Speak Up

by Thomas DeWitt

My take on last night’s City Council meeting.

First and foremost, it was inspiring to see our council asking hardball questions and pushing back for additional information. I was particularly impressed with our new Mayor and new council members position on the proposed “Ordinance for public participation #769”, with my past opposition with the “City of Portales” and the legal authority to put us in an “EMERGENCY” order and keep us here for 6 months and counting, I call this the “Shut Tom DeWitt Up” ordinance as most everything in it makes me feel like they (the City) is targeting me and those that think like me for speaking out with serious criticism for the way our city is being run. This ordinance thinks to go against the 1st amendment of the Constitution that says “Congress shall make no laws…. abridging the freedom of speech…. Also, that the people have the right to petition the government for redress of grievances,” what better place (for local government) than the chamber where the elected body meets? The voice of the people is heard from those that speak on their behalf but to achieve that they must have the opportunity to hear from them in a public accessible forum.

I submitted my letter of interest to the Mayor to fill the Ward C vacancy and I’m sure my vocal Protest and opinions will not assist me in securing that position, but whomever fills that position I hope they spring from the Gate like the new Council members and Mayor last night, great start to the new year!

As for those that spoke during public comment, it was awesome to see so many who looked at the agenda and spoke out against something you feel is wrong!