05/05/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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likely to stay longer, revenues could be increased. He stated he ~ wished more could be done to encourage First Amendment rights. ~ Mr. Hansen is not the cause of this problem; it is an evolution of public law and a general problem. At the present, arbitrary censorship can be used in these malls. Public resources are not going to be used to inhibit free speech. Until some better solutions are available, we must do the best we can to protect the rights to exchange ideas. He feels this is a modest step in laying groundwork for further work. He feels there will be good compli- ance. Mr. Obie stated that he can respect the ideals which brought this ordinance before the council. Free speech and other freedoms must be safeguarded. He further stated he cannot respect the fact that because Ms. Miller wanted, before the election, to have everyone announce his/her position, that that is why the council met tonight. He abhors using these chambers as a political playground. He cannot allow himself to participate in this farce. He further stated he could not respect Cynthia Kokis for denying others time to speak by stating she was speaking against the ordinance when indeed she was promoting it. The issue is not a simple one. Private property and free speech are the conflicting issues. The Supreme Court and other courts are charged with upholding the United States Constitution. This responsibility should be left to the courts rather 'than to the City Council. The council should not try to circumvent existing laws. There are people who want protection from dissemination of information and e they should be protected just as those who wish to speak should be protected. He will oppose this tonight and in the future. Mr. Delay stated that the council is not creating a regulatory mechanism nor circumventing existing laws, but rather creating incentives to protect First Amendment rights. Ms. Smith stated she shares Mr. Obie's concerns and does not feel this is the appropriate process for this issue. She does, however, appreciate people coming to let the councilors know their feelings. She will vote against the motion. Roll call vote; motion carried four to two with Councilors Smith and Obie voting no and Councilors Delay, Lieuallen, Miller, and Schue voting aye. B. Proposal to Prohibit Smoking in Certain Areas (memorandum distributed) L Mr. Henry stated this is being sponsored by Councilor Schue. There are 14'different groups of areas in the proposal in which e 5/5/80--14