Hagerstown officials adjust public participation rules amid First Amendment concerns

The Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 15, 2025, in Washington County, Maryland, focused on citizen participation rules and public comment policies. The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance, followed by a detailed explanation of new rules aimed at ensuring orderly conduct during public comments. The chair emphasized that these rules are designed to protect the rights of all speakers while maintaining decorum, stating that excessive profanity or disruptive behavior would not be tolerated.

Several community members voiced their opinions on the new rules. Curtis Ray, a resident of Hagerstown, expressed concerns about the perceived restriction of First Amendment rights, arguing that citizens should be allowed to express their views freely, even if they are critical of the commissioners. He urged the board to allow all voices to be heard without fear of condemnation.

Dave Williams, another speaker, praised the commissioners for recent improvements to citizen participation policies but criticized the Board of Education's proposed changes that would require speakers to sign up 24 hours in advance. He argued that this would limit public comment and urged attendees to oppose the changes.

Jeremy Bridal also spoke, highlighting the importance of allowing dissenting voices and criticizing the board for escalating tensions with certain individuals. He called for a return to previous practices that allowed for more open dialogue.

Other residents raised various concerns, including traffic issues related to new developments in the area. The commissioners acknowledged these concerns and indicated they would be addressed in future meetings.

The meeting concluded with a recess, allowing for further discussions on the topics raised. The overall atmosphere reflected a community engaged in dialogue about governance and the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between citizens and their elected officials.