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Resident raises First Amendment complaint about interaction at Quincy Square protest; questions raised about library staff involvement
Summary
During public comment, resident Roy Runyon said he and two others protested and were later confronted; he said an individual named Jason Driver intervened and he questioned whether that person represented the library. The board listened but did not take action.
Roy Runyon, who identified himself as a longtime Kitsap County taxpayer and library patron, used the board’s public comment period to read the First Amendment and describe a January 20 protest at the Quincy Square groundbreaking in Bremerton.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." Runyon read aloud. He said that on Jan. 20 he and two other citizens assembled on Fourth Street to protest the continued service of Judge Tracy Flood and that they were confronted by another individual. Runyon said the person who intervened later was "Jason Driver," and he questioned whether Driver was representing the library.
Board President Eric Fong asked whether the remarks pertained to the library; Runyon replied that they did, calling the library "a paragon of the First Amendment, or at least I thought it was." He said he did not allege assault but said he felt Driver "tried to interfere with my exercise of my First Amendment right."
Nut graf: The comment was recorded as public feedback; the board did not open discussion during the public comment period and took no formal action. The board cited its public engagement policy stating public comment time is reserved for listening without debate.
Runyon also referenced the Commission on Judicial Conduct and said Judge Tracy Flood had been suspended and censured by that body; he asked whether the library or its employees had a role in intervening at public demonstrations. No board member committed to an investigation or follow‑up during the meeting.
Ending: The board thanked Runyon for his comment and moved on to the consent agenda; staff and trustees offered no formal response at the meeting.
