There is a growing misconception in Village of Greenport that Facebook comment threads represent public input or community consensus. They do not. Facebook is a social‑media platform — useful for sharing reminders, photos, and quick updates — but it is not a civic process, and it cannot replace the formal channels that ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness in local government.

Facebook reflects only a narrow slice of our village. Many residents — including seniors, working families, Spanish‑speaking households, and those who avoid social media — are not represented there at all. A handful of highly active posters can create the illusion of widespread agreement or outrage, even when they represent a tiny fraction of the community.

The platform also amplifies misinformation. Posts often circulate without context, documentation, or fact‑checking, and confusion spreads quickly. None of this has become part of the public record. Comments on Facebook do not go to the Clerk’s office, do not enter meeting minutes, and do not inform the Board’s decision‑making.

Real civic engagement requires structure: public hearings, Board meetings, committees, and written correspondence. These are the venues where questions can be answered, details clarified, and solutions discussed. They are accessible to all residents, not just those who are active online.

Facebook can help spread information, but it cannot substitute for participation. If residents want their voices to shape Village decisions, they must use the official channels designed to ensure that every member of our community — not just the loudest voices on social media — is heard.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Bess Phillips

Village of Greenport Trustee