Backyard chickens were not on the Warsaw Common Council agenda Monday night, but that did not stop James Bausch from telling the council exactly how disappointed he is in the council’s decision.

Bausch first brought the idea of “urban hens” to the Warsaw Common Council in February. Since then, the Warsaw Plan Commission and the Common Council have held roughly a half dozen meetings on whether to allow hens in the city. Ultimately, the council voted against the idea.

Sorely disappointed in that decision, Bausch prepared a lengthy written statement and read it to the council last night. He began by saying he was “disappointed in the political process” and explained, “… it seems to me the vote was made based on the loudest voices in the room and in our own community rather than the most informed opinions. We are appalled by the way a handful of voices swayed the opinions of our elected officials in spite of the advice from numerous professionals who each gave a favorable opinion to the allowance of backyard hens or expressed no concern from their perspective.”

Bausch noted that, under the city’s current ordinances, residents could now keep up to 20 different coops in their yards for up to 50 homing pigeons or 50 quail. Further, he noted the cages/coops for those could be crafted of any materials, painted all different colors and be 9 feet tall.

“No one knows for sure how many residents were for and against the ordinance, but what we do know is this: The right decision on this matter or any matter, should not have been influenced by the number of people for or against the proposal. The decision should be made based on the facts at hand,” Bausch said. “To deny all the right to do something because a few will abuse that right is an awful way to govern.”

Council, it is not in issues that pass unanimously that show what kind of leaders that we have, but rather issues like this that reveal what kind of government leaders are representing us. I’m proud of those who wrote in in favor of this ordinance … I’m embarrassed by a city council that chose to be swayed by a petition that was signed by .0057 percent of our city.”

Bausch noted of his presentation to the council, “This issue is not about backyard hens. In some ways, I couldn’t care less about the hen proposal. But what I do care about is how our city government handled the issue. This is a prime example of why many people of my generation are frustrated with government at all levels. Respectful, well-meaning citizens came before you with a very balanced proposal that considered the views of all residents.”

In conclusion he noted, “The facts were presented and the facts were ignored. As we move forward, I encourage you to make wise and discerning decisions based on the facts, not on the loudest voices in our community.”