Pueblog USa
Thursday, November 29, 2007
How did Pueblo citizens lose their right to televised public comment?
Pueblo City Council Shuts Down Televised Public Comment Before Election!
On September 24th 2007 the Pueblo City Council voted to deny citizens the right to speak during regular televised city council meetings. The ability for citizens to address city council was moved to the work session meetings, which are not televised. This action was taken one month before the municipal election without any opportunity for public input.
This man’s sign says it all! - Photo Taken at Pueblo Freedom Rally - Pueblo City Hall 10/22/2007
“We the people have a right to be heard! The People of Pueblo have a right to hear the comments we make. “ - He gets it! Now if only Pueblo City Council would.
This is a major conflict of interest for this council. They should have never taken these steps with pending ballot issues one month before the vote. Pueblo Chieftain Managing Editor Steve Henson has said that Council was wrong to shut down televised public comment!
“Let’s get to it: The council doesn’t want to listen to the one or two people who constantly attend council meetings and complain about everything from the city charter to the size of light bulbs used at City Hall. They don’t want those comments televised.” - Steve Henson Pueblo Chieftain - Oct. 14
Here are the facts from the public record:
RESOLUTION NO. 11116 was passed by Pueblo City Council September 24th 2007
This measure eliminated your right to speak at regular televised city council meetings during the public forum.
The resolution was presented to council by Mr. Aguilera and seconded by Mrs. Ortegon, who moved to approve the Resolution.
Who voted for this? – Yes Votes: Aguilera, Ortegon, Thurston, Vidmar and Weaver. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmen Occhiato and Atencio were not present and did not get to vote on this measure.
What can we do as citizens to get back what has been taken from us?
• Contact your City Council members and voice your concerns.
• Write letters to the newspaper calling for a return of the televised public forum at the regular council meetings.
• Call into local talk radio shows to discuss this matter.
• Attend city council meetings and work sessions to protest this decision.
• Be a part of Citizens for Open Government. Send us an email to get involved!
Article by Chris Nicoll - Pueblo Citizens for Open Government
http://www.pueblofreespeech.org