Editorial: Civility codes can’t outlaw criticism. | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

I don't always agree with Randy Schultz, but he makes some good points regarding public discourse and opinion during public meetings. Click title for link. He notes the following:

The best civility codes are simple and fairly enforced. Lake Worth bans “name-calling, obscenity and shouting,” and speakers can’t use “fighting words which might incite violence.” Palm Beach County forbids speakers from making “impertinent or slanderous remarks” or becoming “boisterous.” But recently Mayor Steven Abrams refused to let speakers criticize County Administrator Bob Weisman by name for saying that Inspector General Sheryl Steckler should be fired. That is unfair enforcement.
Riviera Beach offers a cautionary tale against obsessing over gadflies. The city took revenge against Fane Lozman by seizing and destroying his houseboat. The case went to the Supreme Court, and the city lost.
Profanity, slander and threats are off-limits. Criticism related to the office, even by name, should not be. Perhaps those who don’t want criticism shouldn’t run for office.