Times Says Mayor Stepped On Free Speech

In an editorial Sunday, Contra Costa Times’ Lisa Vorderbrueggen told Hercules Mayor Dan Romero not to disappoint the residents who voted him in to represent their interests and bring transparency to City Hall.

“Romero ultimately helped launch the successful 2010 recall of the prior council -- the ultimate form of criticism of a public official -- and voters rewarded him with a seat,” said the editorial, which had the headline, Lisa Vorderbrueggen: Hercules mayor steps on free speech.

The article mentioned the July 24 City Council meeting, where city emails as public records were discussed, as was an incident in which Romero told a resident during a previous meeting's public comment period, "You aren't going to make attacks on council members. I am asking you to step away."

In his defense, Romero said the speaker had gone over the three minute limit with his comment.

The editorial also referenced a public war between Romero and Councilwoman Myrna de Vera.