Trainer urges Harwich chairs to adopt clear, neutral rules for public comment

Michelle Randazzo told attendees that public comment policies should be consistent and announced in advance. She said time limits and content‑neutral rules help avoid 1st Amendment litigation and improve meeting flow, and suggested encouraging speakers who have not yet spoken to do so before those who already have.

On managing disruptive speakers, Randazzo stressed the law requires a warning before removal and that removals must be tied to behavior (for example, threatening or imminently dangerous conduct) not merely the speaker’s viewpoints. "If you are chair of a board, do not volunteer or accept a nomination as chair if you are thin skinned," she said, urging chairs to remain composed and to take the high road when faced with hostile public comment.