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Commissioners weigh limits on personal attacks as Thornhill renews long‑running allegations
Summary
A recurring public commenter, Bridal Thornhill, and others pressed the board over emergency‑management and investigation issues; commissioners discussed enforcing an adopted code of conduct to curb personal attacks while preserving statutorily protected public comment.
Bridal Thornhill used both public‑comment periods to press the board on multiple matters, including emergency‑management exercises, local investigations and what he described as unfair use of those investigations against him. Thornhill said he submitted public‑records requests he has not received and disputed statements made in past investigation reports. He also raised concerns about how Fire District 5 was notified in exercises and alleged a failure in the emergency‑notification system.
Commissioners and county counsel addressed the broader question of decorum. Counsel Briggs noted the board has adopted a code of conduct that curtails personal attacks and that the board can, within statutory limits, restrict decorum without closing the forum. County staff said multiple external reviews (including FEMA) had previously evaluated related emergency‑management issues; at least one commissioner said FEMA had found the county’s emergency‑management work to be “top shelf.”
The board expressed concern about misinformation directed at county staff and volunteers and discussed making certain emails and public records available at the next meeting to improve transparency about how the issues arose. Commissioners emphasized that restricting personal attacks is different from ending public comment and said they intend to preserve the public’s opportunity to speak while discouraging ad hominem attacks.
Quote: “The board has adopted…a code of conduct,” counsel Briggs said, noting the county could limit personal attacks while preserving public comment rights.
Outcome: No formal sanctions were imposed during the meeting; commissioners signaled they would make public records and relevant emails available at a future meeting to clarify the record.
