To the editor:
I am writing in response to Jason Desrosier's letter concerning the EP City Council Meeting of February 6, 2018.
A review of the meeting reveals that Jason's letter is factually inaccurate and his legal analysis is incorrect. Specifically, the Councilman did in fact respond to the resident's comments immediately after they were made and also at a later point during the meeting.
Furthermore, during the resident's allotted 3 minutes for public comment, I supported this individual's First Amendment right to free speech and denied the request to stop this person from continuing. I then explained that we do not regulate the content of speech.
On a far more serious note, over the past year I have seen a pattern of hurtful and retaliatory behavior used as a means to silence those who dare to disagree.
Mr. Desrosier's letter (and especially the version which appeared on Facebook) goes beyond merely disagreeing with me about an issue. It includes ad hominem smear tactics. So what is the real purpose of this letter?
Jason’s letter is also an attempt to deflect attention away from the issue raised by the resident at the meeting. Specifically, this individual discussed the current use of the City of East Providence's Facebook page.
The issue of the City's Facebook page and the need for a policy will be addressed by the City Council at our next meeting.
James A. Briden
Mayor & At-Large Councilman