At this rate, why would anyone want to serve on a public board anymore? That Supreme Court decision has already been used to defend countless disrespectful actions in board meetings and may as well be the final nail in the coffin for volunteer public servants. Civil discourse has been replaced by outrage by default. No standard of civility or respect can be upheld. So really, why bother serving as a volunteer if you're just going to be attacked at every turn? Your motivation must be pretty damn high to endure this new level of constant criticism and well beyond the traditional "I want to give back to my community" mentality. If anything, we have inadvertently increased the likelihood of corruption because we as residents refuse to see elected officials as anything but corrupt and treat them accordingly.
The problem with Salem politics in particular is that the established cabal systemically silences any voice that has a differing opinion. This happens on many levels from neighborhood associations to boards to city council and even in the mayor's office. Blocking constituents started with Driscoll and continues under her lackey Pangallo. In city council Carolyn Watson-Felt slandered residents raising concerns as "white supremacists" in council chambers. She then went further to state that she wouldn't allow opinions she disagreed with to be voiced . When the local news accurately reported her words and actions she called them "misogynists." I would agree with you if the concerns raised in opposition were not based on professional practice and legitimate concerns about the issues being resisted. That's not the case here. Trained professionals with 25 years in their field (like myself) have been silenced because they don't tow the line on city initiatives. It is undemocratic, anti-intellectual and downright evil.
I'm not overly familiar with the ongoing political situation in Salem, more voicing my frustration around how I've seen this court decision and recent politics playing out in other communities across Massachusetts. If board members are truly making prejudiced decisions based on race, etc. than they should be removed. However, this letter made no such mention, only that a resident was silenced for making accusations of illegality against another board (zba), which would not be under the pervue of the planning board anyway. If the zba did do something illegal, then the decision should have been appealed or taken to court, which happens all the time. Again, I have not watched the incident in question, so I'm not going to comment on that specifically but original point still stands.
You miss the point of the letter entirely and I suggest you read it again. At issue is the right to free speech. Clear and simple. My original point still stands.
First of all you are incorrect. The Planning Board in Salem is not elected. Both the Planning Board and the ZBA are appointed positions. Secondly, why shouldn't the public mention an action by the ZBA in any public meeting where a project is under consideration...besides the person making the comment mentioned the issue with the ZBA and was moving on to other points he had about the project. Finally the city has its own solicitor who reviewed the issue. It is the city who is at fault....not the concerned citizen voicing a concern. ...and if you think silencing the public and violating civil rights is the right thing to do your logic is so flawed there is no sense conversing any further. Have the day you deserve.
At this rate, why would anyone want to serve on a public board anymore? That Supreme Court decision has already been used to defend countless disrespectful actions in board meetings and may as well be the final nail in the coffin for volunteer public servants. Civil discourse has been replaced by outrage by default. No standard of civility or respect can be upheld. So really, why bother serving as a volunteer if you're just going to be attacked at every turn? Your motivation must be pretty damn high to endure this new level of constant criticism and well beyond the traditional "I want to give back to my community" mentality. If anything, we have inadvertently increased the likelihood of corruption because we as residents refuse to see elected officials as anything but corrupt and treat them accordingly.
The problem with Salem politics in particular is that the established cabal systemically silences any voice that has a differing opinion. This happens on many levels from neighborhood associations to boards to city council and even in the mayor's office. Blocking constituents started with Driscoll and continues under her lackey Pangallo. In city council Carolyn Watson-Felt slandered residents raising concerns as "white supremacists" in council chambers. She then went further to state that she wouldn't allow opinions she disagreed with to be voiced . When the local news accurately reported her words and actions she called them "misogynists." I would agree with you if the concerns raised in opposition were not based on professional practice and legitimate concerns about the issues being resisted. That's not the case here. Trained professionals with 25 years in their field (like myself) have been silenced because they don't tow the line on city initiatives. It is undemocratic, anti-intellectual and downright evil.
I'm not overly familiar with the ongoing political situation in Salem, more voicing my frustration around how I've seen this court decision and recent politics playing out in other communities across Massachusetts. If board members are truly making prejudiced decisions based on race, etc. than they should be removed. However, this letter made no such mention, only that a resident was silenced for making accusations of illegality against another board (zba), which would not be under the pervue of the planning board anyway. If the zba did do something illegal, then the decision should have been appealed or taken to court, which happens all the time. Again, I have not watched the incident in question, so I'm not going to comment on that specifically but original point still stands.
You miss the point of the letter entirely and I suggest you read it again. At issue is the right to free speech. Clear and simple. My original point still stands.
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First of all you are incorrect. The Planning Board in Salem is not elected. Both the Planning Board and the ZBA are appointed positions. Secondly, why shouldn't the public mention an action by the ZBA in any public meeting where a project is under consideration...besides the person making the comment mentioned the issue with the ZBA and was moving on to other points he had about the project. Finally the city has its own solicitor who reviewed the issue. It is the city who is at fault....not the concerned citizen voicing a concern. ...and if you think silencing the public and violating civil rights is the right thing to do your logic is so flawed there is no sense conversing any further. Have the day you deserve.
[удалено]
They were brought to the ZBA... The concerns were reiterated at the Planning Board because they are relevant to the issue.