The topic is not on the Select Board’s upcoming agenda to be addressed. And the comment guideline is still posted on the website under the board’s policies. Read the full article → from Town’s “unconstitutional” comment policy yet to be addressed
Barron v Kolenda
Responses to SJC Ruling on Select Board comment policy
Attorneys, a plaintiff, and the ACLU are among those speaking out in reaction to this week's decision by the Mass Supreme Judicial Court on Southborough's public meeting comment policy
Today, I received a press release from the Mass chapter of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). They are advising how towns should address this week’s ruling by the state’s Supreme Judicial Court that Southborough’s comment policy is “unconstitutional” Read the full article → from Responses to SJC Ruling on Select Board comment policy
Select Board comment policy “unconstitutional” according to SJC
The Mass Supreme Judicial Court made a declaration on the Town's policy and remanded Barron v Kolenda back to court for review of a plausible civil rights violation.
In a case that has made national news (and is likely to again), the state’s Supreme Court ruled that Southborough’s public comment policy created by the Select Board is “unconstitutional” in Massachusetts. Read the full article → from Select Board comment policy “unconstitutional” according to SJC
SJC questions Town’s policy and actions (Updated)
Justices on the Mass Supreme Court questioned whether the Select Board's Public Comment Guidelines are too restrictive of free speech and/or whether a former selectman wrongly applied the policy.
This week, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts heard arguments in a case filed by three Southborough residents against the Southborough Select Board. I’m recapping the highlights. Read the full article → from SJC questions Town’s policy and actions (Updated)
Select Board legal case at Mass Supreme Court this morning (Updated)
The Supreme Judicial Court will hear and question arguments in residents' case against the Select Board's comment policy today.
This morning, attorneys representing three Southborough residents and those defending the Southborough Select Board will argue in front of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Read the full article → from Select Board legal case at Mass Supreme Court this morning (Updated)
Amicus Briefs filed with Mass Supreme Court on Select Board comment policy
Four briefs have been filed weighing in on residents' appeal of Barron V Kolenda and the constitutionality of a Town policy limiting what is allowed during public comment in meetings.
The Mass Supreme Court will consider arguments about the constitutionality of the Southborough Select Board’s Comment Policy. Four friends of the court briefs have been filed weighing in on questions related to a resident’s 2020 lawsuit against the Board. Read the full article → from Amicus Briefs filed with Mass Supreme Court on Select Board comment policy
Legal Update: Mass Supreme Court reviewing constitutionality of Select Board comment policy; no more Park Central appeals
I have updates on two lawsuits that had been filed against the Town, Read the full article → from Legal Update: Mass Supreme Court reviewing constitutionality of Select Board comment policy; no more Park Central appeals
Judge finds for selectmen in Barron v Kolenda (but clarifies board can’t prohibit public comments solely to avoid criticism)
A memo from the court found in favor of the Town and current and former selectmen named in the lawsuit. Read the full article → from Judge finds for selectmen in Barron v Kolenda (but clarifies board can’t prohibit public comments solely to avoid criticism)
Barron lawsuit amended to return to Worcester Superior Court; another OML violation determined
In May, I posted that a lawsuit filed by Southborough residents against selectmen and the Town was moving to the Federal Courts. Based on an amended complaint, the complainants were able to return the case to Worcester Superior Court. Read the full article → from Barron lawsuit amended to return to Worcester Superior Court; another OML violation determined
Selectmen file to move Barron lawsuit to federal court
Last week, selectmen filed to move a lawsuit filed against them and the Town from Worcester Superior Court. Read the full article → from Selectmen file to move Barron lawsuit to federal court
Residents sue selectmen and Town over “constitutional rights” and “abusive comments” (Updated)
A lawsuit has been filed against Southborough selectmen and the Town over treatment of a resident, handling of meeting minutes, and the “Public Participation” policy. Read the full article → from Residents sue selectmen and Town over “constitutional rights” and “abusive comments” (Updated)
BOS calls for improved respect; eliminated public comment (temporarily), and released 5 yrs of Closed Meeting Minutes
As I shared in a “quick update”, an incident in December made news after the selectman involved addressed it last week. But, it deserves more attention since it was under a headline about the blog’s technical issues and I have related news to add. Read the full article → from BOS calls for improved respect; eliminated public comment (temporarily), and released 5 yrs of Closed Meeting Minutes
Warning: We are experiencing technical difficulties! (Plus, here are some quick updates)
As anyone who has been on the site today can attest – the blog is a bit out of sorts today. I’ve been struggling with some technical issues. Read the full article → from Warning: We are experiencing technical difficulties! (Plus, here are some quick updates)
Open discussion thread: Ask questions, share opinions
The open discussion thread is your place to ask questions, sound off on town issues, or share information with other readers. Read the full article → from Open discussion thread: Ask questions, share opinions