From:
To: City Council
Subject: Zoom bombing and hate speech.
Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 1:20:27 PM
Thank you for allowing comment on this topic.
As someone who had a front row seat, I found it not only disruptive but disturbing.
That said, I am an avid supporter of our First Amendment rights and understand Major Rich had/has the difficult task of determining how far to let it go. It is my understanding that when local governments provide an opportunity for public comment at meetings, it is considered “a limited public forum “ for free speech purposes and It sounded like at least a couple of the calls came from the same person using a different name.
I don't envy having to make the decision on how to proceed. Perhaps deciding and defining what constitutes a disruption early on. speaking to the consequences, and having someone with quick fingers prepared to disconnect the calls when appropriate.
If the caller is not getting the desired effect, it seems more likely than not they will discontinue their behavior.
I wish you all the best and thank you for all the good work you do! I can say the experience certainly left an impression on me.
Vikki Miller