Special to the Mirror, Ken Dufty responds to efforts by the Northampton County Board of Supervisor’s efforts to limit public comment during Regular Meetings.
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Special to the Mirror, Ken Dufty responds to efforts by the Northampton County Board of Supervisor’s efforts to limit public comment during Regular Meetings.
While the tone of Ken Duffy’s letter is one of a conciliatory and respectful demeanor, the content shakes me to the core. The message I am picking up in this letter (and please, someone correct me if I am out of line) is, the Board of Supervisors want to limit speech now at their public meetings. I realize I just painted with a broad brush stroke. And I also understand the meaning of civil and nonthreatening. Neither of the antithesis of these two types of speech would be welcome in any hall, or anyone’s living room for that matter. But, and if I read Ken’s letter correctly, what the Board is proposing is a limited form of speech in such a manner of closing ranks and pushing legislation before the public has a chance to vocalize their opinions or disagreements. IF this is the case, this is setting a very clear and dangerous precedent for public forums. The very fact that our State’s Attorney General has had to broach the subject in prior cases just goes to prove that elected officials are siding up to that slippery slope of limited public speech to the point of muzzling public speaking by law. This is a direct violation of the First Amendment. Again, I may be painting with a broad brush. But, sometimes, I feel you need to be shown the Big Picture before you can begin to understand the details. Please do not let your Board sanction limited ideas and opinions. Vocalize at every opportunity your beliefs, your fears, your hopes, your ideas and most important of all, the health and well-being of your community. But, be civil and concise. And if you see Ken Duffy in the near future, thank him. Whether you like it or not, he is a sane voice in these very insane times.