City Council faces backlash over proposed public speaking restrictions

Public participation took center stage at the St. Marys City Council meeting on December 9, 2024, as citizens voiced strong concerns over proposed restrictions on speaking time and decorum rules.

During the meeting, a resident passionately argued against several proposed amendments to the council's communication policies. The speaker highlighted that limiting citizens to one comment per meeting undermines public engagement. "If you can only speak one time and you get an answer from counsel, then if you want to comment back or have another question, you wouldn't be allowed. So that's kind of crazy," they stated.

The resident also criticized the requirement for speakers to adhere to Robert's Rules of Order, suggesting that most attendees are unfamiliar with these guidelines. "Most of the public does not even know what Robert's Rules are," they remarked, questioning the necessity of such formalities in a city of St. Marys' size.

Further, the speaker challenged the notion that council members should not engage in debate with public speakers, asserting, "Our country was founded on public debate." They argued that allowing open dialogue would enhance community involvement and transparency.

The proposed time limit of five minutes for public comments, which includes responses from council members, was also met with resistance. The resident pointed out that this restriction could leave citizens with little to no time to express their concerns, especially if council members take up a significant portion of that time. "To limit it to five minutes... really limits the public in what they need to say," they concluded.

The discussions reflect a growing demand for more inclusive and flexible communication practices within the St. Marys City Council, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in local governance. As the council considers these proposals, the outcome could significantly shape how residents interact with their elected officials in the future.