Limiting public comment at proposed task force meetings?

The first subject they tackled was the Land Development Code and the weaknesses seen in it in the past year or so. The commissioners came together and decided to move forward with a taskforce to look at very specific parts of the code, which is something that could be done quickly without opening up the entire code.

County Administrator Brad Baker suggested to the board that they concentrate three areas: Chapter 3 of the code which deals with floodplain management and resource protection. It includes wetlands protection, stormwater management, coastal management/conservation and resource protection. Chapter 4 deals with design and development standards – this chapter addresses land clearing and buffer requirements which residents have been outspoken about. Chapter 7 has to do with special overlay districts which include the East Milton Wellfield Protection area, rural protection zone and the Garcon Point protection area.

These three chapters cover what most of the residents talk about at the podium during open forum. That particular portion of the meetings has, we believe, led to the recognition that changes are needed. But in their next breath they were suggesting that public comment be limited to “in writing” only. They made it clear that they didn’t want to “limit” public comment, but they also wanted to be sure the taskforce could get their work done without having to listen to hours of public comment.

We get it – there have been public forums in county meetings that go on and on with residents saying the same thing over and over. And…we LOVE it. These are residents exercising their First Amendment right to speak at a public meeting. They are entitled to express their opinion, make suggestions, etc.

Even though you don’t intend it to be limiting, it is by its very nature. How many people will take the time to write down their thoughts or recommendations? The time it takes to do that and for the task force to read it is considerably more than speaking it and hearing it. Sitting down and writing your thoughts out on a piece of paper and submitting them to the taskforce leaves it open to misinterpretation. If you aren’t especially good at communicating effectively in writing, you will not be allowed to explain it or express it orally.

We happen to be fortunate to live in a county of interested and engaged residents…and they have something to say. The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

While such public meetings must contain a public forum, it is possible for the governing body to make reasonable rules regarding time. But they should do so with the spirit of the amendment in mind at all times. It is also reasonable for the public to speak during public forum about a matter not on the agenda and then speak when an item is before the commissioners for a vote. If one of the priorities of the commission is, as they said in the workshop, to build trust and a sense of community, this is their chance.

The people of Santa Rosa County made their voices loud and clear at the polls. They took out the ones who were not listening to the needs of the community, and now they feel empowered.

Commissioners, here is your message – don’t mess with the First Amendment.