The River Reporter
Thursday, August 19, 1993

Protesters challenge speech restrictions in Monticello

MONTICELLO -- Despite a notice stating that signs would not be permitted at Monticello Village Board meetings, people entered the August 16th meeting with large buttons, books and copies of the U.S. Constitution -- many also wearing colorful and expressive t-shirts -- voicing their opposition to policies of the village board, indeed, the village board itself.

After parading with even larger signs and placards outside the village hall, about two dozen individuals attempted to enter the 8:00 p.m. meeting. However Monticello police officers prevented anyone from bringing in hand-held signs by blocking the door and threatening arrest.

Even though protesters promised not to disrupt and appealed to the First Amendment (which guarantees freedom of expression), sergeant William Van Hage and officer Frank Armstrong would not relent, stating instead that they "had their orders."

Two weeks ago five people were arrested for disorderly conduct when they tried to bring signs into the meeting, even though most of them never entered the room. The protests stem from a March 1st job switch, in which five top village officials changed elected positions without an election after deciding the matter in a secret session. Last week a judge ruled that two residents have standing to sue the village over matters decided in violation of the open meetings law. The suit is pending.

Village officials claim that the signs are disruptive and unsafe, and that they are tired of the protests.

The same ban was also in place at the August 17th planning board meeting, where the topic was location of an infectious waste processing plant in Monticello. Some of the signs oppose Stericycle, the company invited into the village by the unelected officials.