Video: Council Denies Public Comments Changes

Getting cold feet Wednesday night, town council unanimously voted to deny the final reading of an amendment that would require non-residents wishing to address town council to sign up the Monday before the regular Wednesday council meetings. 

Mayor Pro Tem Terry Jenkins motioned to deny the amendment, despite voting for it in the previous town council meeting. Councilmen Aaron Brown and Bob Jackson voted against the first reading in August, which passed 5-2. 

Jenkins suggested more time was needed and the council could address a similar measure later. 

Earlier this week during Monday's finance committee meeting, , but expressed some concern at limiting free speech.

However, a nonresident speaking before the vote during the public comments period seemed to sway the council members. 

"What happens in Summerville does affect me," a non-resident speaker said during public comments. "Putting any restrictions on participation by the public is, I think, counter to the very idea of practicing democracy."