After the past Lycoming County Commissioner Meetings in July, I was tempted to ask Jim Webb Jr. for hazardous duty pay. The temperature of the meeting room has certainly been steadily rising, and not just due to the weather. Since we now live in a time that forgets how to practice simple civility, I wish to offer this tutorial.

Meeting opening — Commissioner Metzger opens the meeting by asking Divine Providence for help in dealing with county issues and problems. His prayers are sincere, and to be honest, this is often the best thing that happens in the meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag follows the prayer. It is a tradition that goes back to the 19th century that only contains 31 words and takes just twelve seconds to recite. Show at least a minimum of respect, especially since many Americans gave their life defending that flag.

Opening Public comments — Under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law, public comments must be permitted before any official business is conducted. The law does state, however, that this can be limited in time. The Lycoming County Commissioners have determined that it should be limited to three minutes for each presenter. Besides these modest time restraints, please keep in mind also when making comments that raising the volume does not improve the music.

Recognitions — These are not held every meeting, but when they do occur, they are extremely important to those who are being honored and to their fellow colleagues. These infrequent moments of recognition are vital to employee morale and have an atmosphere of celebration when they happen. It is not uncommon for all the chairs to be occupied by county employees who are there to enjoy and celebrate their colleague(s) being honored. The commissioners almost always adjust the agenda so that these ceremonies occur right after the public comments. For those of us who do not know the one being recognized, please be patient for the few precious minutes that these events require. It might seem annoying to be standing in the back, but the seats will open up shortly as the employees go back to their jobs when the ceremony is over. Instead of mumbling complaints, listen to the accolades and realize that some very special folks work for Lycoming County.

Meeting deliberations — The commissioners have to conduct official business, and much of it is rather tedious. They do not need an audience response of vocal guffaws and snide side comments. Not so long ago, this would be considered impolite, ill-mannered, discourteous, and just plain rude. Spare these men the distractions and let them do their jobs. For those who like theatrics, please patronize the Community Arts Center or the Community Theater League.

Closing public comments — The county commissioners have their own comments time and then close the meeting by allowing the public to address whatever issue they choose — two simple points of etiquette to remember. First, the commissioners should be addressed by their titles. The same is true with a judge, or a sheriff, or a state official. It is called respect for the office, even if you don’t respect the person holding that office. Second, it does not score points to accuse anyone of deception, mismanagement, incompetence, etc. An argument should be sound enough to stand on its own merits, so simply state the problem from your perspective and leave the disparities and innuendos at home.

It is easy to be critical sitting comfortably on the sidelines, but it is brutal slogging through the trenches. Ulysses S. Grant wrote arguably the best memoirs of any president, gaining astounding insights as he grew up through the ranks of the military and eventually becoming the 18th president of the United States. One example of this was while serving as a young officer during the Mexican War. He was critical of a strategy devised by his superior General Zachary Taylor, who himself would later become the 12th president of the United States. He wrote, “My later experience has taught me two lessons: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticized.”

So, remember to add a little humility with your civility. And also, remember that the word “civility” means formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech. It characterizes “civilization.” The absence of civilization is anarchy. FYI.