The so-called “public be heard” portion of meetings of the Cayuga County Legislature is designed in such a way that some people get to be heard and some don't.

In the interest of fairness - and the principles of good government - this needs to change.

There is no provision under New York's Open Meetings Law for the Legislature - or any other public body - requiring time for citizens to make comments, so while public comment isn't mandatory, it is a generally accepted practice and a practical avenue for the general public to applaud, scold or simply ask questions of their elected representatives.

The Legislature's written policy says that people can address the Legislature for three to five minutes - but only with the OK of one of its members.

The rule tells visitors to “notify your legislator who will grant you privilege of the floor.”

During the county Legislature meeting this week, Terri Wasilenko was told “no” when she asked her elected representative, Ann Petrus, if she could inquire about having been left off the list of nominees to serve on the Community Services Board, a group that oversees the beleaguered Community Mental Health Center.

Wasilenko has been a vocal supporter of Mental Health Director David Blair, whose leadership has been questioned by members of the Legislature - as well as this newspaper.

The fact that some people would have disagreed with Wasilenko's comments underscores the importance of developing a policy allowing her that opportunity.

The privilege to speak at county Legislature meetings shouldn't be selectively granted to some when it is withheld from others.

The policy is prohibitive of free expression and stacked in favor of the government, rather than the people.