FLINT, Mich. (AP) - Got something to say at a Flint City Council meeting? The clock is ticking.
Emergency Manager Darnell Earley has set a three-minute limit on each speaker. The remarks will come near the end of meetings, not before votes. Critics said he’s stifling democracy.
About 10 protesters turned out Friday at City Hall with tape over their mouths.
“Who cares how long we listen to the public? Why would he care?” Councilman Eric Mays told The Flint Journal (https://bit.ly/1iaXHQH ). “These people have the right to chime in, and I have the right to hear them.”
Earley, appointed by the state to run Flint and fix its poor finances, said the policy gives people an opportunity to talk without being burdened by unscripted, long-winded speakers.
He said other cities have similar restrictions.
“These are not normal times in the city of Flint. Our first priority is to take care of the business of the city of Flint,” Earley said.
In March, he signed an order limiting council members to five minutes each to speak at the end of meetings.
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Information from: The Flint Journal, https://www.mlive.com/flint
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