A proposal to hold a public hearing on new ethics rules governing official Town of North Hempstead communications sparked another heated debate Tuesday night, June 2, with board members and residents clashing over free speech, government messaging and the role of local government in commenting on national and international issues.

At the center of the discussion was a resolution that would have scheduled a July 14 public hearing on a proposed amendment to the town’s ethics code that would restrict official town communications to matters within the municipality’s jurisdiction.The board previously voted against the amendment at the last meeting on May 6.

The proposal stems from a broader dispute over the use of official town social media accounts and communications channels to address issues beyond the scope of local government authority.

The resolution would have allowed residents to weigh in on a proposed local law amending the town code, known as the Ethics Code, to establish regulations for official town communications. According to the agenda packet, the proposed law would “restrict official Town communications to matters that are within the jurisdiction of the Town.”

The discussion drew pointed comments from residents and elected officials, exposing divisions that have simmered for months over what constitutes appropriate use of government communication platforms.

Resident Scott Wolf urged the board to allow the hearing to proceed, arguing that the proposal was about public participation rather than the merits of the law itself.

“It’s a ridiculous premise that I’m here tonight … urging you to vote yes on something as simple as setting a date for a public hearing,” Wolf said. He argued that residents deserved an opportunity to publicly debate whether town resources should be used for communications unrelated to municipal business.

Wolf linked the proposal to prior disputes over town statements concerning national and international events, including Jan. 6 and the war involving Iran. He accused town leadership of inconsistency in determining what subjects were appropriate for official communication channels.

Another resident, Francesca Zahner of Port Washington, questioned how decisions are made regarding content posted on the town’s official social media accounts.

“Who makes the decision, or what can go on the town’s official government communications?” Town Council Member Robert Troiano Jr. asked North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. DeSena said the communications department makes the decision.

Source: LI Press