Arizona City Scraps Legally Dubious Public Comment Policy

Surprise City Council

The Surprise City Council unanimously scrapped its public comment policy as it faces a lawsuit from a local activist’s removal from a recent meeting.

The rule limited the ability to “lodge charges or complaints against any employee of the City or members of the body” during council meetings public comment period and instead required people to refer their issues to the city manager instead. The motion was introduced by Councilman Jack Hastings, who said on Friday that “people should be able to voice their concerns and criticize their government and elected officials” in an announcement to X on Friday.

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After Arrest of Citizen Goes Viral, Surprise Councilman Seeks to End Controversial Ban on Criticism

Surprise Councilman Jack Hastings wants to get rid of the city’s public comment policy that has landed the city in legal hot water.

“On Tuesday, at our next City Council Meeting, I will make a motion and/or vote to remove the rule that prohibits complaints against elected officials and city staff members during the public comment portion of our meetings,” he posted on Friday. 

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