Effort to Repeal New Speaking Policy Fails

In an effort to control outbursts during its meetings, the City Council earlier this summer instituted a new policy: Speakers now have to fill out a form indicating what issue they will address. They then wait their turn until they are recognized by the mayor.

The policy, just a few weeks old, has already come under attack. Members of a citizens watchdog group have complained that they are not allowed equal time at the podium and do not like being at the behest of the mayor, whom some of them consider to be an opponent.

One councilman, Gene Wisner, tried to have the policy stricken in early August, arguing that it has contributed to, rather than controlled, unruly behavior.

Wisner said he thinks the policy diminished the public’s respect for the council. His proposal, however, was defeated by the council on a 3-2 vote.

Councilman Mark Schwing voted with Wisner.

“We have had people interrupting meetings before, but we have never had so many problems keeping the meetings running smoothly,” Schwing said. “We have not interfered with people’s right to speak before, but now we are cutting people off.”