Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler said he wants to hear what the public has to say.

To make that happen, Fowler said he is adding time for public comment to city council agendas and will hold a "Meet the New Mayor Open House" event this weekend.

"I feel like a lot of times politicians go about their business and do not give their constituents time to voice their opinions," said Fowler, who was sworn in Tuesday night. "I encourage each citizen of Richmond Hill to express their point of view – whether it’s on a city matter, how they have been treated by city employees or simply to tell us their vision of how Richmond Hill should grow."

Fowler said he believes that his promise of a "transparent, open city government" during his campaign was a major factor in getting elected, and this is his way of following through.

Fowler said the set time for public comment will debut at the Jan. 19 Richmond Hill City Council meeting.

"Now, let me say that people should not expect the mayor and council to address their issue on the same night. I don’t plan to have a debate," Fowler said. "We would need time to look into the matter."

The "Meet the New Mayor Open House" event takes place Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Wetlands Center in J.F. Gregory Park.

-Read more in the Bryan County News.