I heard the lead in for Suzy’s appearance on the forum and her description of the new Payson Policy Manual seemed draconian. The constitutional rights granted citizens are by the creator and cannot be taken away by man unless we allow it. The Town policy that attempts to limit a citizens right to free speech is unconstitutional at best and evil in the worst sense. Let’s be clear, Suzy is not a spokeswoman for the Town of Payson but her rights as a citizen of Payson cannot be infringed upon by a Policy Manual, Town Attorney or Town Manager.
The attempt to keep council members silenced sounded similar to a situation that happened in Commerce City, Colorado when then Police Chief Troy Smith decreed that police officers could not investigate fellow officers. Commerce City Police officer Scott Green, on his own time, out of uniform and driving his personal vehicle went to a neighboring town to file a Freedom of Information request on some officers. The Police Chief of that town notified Chief Troy Smith about the request filed by Scott Green. Scott Green’s immediate supervisor pushed for reprimand, the supervisor above him wanted a written reprimand in his file and Chief Troy Smith fired Officer Green.
Fast forward through an extensive legal battle and Officer Green was awarded $150,000 for wrongful termination from the City of Commerce City, Troy Smith was replaced as police chief and made Assistant City Manager.
Is it possible Mr. Troy Smith has learned nothing about the ramifications of trampling on peoples rights? I hope he has a change of heart but history tells us that Leopards don’t change their spots.
Information about Commerce City vs Scott Green was published by Brian Maass of CBS News in Denver, Colorado. The Brian Maass story is quite detailed and still available online in case I’m accused of spreading false information.
Stephen Otto
