Dear city officials, county officials and citizens who attend open meetings in Quay County,

Thank you for your commitment to public service and the greater good. Interested individuals are the grease that allows the gears of democracy to turn effectively. It is your presence and dedication to your cities and county that makes our area communities truly great.

With that being said, could you maybe speak up a little? I can't hear you sometimes, and it's hard to report on what I can't hear. Perhaps I could offer some advice on this.

You see, throughout my high school years, I was a dedicated thespian. I was given the finest theatrical training by my teachers, Heather Fuentes, Marty Field and the incomparable Rhianna Anglin (my sister).

Unlike you lucky Tucumcari High students with your jaw-dropping auditorium, the auditorium at my high school in Pampa, Texas was pretty rickety and featured a balcony that absorbed much of the sound coming from the stage. It was therefore mission critical that the actors in every performance mastered proper annunciation and projection of every line they spoke.

Projection meant speaking  loudly and required flexing the thoracic diaphragm, the muscle below our lungs, to help push the air out of our lungs without straining the vocal chords. This basically involves a downward push of the lower abdomen. For more specific instruction, contact a vocal professional or check online.

Mayor Jim Witcher and City Manager Bobbye Rose would make fine choir directors for their ability to project their voices. Of course, they have the help of city hall microphones, but they speak directly into them for the benefit of the press and public.

Quay County Detention Center Administrator T.J. Rich addressed county commissioners Monday morning and should be commended for his audible delivery. He was facing a wall but still spoke up enough for the people behind him to hear his report.

As for certain unnamed officials and attendees, I must humbly and respectfully request that you crank it up a couple of notches at your respective meetings. As community leaders, your electorate wants to know exactly what you have to say. Just pretend you're standing on stage at Carnegie Hall and are trying to captivate the little old ladies on the back row, as Mrs. Fuentes used to say.

Alternately, consider investing in a bullhorn, or consult any film or TV program featuring Chris Rock or Joe Pesci. In this world, it is often beneficial to be proud to be loud.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Russell

Russell Anglin is the managing editor for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at:

ranglin@qcsunonline.com