Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Residents urge commission not to move public comments to end of meetings; several speakers cite access and equity concerns
Summary
Multiple Tamarac residents told commissioners during public participation they oppose a proposed workshop recommendation to move public comment to the end of meetings, limit speakers and impose time caps. Speakers said the change would disenfranchise seniors and working residents and described the proposal as a method to reduce public input.
TAMARAC, Fla. — Dozens of Tamarac residents who spoke during public participation at the Jan. 8 City Commission meeting urged elected officials not to move the public‑comment period to the end of commission meetings or to impose limits that would reduce opportunities for neighbors to speak.
Speakers repeatedly said the proposed change — discussed at a commission workshop earlier in the week — would disproportionately affect seniors, working residents and others who cannot stay until late in the evening. Several said the change would effectively curtail the public’s First Amendment right to address the commission in a timely manner.
“Moving public address to the end of the commission meetings is totally reprehensible,” said Carol Mendelson, a resident of District 4, who identified herself as a frequent speaker. “Taxpayers have the right to come here and speak in three…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
