3/4/25
Proposed Press Policy
I am taking time to write to express my extreme disappointment and full objection to the proposed press policies putforth by Mr. Zollman and past/present council members.
The proposed individual policies aggregate into an obscene infringement on the spirit of Democracy, transparency, and the community values and involvement that make Sebastopol what it is.
On the tails ofthe city cutting services and forcing citizensto step up to preserve those criticalservices, thisinterpretation of vast Mayoral powersto attemptto controlthe narrative is even more egregious.
Nottomention that YOUallselectthemayor.We do not.
The position of Mayoris unelected and shall not be given overt control ofthe narrative orthe ability to stifle or outright censorspeech.Norshall other council members or the institution of city government.
Thisreeks ofthe same tactics ofinterpretiveoverreach of control asthe Trump administration. Thatis not welcome here.
We expect you to stand up for openness, stand up for the sometimes, inconvenient access of the press. You are not welcome to sit on our council and further restrict our access and that of the reporters to inform us.
City Council can be a hard job and it’s not about whatis ‘efficient’ for you. It’s about us. You knew that going in. I appreciate yourservice and this direction is not ok.
Regards,
Rick Taylor
Sebastopol Citizen and Resident
Business Owner:
Elder Creek Design Studio
Former DRB