I feel the need to speak out about much of the misinformation being put out on social media and even some of the mainstream news on recent changes in speaking rules at Niagara Falls City Council meetings.
First off, this is not an infringement of First Amendment rights as some have claimed. For those educated reporters claiming this is, or even making veiled claims to that effect, you should feel ashamed of yourself. Show me a segment in the Open Meeting Law that gives a right for the public to speak at our council meetings and I’ll make a public apology.
For two years, I have listened to people come before the council. At first, I applied rules as written and was criticized. I was then asked to allow people to say whatever they wanted so it would settle down, it didn’t. It got worse. Every month I received more and more calls from residents asking me to put an end to the foolishness.
We have been extremely tolerant of people speaking. Some actually came to the podium with exaggerated stories, and some with lies. How do I know they were lies? Most have been investigated.
When people bring real problems, I’ve been happy to help. Instead of wasting the time of everyone watching those meetings, people should learn how the government works and go to the proper agency. In many cases, it isn’t the council. If you have an issue that we can resolve for you, pick up the phone or write an email, and we will look into any problems within our jurisdiction. We do not control day-to-day city operations. You can see each department’s responsibilities by looking it up on the city’s website or by calling City Hall and asking civilly.
I have met with many people and offered direction, but I am not going to do the work for them. We are there to vote on items brought before the council.
Instead of having five minutes for people to speak, we cut it to three minutes, and we barred personal attacks and grievances. These rules have come from reviewing other organizations and from evaluating what is reasonable from those who have called or written. Some have suggested we eliminate public speaking.
I pride myself as middle-of-the-road politically. The problem with being like that is that you get called names by the liberals and the conservatives. I am fine with that. I have been getting called names since my days of service in the U.S. Army and again as a Fortune 500 company executive.
I understand in leadership positions, people are always going to take shots at you. They lack fortitude and sit on the sidelines taking potshots. They advocate their self-interests not the greater good. I will continue to do what is right. I praise elected officials who stand up and do the work without grandstanding.
Another thing to consider — the Gazette has limits on what you can write and word count. That is not an infringement on your Freedom of Speech. I understand those limits. They balance between offering public service and finding space for the ads they need to make money. I respect that. Residents should respect the City Council’s right to set rules when people come to speak.
Those of you who have some fantasy that we live in a free and open society need to rethink it. We live in a society of laws and regulations. Without them, we would be ruled by gangs. Laws, regulations, and rules are what separate us from the animal kingdom.
Think about this for a moment the next time you start to scream about the crime rate and how bad your life is.