Public commenter reads county‑attorney warning; attorney says message reflects his legal opinion

Justine Richmond read an email into the public record at the March 8 Granite County Commission meeting saying the county attorney had warned her that her public comments were 'quarrelsome' and could lead to sanctions or prosecution.

Richmond told commissioners she had not made personal attacks and asked how she was being quarrelsome; she said she mostly asks questions and that concerns about commissioner conduct should be available to the public. "I never made any personal attacks on commissioners," Richmond said while disputing the attorney's characterization.

County Attorney Blancy Bradshaw responded during the public comment period, stating the message was his legal opinion. He said the commission does not have to allow comments that constitute personal attacks or that cross from public‑interest remarks into quarrelsome conduct. "You're taking it beyond just the public's right to know, and you're making it personal," he said, describing the limits he viewed in the public‑comment forum.

Chair and other commissioners did not open the exchange into a formal discussion during public comment; staff said the county attorney and county staff would confer and prepare a written response to a separate records request noted earlier in the meeting. Richmond asked the commissioners whether they agreed with the county attorney's assessment; no commissioner offered a formal statement during the public‑comment period.

The exchange left unresolved whether the county will take any disciplinary steps; commissioners said they would consult and respond in writing where appropriate.