That seems to be what the Town Board of New Hartford is telling its residents with its proposed set of new rules for maintaining decorum at board meetings.
Look -- No one is saying that the Town Board doesn't have the authority to institute rules to maintain order at public meetings. But does anyone really believe that these rules, particularly rules that are proposed by Mr. Payne, are needed to "ensure the safety of our residents and town employees" ? While some statements may be passionate -- on both sides -- this is hardly a safety issue.
And his statement that the new rules are not targeted toward any particular group is incredible.
Everyone knows that Concerned Citizens have been a pain in the proverbial butt for Mr. Payne, Mr. Reed, Ms. Krupa, and Mr. Reynolds. . . .
Simply put, New Hartford does not have a crowd problem with its meetings. There is no real problem to be solved. Ergo, the only purpose of these rules is to get Concerned Citizens . . . and You . . . to Sit Down and Shut Up.
(More from Concerned Citizens.)
5 comments:
There is no doubt that New Hartford Town Officials have targeted Concerned Citizens for Honst & Open Government.
To threaten one of the founders of this Group with a SLAPP is really an abuse of power by a group of elected officials who are clearly out-of-control
All public boards have rules. None should be designed to silence the public. New England town hall type meetings should be introduced and embraced here. The New Hartford Board is an embarrasment to the democratic process and an insult to the very taxpayers they represent.If they can't sytand the heat, let them get out of the kitchen.
The OD has done the voters of New Hartford a service with publishing Sunday’s article regarding this matter. The arrogance of the New Hartford Town Board is beyond belief. They fully realize that they are Lame Duck elected officials who will not be in office after Election Day. For this reason they feel comfortable with passing local ordinances to hamper public participation largely as punishment for Concerned Citizens. Regardless of their bogus justifications, this town Board should be ashamed of themselves!
These kind of problems do not exist in South West Asia.
The work ethic is much more Democratic.
I will bet your Supervisor Reed has never seen a camel or even walked on the desert sands.
What is he saying about those detractors...now.
The Town's government cannot sink any lower. This is the legacy of blind partisanship that elects these "leaders". Sadly, the current Supervisor candididate crop does not lend to confidence of change.New Hartford may be headed for a huge spiral downward as more leave. Perhaps a tax protest is needed. If enough people withheld payment from both the Town and School District, positive change could be forced. This "revolt" would have to be supported by a specifically stated set of reforms that could be incorporated into the board's governence.
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