Click here for an important legal publication about public comment during public hearings.
The recently adopted Code of Conduct for Cotati council members states that during city council meetings, "Everyone has the right to be heard." As insane as this may seem, that's what it says. Whether you're intoxicated, high on meth, a toddler, you can't speak English, or sitting in a Cotati jail cell, some Cotati leaders have decided that "Everyone" has a right to speak for up to five minutes. This ridiculous Code of Conduct for council members was thrown together without much thought and failed to address any limits to public participation. Yet many other cities have addressed the issue of how to manage public comment with education and putting the public on notice as to their rights and duties as citizens during city meetings.
Ya never know- A drunk homeless transient might have more good to say than someone with a mentally retarded viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteEverybody has a right to speak EXCEPT Barich who has been censured by his colleagues for voicing political points of view which are contrary to the ones they have. Apparently he has a right to think what he thinks as long as he doesn't express himself as the duely elected public offical that he is. What then is the point of holding public office if you need permission to say what you think? Orwell is alive and well in Cotati.
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