County Legislator Sheila Marcotte has issued a statement on the recent proposal to limit public commentary at New Rochelle School Board Meetings, calling it a clear attempt “to stifle free speech”.”
The policy currently proposed from the school board is a clearly an attempt to stifle free speech. It is amazing in this day and age that a public entity, elected by the very people who pay their salary, could even contemplate such sweeping changes. I understand that sometimes agenda’s can be lengthy and members need to press ahead with the business that they have been elected to do, however, there are a number of ways that this can be addressed. The Town of Eastchester allows citizens to speak at the beginning of the meeting – specifically on agenda items only. Upon completion of the agenda any person can speak on any item. And yes, questions can be asked of the council members, and yes the council members are expected to answer. Lets face it, if you cant answer questions about business you have conducted, or perhaps are considering, then you probably shouldn’t be there.
