Berne board should respect the First Amendment

Friday, May 16, 2025 - 20:09

To the Editor:

I find it peculiar that citizens of Berne are unable to share public comments during a town board meeting, but groups are allowed to request time on the agenda and given ample time to express opinions and advocate for their group.

During a 2025 meeting, a board member requested public comment be considered and was shut down because people get “nasty” [“Berne Town board rides again,” The Altamont Enterprise, March 13,2025].

I don’t consider that respecting the First Amendment. 

Tim Doherty

East Berne

Editor’s note: While the New York State Open Meetings Law requires an elected board to meet in public, it does not require boards to allow the public to speak at those meetings.

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