Free speech silenced

-- ERON BEN-YEHUDA

Many would welcome a little peace and quiet at City Council meetings, but

loud protests erupted when former Mayor Peter Green tried to silence a

critic.

The 73-year-old veteran councilman lost his cool as resident John Briscoe

accused the city treasurer of mismanaging and lying about the money the

city collects for certain municipal services. City Treasurer Shari

Freidenrich disputes those allegations.

Green tried to turn off the microphone as Briscoe spoke during the time

reserved for public comments at an April meeting. A faulty wire kept the

power on, but the political and legal damage was done.

Briscoe filed a free speech lawsuit against the city, which settled the

case for $1,400. The council also agreed to remove the mayor’s opening

statement at council meetings, which said “negative comments directed at

individuals are not acceptable.” And from here on out, the city clerk,

instead of the mayor, controls the switch turning off the public’s

microphone

Green had maintained his innocence until just before stepping down as

mayor this month. While admitting that Briscoe should be free to speak

his mind, Green, a former priest, didn’t exactly sound contrite.

“Even donkeys have a right to bray,” he said.