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Right to free speech impacted in Pecatonica
By Christopher Johnson
One of the greatest responsibilities a taxpayer carries is assuring the people they elect to fight for their personal freedoms and safeties are actually looking out for their best interests.
If the need requires, taxpayers have the duty to address those elected officials and voice their concerns. Citizens could do that when they attended meetings of their municipal leaders.
Meeting protocols typically require those who wish to speak sign up before things start. In some situations, a person could be added after the meeting began, if a call from the quorum of elected officials was made
The late call for addition usually occurs at the start of each meeting. A roll call is offered to assure a legal meeting can be held before that action can occur though.
Things have changed recently and Pecatonica residents are discovering that they still have the right to express their views and opinions, they just have to go about it a little differently.
Village President Bill Smull made the decision that public comments still had to be allowed, but how they were heard had to be handled a little differently still.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an in-person meeting at this time is not prudent.”
Because of the impact of COVID-19, meeting schedules were forced to be adjusted, sometimes with very short notice. Fewer people were allowed the right to attend meetings, because of the risk of spread.
An Executive Order was issued by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker that the State would have to shutdown the normal way of doing things. Large crowds couldn’t converge. Open Meetings wouldn’t be as open.
Village Attorney Doug Henry had previously discussed the changes that had to be made following the mid-March order by the State’s top Executive Officer.
“Certain provisions of the Open Meetings Act were suspended due to the Executive Order by the Governor. The Village had a hot point issue. They could limit the number in attendance.”
As a result of that action, Pecatonica Village Board Members began utilizing digital services to hold their meetings. Some members are still incorporating that practice.
On Tuesday, July 21, the Pecatonica Village Board met in regular session and are following the Winnebago County Health Department guidelines regarding mask-wearing and public distancing.
Those residents who wished to speak were asked to email the Pecatonica Village Clerk’s Office, before 5:30 the day of the meeting.
Residents were allowed to express their thoughts in the form of a letter, which was dropped into a wall box at 405 Main St., one door south of the Main Street entrance to Village Hall.
It is not known yet how long the change in how Public Comments are heard by the Village of Pecatonica’s elected officials will remain in place.
At this time, it has been noted by Smull and other elected officials that a “safety first” approach has taken root and will remain fixed.
