Constituents' Concerns Fall On Hired Ears

Farming out the job of listening to citizens "does put another layer on the process," said Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill), "but when done right, it can bring the community together to play a role before we get to a yes-no decision." Supervisors were at a regular board meeting that night.

Fairfax is far from alone in using contractors to separate the public from decision makers. In the District, when residents and commuters showed up to speak on a controversial proposal to tear down the Whitehurst Freeway, they found themselves assigned to "breakout groups" run by consultants expert at diffusing dissent.

Maryland residents attending public sessions on the eternally divisive intercounty connector found only a room full of posters laying out plans for the highway. Contractors and state staffers answered individual questions, but residents could neither hear from one another nor confront elected officials.

The Bush administration has pioneered ways to buffer itself from public criticism, such as invitation-only forums on Social Security. When the D.C. Council tried to stop trains from carrying hazardous chemicals through the city center, the feds pushed to keep the trains rolling, using regulatory sleight of hand to circumvent the law's demand for public hearings.

"The best ideas I've had for legislation have come from public forums," said Del. Stephen C. Shannon (D-Fairfax), who was at the Hunter Mill meeting. "Public officials must be directly accountable to voters."

"People feel patronized by this whole process," said state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-Fairfax), who also attended. "Decision makers, not staff or contractors, have to listen to the people. That's who government is for."

E-mail:marcfisher@washpost.com