In the past few months of attending Ridgway Town Council meetings, we’ve had the opportunity to hear robust public discussion on topics ranging from water rate structures to the ethical reasons for banning plastic bags from stores.

We’ve heard 30-minute discussions centered on debate over what a “small” versus large plastic bag constitutes, or what thickness of reusable plastic bags should be allowed and other minutia.

This council is no stranger to public discussion and those who regula...