DOVER — During Dover’s reorganization meeting, an individual repeatedly disrupted the proceedings by shouting from the audience while official town business was being conducted, this has occurred in the past resulting in closed meetings to the public for several months and providing council meetings virtually only.
Public meetings must be conducted with order and decorum. That is not optional, it is required for the business of this town to move forward.
The individual was warned multiple times to stop interrupting the meeting and to comply with basic standards of civil conduct. She refused to do so. As a result, she was removed from the meeting, not from the building, so that the Council could continue its work.
During her disruptions, the individual sarcastically referenced being a veteran in response to a previous statement I made honoring our veterans. Let me be clear, I have upmost respect and admire all those who have served our country. Again, I stated this clearly earlier in the meeting, this is a subject is very close to my family, and I will forever continue to stand by it.
However, military service does not exempt anyone from following rules of conduct, nor does it justify disruptive behavior, regardless of our opinions.
It is also important to address the misuse of “freedom of speech” in situations like this. The First Amendment protects the right to express opinions; it does not grant anyone the right to disrupt a public meeting, shout over elected officials or professionals, or prevent the orderly conduct of government business. Time, place, and manner rules exist so that everyone’s voice can be heard appropriately and fairly, and it should be followed.
As the Mayor of this town, I will not tolerate the conduct that undermines the orderly operation of our public meetings. There is an abundance of town business items that must be accomplished, and ridiculing our town will not stand.
Respect must be mutual. It is very simple, you earn respect by giving respect.
Dover’s residents deserve meetings that are conducted professionally, respectfully, and without disruption. I will continue to uphold that standard.
As always, I remain humbled to serve as your Mayor.
James P. Dodd
