Board Chairman Niemann Statement Re: Public Comments

Effingham County Board Chairman Jim Niemann issued a statement at Monday's Board meeting regarding public comments made regarding recent actions by the Board.

(JIM NIEMANN)

Here is the statement:

"Over the last couple of months much has been said in committee and board meetings about the Second Amendment and Pro-Life resolutions being a waste of taxpayer money. I know we have addressed this but apparently not all have heard it. Those resolutions cost the taxpayers the costs of printing the resolutions on paper on the county laser printers, or just over two cents a sheet. If the total costs to the County for printing of both resolutions costs more than a dollar I would be extremely surprised. In exchange for that minimal investment the County received overwhelming support in both phone calls and emails in favor of the resolutions. Using non-binding resolutions to promote discussion and reflection of the values of a community on issues of the day is an integral part of local government in informing other involved entities of government our views.

"There have also been accusations that the County Board, via these resolutions, is dividing us as a community. Often the very people who make such allegations are quick to point out others who do not agree with them as Nazis, fascists, KKK, racists and other degrading and dividing labels. This labeling of others does nothing to promote discussion and debate in the exercise of free speech in which others views are expounded and true influence garnered. This level of intolerance is counter to the very nature of free speech; it extends to making people afraid to speak at a meeting, or verbally accosting meeting attendees in the hallway after the meeting as a means to infringe on rather than promote free speech.

"It has been, and continues to be, the practice of this board to allow people with differing views to speak on topics and to thank them for their participation in government. The Board will not tolerate attempts to intimidate people who wish to address the County Board. People may find part of what another says offensive. There is no right against being offended; to do so would be antithetical to the very notion of free speech."