Letters to the editor - Kane County

Right to speak was upheld by quintet

We would like to thank five good members of the board of trustees. Paul Humpfer, Keith Hinz, Judy Sigwalt, Ed Ritter and Karen Teeter stood up on behalf of residents at the last board meeting in spite of resistance from Village President Bill Sarto.

Sarto has frequently gaveled and censored residents during the public comment portion of meetings when his opinion differed. But the official guidelines state: "Members of the general public may address the board with concerns or comments regarding issues that are relevant to village business."

This should include any resident's judgment of what is "relevant" present or future business. There is no additional stipulation to allow suppression by a board member who may simply disagree. It implies speech deemed relevant by the speaker and properly disallows repression of dissent.

The guidelines do not say "relevant in the sole judgment of the president," nor should they.

Additionally, the local rules state: "There shall be no debate on any matters raised during public comment."

This would include all board members, unless there is cause (i.e., indecorum). No debate means no debate. If there is controversy about a speaker's reasonable content, Sarto should endure the speaker's comments without interruption.

We believe the board made the right decision to support the residents and overrule Sarto, effectively allowing us to speak on matters of our choosing, instead of limiting us to only "board-approved commentary."

Rather than stifle the public forum, these five trustees chose to uphold our rights as citizens, in contrast to Sarto and Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski who voted to take them away.

For that, we are most appreciative.

Bob Sperlazzo, chairman

Fox Valley Citizens

for Legal Immigration