Running for Office? Keep Your Speeches Short at Farmington Hills City Council Meetings

The next time a political candidate steps forward during public comment at a council meeting, he or she will likely be told campaign speeches are not welcome. 

During a Monday study session, officials learned that while they cannot prohibit candidates from making speeches at the podium, they can exercise discretion in how they handle those speakers. City attorney Steve Joppich said he couldn't find anything in existing city council policies that directly addresses the issue of political speech.

However, he said, "political and religious speech are among the most protected in our country ... You're talking about regulating content and the Constitution is very clear government cannot regulate content."

Councilmember Randy Bruce said he brought the issue forward after a judicial candidate gave what amounted to a brief stump speech at the council's June 11 regular meeting. 

"I don't think the city council chambers is a place for politicking," he said. 
Council member Ken Massey agreed, but added political candidates are part of the public. 

Joppich said that while officials can't prohibit candidates from speaking, existing policies allow them to regulate speakers, under the Open Meetings Act. Officials already have policies that controls time limits and even a speaker's demeanor. Another policy allows them to limit speakers to making comments that raise new points, if a number of speakers are present on a certain issue.

Mayor Barry Brickner said he would let candidates know they should limit their presentations. Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Bates also asked him to point out that allowing a candidate to speak does not imply a council endorsement. 

Brickner said since Bates sits next to him on the dais, she could remind him by giving him a nudge.

"You can count on it," Bates said.