WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Community members will have a few chances to voice their opinion with local leaders this summer.

The Whatcom County Council is beginning its series of Community Conversation events at local libraries this week.

The meetings were created to give the public a chance to ask council members questions or offer ideas about the topics they care about outside the formal setting of a council meeting.

The series begins on Tuesday, June 17 when Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas and Jon Scanlon will be in the northwest part of the county. The three council members will meet at Blaine Library from 2-4 p.m. before going to Ferndale Library from 5-7 p.m.

“People aren’t always comfortable asking questions or expressing their concerns in the formal setting of a Council meeting,” said Scanlon. “My idea for the Community Conversations was to create a space where we can have an open dialogue. I hope people take a few minutes to stop by, even if it’s just to say hello. We want to hear your questions and your ideas for Whatcom County.”

Buchanan and Scanlon will also join Mark Stremler at the Lynden Library from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on July 10.

The council is planning to schedule more meetings in Bellingham and Everson later this year.