Recently, Aldermen at Large, Ben Clemons has come out strong supporting Freedom of Speech for all. But what do his records really indicate – a hypocritical position that affords him the right to this freedom while taking it away from the public.
At the end of a recent Board of Aldermen meeting, Mr. Clemons took advantage of the closing Aldermen Comments section of the agenda to expound on his thrill of the Kamala Harris nomination for Vice-President.
“I am very excited that Kamala Harris was chosen by vice president to be the nominee being a lifelong Democrat I think it’s great that our – the Democratic Party – is the party of progression and is the party that represents all of America, not only by saying it but by showing it.”
Thank god he declared he is a lifelong Democrat, otherwise in this non-partisan city government, we might never know.
When some citizens took offense to his deeply partisan remarks, Mr. Clemons posted on social media that he was only exercising his freedom of speech and that period for Aldermen comments is open to any remark under the sun – “things they (the public) wish were possible to happen someday in the world.” We can sing a song, read a haiku poem, or share a chapter of Little Women.
Mr. Clemons went on to say he believes the public should be afforded the same courtesy. Hmmm. Mr. Clemons is sponsoring a new public comment ordinance, which will restrict the content of public comment.
Sections 8, 9, & 10 are pretty concerning.
8) Excessive repetition and irrelevant remarks are discouraged.
9) Remarks shall be civil; rude or profane remarks are prohibited and
10) The presiding officer has the authority to terminate the remarks of any speaker when such remarks do not adhere to this ordinance or other applicable law.
During the lengthy discussion on this topic at the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee meeting, Mr. Clemons never expressed his concerns with these sections. Would irrelevant remarks be considered “thinks they wish were possible to happen someday in the world.”
Finally, at the May 28, 2019 Board of Aldermen meeting, I spoke during public comment about our sleepy assessor and his work product. Believe it or not, citizens have the right to criticize government workers. It may be unpleasant and uncomfortable but sometimes a public forum is the only option.
Aldermen Clemons jumped all over this. What specifically did he say, “I know that there is a man who works here for the City who has been publicly berated by a citizen and it is really too bad. What that tells people who want to come and work for this City is – you better watch out for citizens in Nashua because they let them go crazy on you… So you know I don’t like this stuff; I don’t think this is the appropriate venue for it.”
By denouncing my comments as inappropriate for public comment, is Aldermen Clemons really embracing my Freedom of Speech? Sing a song, read a haiku poem or share a chapter of Little Women, but don’t criticize a public employee
| GoodGov
