On Friday, Bluestem Prairie posted Free speech & Greater MN cities: the rewards for speaking out in North Mankato and Little Falls. Tom Hagen, who objects to the North Mankato City Council's policy of limiting citizens' ability to speak at meetings to once every 90 days, reached out to us with a note about an article on the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota's website.
In Dissent is patriotic, but do our city councils want to listen?, Aliya Khan writes:
. . . However, last week the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that part of Minnesota disorderly conduct statute is too broad and therefore violates the First Amendment. Robin Hensel’s charges were dismissed.
For now the statute is invalid. How this will actually play out in practice is uncertain. While this is a win for Minnesotans across the state, city councils unfortunately don’t need Minnesota law to silence their constituents. They have other means by which they can attempt to control and censor public dissent.
For example, the city council in North Mankato instituted revised policies this summer that they claimed were designed to “streamline” meetings. Many of their constituents, however, disagreed. The changes to the policy include burdensome restrictions on speaking times (only 3 minutes per person) and restrictions to how and when members of the public can bring up topics during meetings. Previously, the city council allowed for two sections of public comment—now they only allow for one. And residents of North Mankato need to file additional paperwork and requests before addressing the council.
Tom Hagen, an engaged member of North Mankato, has been a vocal opponent of the changes from the beginning. He regularly attends city council meetings, and has expressed frustrations at how the city council has become increasingly removed from those they are meant to serve. In a letter Tom wrote, he stated, “In discussion we can hear each other, perhaps discover perspectives new to us, and hear firsthand what our neighbors are thinking. Whatever limits the possibilities for this type of open discussion, limits our choices, understanding, and options.”
One of the more controversial provisions in the revised policies is a restriction that states individuals may not revisit any topic that they have previously addressed to the council. Another vocal opponent of the new rules, Barbara Church, also shared with us her concerns. “Over the years I have been going to council meetings, the council has continually chipped away at public comments portions of the meetings, and have actually made it more difficult for folks to participate.”
Barbara stated she believes that the new rules, as they stand, allow the council to filter community feedback. “It says to me that they will only listen to what they want to hear and will ignore any opposition to their ideas.”
City council meetings play a critical role in our democracy. They are intended to provide a direct and clear avenue for residents to engage with—and yes, disagree with—those who make decisions in their communities. When our ability to directly engage with our local elected officials slowly erodes, it undermines the integrity of our entire government and democracy.
What is most disappointing about North Mankato is that the city council moved forward with the changes to the policy despite clear dissent from community members, at least a handful of whom have spoken directly with city council members (as well as the ACLU of Minnesota) about their concerns. And with limited alternatives for public engagement with elected officials, what alternatives exist for these residents? Private meetings with city council members? Phone calls and e-mails? That is hardly a substitute for a robust and engaged community forum—one that is open and available. One that we would hope our elected officials would want to foster and encourage rather than stifle and intimidate. . . .
Amen to that. Read the entire article at the ACLU of Minnesota website. It closes with this request:
Has your city council added restrictive policies to public comments? Have you had your freedom of speech at city council meetings undermined? Share with us your experiences by e-mailing our communications associate at akhan@aclu-mn.org.
Photo: Tom Hagen's silent protest at a North Mankato city Council meeting. Photo by Trey Mewes at the
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