Woodstock public commenters raise free‑speech concerns over downtown table placements; mayor cites railroad property limits

Several residents used the Sept. 8 Woodstock mayor and council meeting to raise concerns about enforcement of sidewalk and right‑of‑way rules that they say have been used to restrict political speech downtown.

Martha Jean Schindler, identified herself as a citizen and candidate for mayor, said volunteers from the Cherokee Democrats regularly set up a table downtown to hand out flyers and speak with passersby. Schindler told council that on multiple recent occasions police told volunteers their table placement was illegal and she said the city allowed repeated complaints to be used as a means of silencing political speech. "The first amendment doesn't need a permit here in Woodstock, and neither do the people," Schindler said.

Thomas Weaver, who spoke earlier, asked council to ensure the city remains in compliance with state law after raising a legal concern the city has now referred to counsel review. Gopinath (Gobi) Govindraj also spoke during public comment, asking for more detailed information on a playground procurement item and thanking the council for proclaiming Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; Govindraj also urged the city to expand recycling receptacles in parks.

Mayor Michael Caldwell responded during mayor-and-council comments to one specific point raised about tables being asked to move from the railroad right‑of‑way. Caldwell said the railroad property owner had requested that no one set up on its property and that city staff would enforce that request consistently. "If the railroad says keep people off our right of way, we're going to keep them off our right of way," Caldwell said, and he directed that the police department apply the same standard to all users.

Mayor Caldwell and staff distinguished two separate issues raised by speakers: (1) enforcement of property rights when setups are located on railroad right‑of‑way; and (2) the question of whether city permitting rules for special events and sidewalk use are overly broad. The council did not take formal action on permitting rules at the Sept. 8 meeting; the matter was raised as a public‑comment concern and city staff acknowledged the issue in follow‑up conversation.

Why it matters Public‑space rules and enforcement affect the ability of residents and community groups to conduct political outreach and exercise free‑speech rights. The city’s approach to railroad property — which is private property or controlled right‑of‑way — constrains what the city can allow on those surfaces, regardless of political content.

What was said (select quotes) - "When the city acts on [repeated complaints], it becomes complicit in that harassment," said Martha Jean Schindler, a resident and mayoral candidate. - "If the railroad says keep people off our right of way, we're going to keep them off our right of way," said Mayor Michael Caldwell.

What’s next Speakers urged the council to revisit special‑events and sidewalk permit language that they said may be overbroad. City staff indicated questions about permitting will be handled in future administrative or ordinance reviews; the council did not direct immediate rule changes at this meeting.

Provenance (transcript evidence) - Public comment by Martha Jean Schindler: excerpt — "...we pledged liberty and justice for all... This city council has passed ordinances that strip away protections for first amendment activity... The first amendment doesn't need a permit here in Woodstock, and neither do the people." (transcript s1141.12–s1398.74) - Mayor response on railroad right‑of‑way: excerpt — "The railroad requested that no 1 set up on their property... If the railroad says keep people off our right of way, we're going to keep them off our right of way." (transcript s4545.07–s4616.23)