Melee Leads to Rule Changes at Peekskill Meetings
The Peekskill Common Council has responded to a melee at a recent meeting by changing some of the rules for public speakers.
“We simply won’t tolerate disruptive behavior at council meetings,” Mayor Mary Foster said. “These eight measures are designed to ensure the safety of our citizens, the right to free speech, and to keep the process of government running smoothly.”
The first change agreed to by the Common Council at a special meeting last week was moving the podium from the right side of the City Hall chambers to directly in front of the council so the speaker can’t have any interaction with the audience. The September 23 fracas, which led to police escorting out several individuals, was sparked by a verbal confrontation between speaker Reginald Johnson and Committee for Justice leader Darrell Davis.
Citizens who wish to speak will now line up on the left side of the chambers and exit to the right. The first hearing of citizens will also be restricted to agenda items only. Anyone wishing to address other issues will have to wait until the end of the meeting.
Meanwhile, a digital clock will be used to inform speakers of the time left on their three-minute limit and anyone using video or still cameras and tripods will be designated to a separate section. One of the physical altercations that broke out September 23 was between two women in the crowd, one of whom was using a video camera.
In addition, anyone using foul language or shouting from the audience will be ejected from the chambers.
“We have a responsibility to protect everyone’s right to speak and to be heard,” said Councilman Darren Rigger. “No one should ever be intimidated by or be afraid of attending a public meeting, which is why we’re taking decisive action.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
