Some of the people that don't participate are people who aren't even aware of the benefit that will be available to them. Should I speak up at every meeting in favor of a high rise apartment building because I might move into it? Anywhere in the country? I'm not sure I can do that. Public meetings might preclude non-residents, which privileges the status quo very directly.
Should I speak on behalf of my young kids and say they might like to live there in twenty years?