From:
To: City Council
Subject: Press policy
Date: Monday, March 3, 2025 3:37:21 PM
TO: Sebastopol City Council
I didn’t listen in to the latest city council meeting but did read Laura Hager’s report in the times. I’m shocked that city officials and council need to control conversations with reporters. First and foremost, this is an assault on free speech. There is an inalienable right for an individual to have an opinion and talk with whoever they want (except for the brown act). This includes city staff. I don’t see the need for this “paranoia”. If the city manager or council hires an individual they are saying we trust that you will do the job and “we” together will work to solve problems and issues.
Because all city officials and council members are public servants, the public deserves to hear all sides of issues. Attempting to control the press and work behind closed doors (recently installed sound proof doors on both city manger and assistant manager) is not acceptable by me or any other Sebastopol citizen. I urge you to reverse the “press policy” proposed. Operate in a transparent manner and deal with the problems in the public venue. If you’re paranoid that staff will say or do something that you don’t approve of or agree with, "fire"them and hire people you trust.
Finally I urge city staff, volunteers that serve on commissions and council members to disregard this proposed policy. It is unconstitutional.
Respectfully
Craig Boblitt
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Craig Boblitt
Sebastopol, CA 95472