Twice a year, we have formal Town Hall Meetings.

   It is a tradition as old as the republic, to offer periodic opportunities for members of the community to meet and greet their elected officials and exercise two of the most basic tents of the First Amendment - to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress.

   In 21st century language I think that means to get together and let us know what you think.

   Of course, in days-gone-by, citizens' access to information about their government, and to their elected officials, was much harder to come by than it is today. That made meetings like this even more critical.

   These days,even though our officials are more accessible than ever before, we like to honor the tradition by maintaining an annual schedule of Town Hall Meetings.

   We usually have one of these in the summer and one in the fall. The next one is coming up on Thursday, November 13 at 7 o'clock at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.

   Even though the weather looks really cold on Thursday, I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to come out and let us hear from you. Contrary to how these things tend to run in other parts of the country, our discussions tend to remain mostly civil and usually productive.

   What always makes me feel good is when someone comes to the microphone to praise a particular program or service or offer an "atta boy" to someone or to a group of people on our staff. That kind of positive reinforcement lets us know we're doing our job and is sincerely appreciated.

   But, let me be clear. We are always challenged by the constructive comments that come forward at these meetings. When you have something you want to suggest or something you think needs correcting, we want to hear about it. You are our best eyes and ears in the community. We rely on you to let us know if things are going well or if they need improvement.

   The positive comments we like to hear. The constructive comments we need to hear.

   So, whatever sentiment you'd like to express, we hope you'll brave the bracing north winds and join us Thursday night at the Senior Center.

   It'll be a great discussion.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In an effort to afford the greatest amount of time for consideration of items in Study Session, prior to formal meetings, the Farmers Branch City Council has changed their regular Council meeting start times.

   Beginning Tuesday, November 18, regular City Council meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, preceded by the Council's Study Session at 4 p.m. in the upstairs conference room at City Hall. Live coverage of these meetings is broadcast on FBTV. Likewise, replays of Study Session and the Regular Meeting will be scheduled at 4 and 6 p.m., respectively, seven days a week.

      All meetings, dates and times are subject to change. Call 972.247.3131 for more information on any City meeting or scheduling.