Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Ramirez went on, "I notice that there's also been a pattern where commissioners grill citizens on their comments." She likened the situation to "intimidation tactics" she said board members had used on county employees. "It does not matter whether you believe a statement a citizen makes is factual, since citizens like me believe what we're saying is factual," Ramirez added. "Just because you're government officials, that does not mean what you say is right and the public is automatically wrong. … It is an attack on free speech when you try to control how a citizen makes his comments." She also told the board that, according to the county charter, a person is required to sign the oath on the speaker's card only if the person is going to make remarks during a public hearing. "It says it right there on the front of the card," she pointed out. Page 68 if the board members do, "Are you restricting a person's free speech?" She added that after the morning exchange with Robinson, she filed a complaint online. Ramirez told The Sarasota News Leader she called the First Amendment Foundation, but the person with whom she spoke recommended she contact the American Civil Liberties Union. She did so, she wrote in an email, but "there is no guarantee anything will be done." Cathy Antunes, vice president of CONA, stood at the podium moments later. "As public officials," she told the commissioners, "it's unreasonable to expect that everybody is going to agree with you or be even nice to you. … But that is part of the job. It's concerning to hear comments about disparaging the truthfulness of citizens. That's not the first time that's happened. It's very discouraging to hear comments suggesting that this commission has a role in controlling what is being said by the public …" Then she read one of the provisions on the card. "All public comments should avoid Antunes added, "It seems to me that an atmoattacks, abusive language or redundancy." sphere of intimidation is inconsistent with Ramirez asked, "Who defines that," noting that your role as public servants." Cathy Antunes makes public comments at a County Commission meeting this fall. Photo by Norman Schimmel