Clerk: Commission speaking ban ‘absolutely appalling’
Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker publicly denounced a new Franklin County Commission policy banning public speaking at meetings. This policy was in effect during a meeting where citizens, including one holding a sign against rezoning for an AI data center, were present to address local development issues.
Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker expressed strong disapproval of a new policy enacted by the Franklin County Commission that bans public speaking at its meetings. Baker described the policy, which stipulated that only written statements would be accepted, as "absolutely appalling." The ban was implemented for the June 2 meeting, generating controversy over public access to local governance.
Despite the speaking ban, members of the public were present at the meeting. One individual, Jeff Hayden, was observed outside the Franklin County Government Center holding a sign that read "No Rezoning for AI Data Center," indicating public concern and opposition regarding proposed data center developments within the county.