Most people who read this blog are probably too busy working, creating art, making wine, enjoying the fair, or just living life to pay much attention to what your local government officials are doing. After all, going to meetings of the Board of Supervisors sounds about as pleasant to some as a trip to the dentist. But some issues are important enough to point out here. One is the attempt to abridge our First Amendment rights.
Here are some details:
http://calcoastnews.com/2012/07/san-luis-obispo-county-accused-of-attempting-to-restrict-free-speech/
Part of the proposed ordinance being discussed tomorrow is included in this article. It basically gives the county the right to determine who may set up booths, pass out flyers, assemble, etc. on county property. It will require a permit, giving the county the authority to keep any group or person out. Both liberal and conservative groups are against this new ordinance passing, since even passing out a flyer without a permit or setting up a both across from Farmers market for information about your group can get you a $500 fine or jail sentence.
This will be discussed at 9 AM tomorrow morning, Tuesday, July 24, at the County Building in San Luis Obispo. I will be there, even though I’m normally thinking about getting up at that time of morning. I hope you will be there, too, or if you can’t be there, you can email your supervisors.
Email each Board of Supervisors and tell them what you think of this ordinance.
• District 1 Frank Mecham fmecham@co.slo.ca.us
• District 2 Bruce Gibson bgibson@co.slo.ca.us
• District 3 Adam Hill ahill@co.slo.ca.us
• District 4 Paul Teixeira pteixeira@co.slo.ca.us
• District 5 James Patterson jpatterson@co.slo.ca.us
We have to nip these intrusions on our constitutional rights in the bud.
Here’s something else you might want to read about my first experience last week making a public comment before the board. Do You Know What Your Local Government is Doing?