BCP councillors refuse public meeting following concerns over the tone of public comments, leading to debate on free speech and safety.
Steve Moody speaks for the group. He thinks their comments are not offensive and politicians must accept criticism. Janie Berry also works for the BCP Council and feels council members deserve safety.
Debates should be measured and respectful, as respectful debate is more productive. Derogatory comments create a bad atmosphere. Hadley and Herrett met with the group before to discuss transport solutions for the public.
Concerns arose about online comments after that meeting. These comments targeted council members and residents. Councillors can share their concerns with others and get advice before attending meetings. The council supports their choice to skip this meeting and wants healthy and respectful conversations.
Moody said he and others monitor group comments and denies any threatening or hateful comments exist. Moody says the council confuses criticism for hate, and he thinks other groups make worse comments. He will remove improper comments but feels he cannot censor policy criticism.
Moody said police advice made the councillors decline, which alarmed him, he claims. He believes their page does not need police involvement. Janie invited Moody to a travel meeting on March 10, and he is now on a list for future transport talks. The council signed an agreement called “Debate not Hate.”