Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civic Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission considers designating a free-speech zone at the Benton Events Center
Summary
Commissioner Baxter proposed creating a designated free-speech parking spot at the Benton Events Center to give petitioners and protesters a clear location; staff said such incidents are rare and the commission will discuss details at a future meeting.
Commissioner Baxter proposed creating a designated free-speech zone on the Benton Events Center parking lot to provide a clear location for petitioners, canvassers and protesters.
"We're gonna take a parking spot and make it a free speech zone," Baxter said, explaining the change is meant to make enforcement easier for police and reduce conflicts with event vendors. Baxter said one person sued the city over a similar incident "a couple years ago" and that the lawsuit "didn't go anywhere."
The Chair and staff said they would work with Nikki to identify an appropriate location that respects renters' access to the parking lot while protecting First Amendment rights. Nikki said in nearly 13 years of running the center she has seen two petitioner/protester incidents, describing them as minimal.
Commissioners did not vote on a final policy at the meeting; the Chair said more details will be discussed at the next meeting.
