Minutes - 2002/08/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 12, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Stigney commented that there is a thing in this country called freedom of speech granted by the Constitution. He then said that if Mr. Hammerschmidt is out of line with his comments it is the Mayor's responsibility to gavel him down but to stifle his nght to speak before anything comes out of his mouth is inappropriate. He further said that he was in the service for years and this is what he fought to protect and he could not be more against this motion because Mounds View does not grant citizenship either. Council Member Thomas commented that she did not feel it was the Council's responsibility to deny access to anyone. She then said, however, it is Mr. Hammerschmidt's duty to maintain himself in a dignified and respectful manner and Council should encourage him to do so and let the community know the comments will be kept to an appropriate topic. Council Member Marty said Mr. Hammerschmidt has the right to freedom of speech under the Constitution. He also said that the City's Charter gives him the right to speak and this motion would be in violation of both of those. He further stated that the Charter states that all meetings are open to the public and citizens can speak and to censure Mr. Hammerschmidt before he has even had a chance to speak he does not agree with. Council Member Thomas clarified that, while the Charter does say there is an opportunity for public comment, Council is given the right to discretion. Council Member Stigney indicated his interpretation of the Charter is that the Mayor conducts the meeting and has the discretion, if someone is not using the proper decorum, to make sure that they do or not allow the comments to continue. Council Member Marty commented that he did not see how they could censure someone before he even opened his mouth. Council Member Quick said he disagreed because the last time Mr. Hammerschmidt spoke it was nothing but personal attacks, exaggerations, and misinterpretations and he feels his track record more than justifies denying him access to the microphone. He then commented that, if the lies and innuendoes were directed at Council Member Marty he may feel differently. He further stated that, because Mr. Hammerschmidt is not a resident of this City, he feels that Council has no reason to give him access to the microphone. Council Member Stigney commented that citizenship to him means a citizen of the United States not just a citizen of Mounds View. Council Member Quick commented that the City Attorney had said that the inference would be that citizen meant a resident of Mounds View. Council Member Marty said, "that is your opinion Council Member Quick and you have a right to it but he is of a different opinion and wanted to so state." Council Member Marty added that he agreed with Council Member Stigney that a citizen of the United States is a citizen.