Attendees at the monthly Ankeny Coffee with Legislators meeting were instructed not to record the legislative sessions late last week. An individual who has been going to the meetings has filmed several questions and answers related to medical freedom for their own use in order to accurately recall and discuss with legislators where they stand.
However, last month they were asked to stop filming as it was against the rules. This individual said it isn’t listed in the nearly five minutes of rules read at the beginning of the meeting.
This month, however, organizers placed a sign letting individuals know not to record.
For what it is worth, after last month’s meeting, this individual asked Ankeny Mayor Mark Holm about whether it was permitted to record and, according to this individual, Holm said they have frequently had people record the sessions and saw no reason not to allow it.
Melissa Cox, the CEO and President of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, said it is a “long-standing policy” of the Ankeny Area Chamber to encourage “in-person attendance” at the legislative updates.
“While topics discussed are timely, their status changes quickly upon completion of the update session,” Cox said. “Thus, the information is best shared in-person for clarity, context and understanding of content.”
Recording is prohibited, Cox said, unless it is done by the Ankeny Chamber with permission of those on the panel.
Hey, Let’s cancel free speech every where we can. If someone hears some thing at the council and speaks to someone about it, a legislator, a community member, Etc. who’s to say that what they’re talking about has not changed since the people discussing it or discussing it? The explanation given about why they cannot record some thing doesn’t stand up to facts. It is supression of free speech In yet another form.
So much for transparency and all that nonsense. I have come to a one strike you’re out attitude with the high and mighty elected. Shut me out and you’ll never get my vote again – ever. Plus, you will meet opposition and possibly experience hurtful words with extreme prejudice. Yeah, I know I may have the wrong attitude and lack compassion but it’s a gift I got from another federal government school long ago called the USMC.
FYI folks: Iowa Code Chapter 66 allows for the removal of elected “officials” LOL from office and provides the grounds for doing so. Check it out. Why wait for the election? Some of these morons might be “qualified” to be shown the door early. This law is also long-standing policy.