Local ACLU again urges Sacramento City Council to act in public's best interest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Sept. 6, 2010
Contact: Jim Updegraff 916/421-5951 or ACLU-Sac press office 916/996-9170

Local ACLU again urges Sacramento City Council to act in public's best interest, and reconsider its decision to move public comment to end of meetings; matter on Tuesday agenda

SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Monday said it still believes the Sacramento City Council's decision to move the public comment period to the end of its meetings is wrong, not practical and urged the council Tuesday to rescind that vote when it re-considers the issue Tuesday.

ACLU-Sacramento board chair Jim Updegraff will hold a press availability TUESDAY, 5:15 P.M. OUTSIDE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS to answer questions.

Updegraff, in a letter to be hand-delivered to council members Tuesday morning, said, "exceptions" to the new rule to be discussed Tuesday by the council are not "practical" and being offered only in an attempt "to placate critics of the proposed change."

The ACLU's objection still stands, said Updegraff, noting the council's new rule to move public comment on matters not on the agenda to the end of meetings "undoubtedly will preclude members of the public from having the opportunity to voice their grievances, concerns and comments to their elected representatives."

"The Sacramento County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union strongly opposes moving the public comment period for issues not on the agenda from the start of meetings to the end of meetings...people will not be able to stay to the end of the meeting because they rely upon (public transit) for transportation, have family commitments or for health reasons cannot sit for the long hours meetings often run," said Updegraff.

Updegraff urged the City Council to "change the public comment period back to the start of the meeting. Such action would best serve the people of the City of Sacramento."

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