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Somersworth council narrows rules on political comments from the dais, adopts amendment
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 27-25 to bar elected officials from making political campaign comments while seated at the dais during council meetings; an amendment added the phrase "public election" to clarify the rule does not apply to appointment discussions.
The Somersworth City Council on Jan. 6 adopted an amendment to its rules that prohibits the mayor and councilors from making comments about political campaigns or public elections while seated in their official roles at council meetings.
Councilors debated language that would distinguish between comments about candidates for public election and statements about appointments the council itself must make. Councilor Gibson moved adoption of Resolution 27-25; Councilor Pepin seconded. During discussion some councilors raised concerns about whether the rule would prevent discussion of applicants for board and commission appointments. Members clarified an amendment to add the words “public election” after “political campaigns” to ensure comments related to staff or board appointments remain allowed.
Councilor Goodwin and others explained the intent was to prevent the use of official positions to influence public elections from the dais while preserving transparency for council appointments, which are part of the council’s public duties. Councilors said elected officials may still speak about campaigns as private citizens, but would need to do so from the public comment area rather than from the council seats.
The council voted by roll call to adopt Resolution 27-25 as amended. No councilor recorded opposition.
Council vote: Resolution 27-25 (as amended) adopted unanimously.
