Council Doesn't Adopt Policy Prohibiting Employees Speech, But Decides to Discuss it in Committee

A Town Council was moved to the council’s Town Administration standing committee for discussion before any vote.

Despite the language in the proposed resolution -- that employees are not permitted to speak to the media -- McDaniel and Buebendorf said the measure was brought forward in an effort to handle emergency situations.

McDaniel said he used a University of Wisconsin policy as a boilerplate.

“It’s a guide of how to deal with the media. That’s all.” He pointed to the lock-down at Montville High School where, he said, there was communication chaos. He said the policy he’s proposing is geared toward providing public information during an emergency.

But Councilor Rosetta Jones said the policy McDaniel brought to the council “doesn’t say anything about emergencies.”

“I’m very disturbed by this,” Jones said. “It feels like a gag order.” At that comment, applause erupted in the council chamber.

A number of citizens came to the podium to share their concerns. 

“You can’t do that. If you try and enforce such a rule you’ll end up with more lawsuits,” Dick Wilson. “Don’t’ do that.”

Another resident, Lynda Jean said the council was potentially instituting bad policy.

“I am appalled that this has become an issue. You’re creating a bad situation,” she cautioned. “You’ll just create more hate and discontent.”

But Councilor Gary Murphy, who explained the purpose of an official spokesperson to the residents in council chambers, relating “the way the White House works,” for example, said the council was not trying to suppress free speech.

“The official word of the town is the mayor’s. You can write on Patch all day…we’re not trying to stifle (speech).”