GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Greenfield City Council Appointments and Ordinances Committee voted unanimously this week to have the full council sign off on the Code of Civility policy for elected and appointed officials.
Councilor Wahab Minhas said he is in favor of the policy, as long as it doesn’t silence any city official, or put their social media content under undue scrutiny.
“In spirit, I am in favor of it,” said Minhas. “But for me, before anything else, Freedom of Speech is most important.”
Committe Chair Katherine Golub said it was voluntary for councilors to sign the Code of Civility policy, and that many had not. Golub is hoping for councilors to do that at the next council meeting, or at the next one they are able to attend.
“We can say that we are recommending to (Council members) that we ask that City Council at the next meeting read and sign this document,” said Golub.
The city council has seen several instances of heated exchanges during public meetings in recent months.