News: Three blind mice?

Columnist Dianne Williamson at the Worcester Telegram cites the work of the ACLU of Massachusetts in this great piece on free speech in Spencer.

At issue is whether a citizen had the right to refer to town selectmen as "the three blind mice" during a meeting last September. The chairman, Vincent Cloutier, ruled her out of order for the comment.

Does this mean even mild criticism isn't permitted at a public meeting?

In a letter, Sarah Wunsch, our Staff Attorney, wrote:

“The town has created a citizen comment period, and the chairman does not have the right to silence those who are critical of the performance of town officials and employees, including the board members themselves."

Williamson writes: "Mr. Cloutier... is an elected official and needs to toughen up."