Resident says she was blocked from speaking at Planning Commission unless she gave her home address; asks county to change speaker rules

ELKHART — Cindy Hajicek, an Elkhart County resident, told the Board of Commissioners on Nov. 3 that she was prevented from speaking at a recent Planning Commission meeting after she refused to provide her home address.

“I was prevented from speaking at the Elkhart County Planning Commission meeting because the board president held my free speech hostage until I gave my home address, which I refused,” Hajicek said during privilege of the floor. She said another woman with safety concerns felt compelled to provide an address or remain silent.

Hajicek cited Article 1, Section 9 of the Indiana Constitution, saying it bars laws that restrict free speech. She told commissioners she was unable to find any statute that requires speakers to state a home address publicly and suggested that if an address is needed for follow‑up, it could be submitted privately to staff. “Publicly stating an address is an unnecessary and sometimes dangerous burden on people’s freedom of speech,” she said.

Hajicek asked the board to consider an ordinance establishing a uniform county standard that would allow boards to vet speakers’ standing by requesting name and county only, and to allow private submission of addresses for follow‑up notices if needed. She also suggested using email for follow‑up notices rather than printed mail where appropriate.

The board did not take action at the meeting to change procedures; Hajicek requested that the county consider drafting an ordinance to address the concern.