MADELINE ISLAND NEWS
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Open Letter
NEW!!!
OPEN LETTER TO TOWN BOARD CONCERNING
CAMERAS AT MEETINGS
POSTED:
MARCH 2
Dear Ms. Fischlowitz aka - La Pointe Town Board
of Supervisors Press Liaison:
At the Town Board Meeting held on February 24,
2009 you read to the board a list of questions you had that you thought that
the Town Board was going need to address. Your list sounds very intelligent
and well thought out.
However, you mention something in this list that
concerns me, as a member of the press. To quote you, " After the circus last
week, one could wonder if we need law enforcement present to keep order."
You go on to say that "...Last week, attendees had their pictures taken
without their permission." This line is troublesome.
From what I heard about the public hearing, I am
sorry I missed it and only have the audio recordings for reference. But, I
am thinking of hiring a film crew for the next public hearing so that I may
be able to get an idea of what is going on and put it out on the internet
for everyone to enjoy.
However, if I hire a film-crew, will I need any
special permissions from the Town Board or the any of the attendees?
I can provide the crew with "release forms" for
members of the public, but we may have a problem with those who might feel
uncomfortable signing any releases.
My lawyer doesn't think I need permission, but I
wanted to check with you first. As the Press Liaison for the La Pointe Town
Board, I thought you would know for sure.
I do not want to subject my crew to ANY hassles
with law enforcement. I saw the problems that Linda Goodman from "Democracy
Now!" had with the St. Paul Police Department last fall and want to avoid
the costly expense of trying to bail people out of jail that are just trying
to do their jobs.
Please advise me as soon as possible about any
special camera restrictions or forms that might exist in the La Pointe's
Town Hall.
Sincerely,
Edward Itor
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