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Haywood County commissioners emphasize speaker identification, warn against misinformation in public comments
Summary
The board told members of the public they must state their names and where they live when addressing the commission and criticized out-of-area commenters who, commissioners said, post inaccurate information about county recovery efforts.
During the Dec. 16 meeting Chair Ansley and other commissioners addressed a recurring issue with anonymous or out-of-area public commenters and said the board expects transparency from speakers who address the commission.
"If you're gonna make comments to this board, I want to know what your name is and what area you're from in the county or the nation," Chair Ansley said, adding that meetings are televised and the community deserves an accurate record. He described prior incidents where commenters who did not represent the community or who mischaracterized conditions prompted public confusion and said the board wants speakers to give their full names and places of residence.
Commissioners said the board has granted extra time in some cases and will continue to hear residents, but they warned against what they described as attempts by outsiders to gain attention or spread inaccuracies about the county's disaster response. Several commissioners praised volunteer and church groups helping with recovery and said the county is focused on supporting residents in need.
Why it matters: The exchange clarifies the board's expectation for transparency in public comment and signals that anonymous or misleading remarks will be challenged during meetings; it also reflects sensitivity among county leaders about outside narratives during an ongoing recovery period.
