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Council delays decision on expanded website and communications access after debate over policy and liability
Summary
A proposal from Council member O'Rear to give all non-mayoral council members the same direct access to the city's communications channels as the mayor — including the city website, print and electronic media — was debated and postponed to the Feb. 25 Committee of the Whole meeting by a 4-3 vote. Council and staff discussed First Amendment risks,
Council member O'Rear moved to grant non-mayoral council members equal access to city communications channels (including the city website) that the mayor currently uses. The motion drew extended debate among council members and city staff over legal risk, moderation and policy.
Supporters framed the request as an equity issue: O'Rear said the mayor has access to a city‑hosted page that other council members do not, and he sought parity to allow council members to post council‑related updates and constituent notifications. Several council members said they simply wanted the ability to post brief, factual updates about council actions affecting their wards.
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