Another Government Official Against Free Speech

From the Pelham, NH School Committee:

Pelham board weighs allowing dissent versus a unified face

PELHAM — The School Board's vice chairman said the panel's success or failure in improving education rests on its presentation of a unified front on proposals that go to the public for a vote.

At last night's meeting, Vice Chairwoman Deb Ryan said she wanted to know what the board could do to police violations of any board policy prohibiting members from attacking positions staked out by a majority of the board.

The Vice Chairwoman was told by their attorney that, alas, there’s some kind of “First Amendment” thing about free speech, dissenting from your government, etc.  That crazy Constitution…

So what inspired all this? Some crazed committee member screaming insults at the board and speculating that 9/11 was an inside job?  Not quite:

Specifically, Ryan referred to two instances involving board member Linda Mahoney last year. In one case, Mahoney spoke out in a newspaper story against the new high school proposal on the Town Meeting ballot.

In the other instance, Mahoney spoke at a court hearing, opposing the district's petition to seek a Special Town Meeting on the new high school.

A majority of the board supported both endeavors, but both failed.

Both involved spending more tax dollars, too.  And they failed?  Obviously something must be done! Quick—throw Linda Mahoney to the lions!

Now, I don’t know any of the players in this story, but I do know that any elected official who’s even looking for ways to punish people for complaining about the government needs to be removed from office immediately.

Preferably, to a room with padded walls and jackets that buckle in the back.