The Schuylkill County Teenage Republicans, led by Chairman Scott Thomas, 17, requested the council re-examine its newly enacted Public Participation Policy.
“I can’t believe all the bureaucracy and red tape I had to go through just to talk to my elected officials,” Thomas said.
The policy, enacted by the council at its Feb. 12 meeting, requires anyone wishing to speak at meetings to inform the city clerk five days prior to the meeting. The mayor must grant permission to anyone wishing to address council not on the agenda. A sign-in sheet is placed outside of council chambers prior to the meeting.
The policy limits the a speaker to five minutes, during which they are not to address any specific member of council, and requires them to speak from a podium equipped with a microphone in council chambers. The policy also prohibits “undue noise, hissing, profanity, insults or any physical disturbance.”
Public opposition is what Councilman David C. Eckert said spurred him to make a motion during the meeting to adopt a revised policy drafted by Thomas.
Councilman Michael P. Halcovage, however, suggested the motion be tabled and council members review Thomas’ proposal.
“Before we had nothing. Now we have a policy that may be a little excessive,” Eckert said.
Prior to the meeting, the protesters held signs outside of City Hall.
“When we get inside, I plan to use my time on the city’s agenda to help guide our City Council into action,” Thomas said in front of a poster of the Statue of Liberty with a black piece of paper over her mouth. “I plan to help them do the right thing and restore the rights of all citizens to address our City Council.”
The protestors wore black pieces of paper over their mouths to symbolize the council silencing their voices and displayed a gagged photo of Thomas Jefferson.
“Do you think Thomas Jefferson would stand for asking permission to speak?” Thomas asked.
The reply was a resounding “No.”
Eckert said council’s actions prove members are willing to listen to the people and act on their requests.