FB Star Report: Chief County Judge Bob Hebert Threatens Further Restrictions On Free Speech At Court--

From FB Star: "County Judge Bob Hebert has faced some criticism about his decision recently to limit the number of public speakers on one topic. A number of residents appeared in court to voice their opposition to a planned toll road and Hebert designated one of the speakers to discuss the issue while denying the others their three minute speech. Some residents felt this was an unwarranted violation of their free speech, but Hebert noted that it was the policy of the court to discuss only agenda items or issues over which the court had jurisdiction in the county. And, while he vigorously upheld the right for the public to have their say, the speakers were all there to discuss a state agency’s plan to build a toll road over which the county has little or no say. He did allow an extended time for the one spokesperson to talk and pointed out that prior to that meeting citizens coming to discuss the issue had been allowed to speak. The speakers were appearing week after week and in growing numbers to discuss the same issue and Hebert said he felt that in order to maintain order and continuity in the court sessions some limitations had to be set.

In other sessions, Hebert had halted speakers and at least twice threatened to have the speaker removed if he did not cease discussing issues that should have been addressed by other entities such as an area school district, the state, or the federal agencies overseeing the items being presented. He said that unless the court established some iron clad rules pertaining to the speakers, it could face the possibility of eliminating the process entirely if uncontrolled access was permitted."

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MCC Comment:

This appears to be a continuing pattern here in Fort Bend County with some special interest elected officials attempting to, in our opinion, stifle debate.