Onancock resident says comments from Onancock Town Councilor are damaging

Attendance at Town Council Meetings is usually encouraged. Most town government officials say that they encourage residents to attend meetings, and voice their opinions.

Not this time. At the October 27, 2025 Onancock Town Council meeting, Cynthia Holdren, councilor said “Only a few people come to our council meetings. They tend to be pretty much the same people, meeting after meeting, who say pretty much the same thing over and over again, frequently on the same topic.”

Councilor Holdren’s comments were insulting, degrading and an attempt to discourage residents from speaking openly. Yes, it would be nice to hear from all 1,200 residents of the town, however there is no reason to disparage public comment or opinion of those residents who do take the time to attend and to participate in town council meetings.

Priscilla Hart, Onancock