. That is why the local newspapers sponsored the forum. <br />PAGE 17 <br />1 <br />1 <br />