Tensions ran high at Tuesday’s Conroe City Council meeting as new public comment rules sparked heated debate, with Mayor Duke Coon refusing to enforce the changes.
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The Conroe City Council approved a controversial resolution on Tuesday. The resolution restricts public comments to current agenda items and caps the entire comment period at 30 minutes unless the council extends it. The new rules, which were approved by a 3-1 vote, garnered substantial opposition from residents and Mayor Duke Coon, who declared that he would not enforce them.
Council Members David Hairel, Shana R. Arthur, and Marsha Porter have endorsed the resolution, which restricts speakers to a maximum of three minutes and restricts discussions on a specific topic to three individuals. The changes were criticized by dissenting Council Member Harry Hardman and Mayor Pro Tem Howard Wood for stifling public input, despite Hairel's assertion that they are consistent with the practices of neighboring cities and do not violate free expression.
The new regulations were explicitly opposed by Mayor Coon, who was visibly frustrated and cited a broader lack of communication and transparency at City Hall. "I will not enforce it, and you may fine me $1,500 for each instance in which I fail to do so," he stated, alluding to the penalties that council members may incur for violating regulations.
Residents expressed apprehension regarding the potential loss of the ability to address off-agenda topics, with numerous residents advocating for increased transparency. According to John Sellers, a resident of Conroe, "Citizens are entitled to express their grievances and speak."
The decision was made in response to months of public dissatisfaction regarding matters such as the destiny of Sam Houston School and the closure of the West Side Recreation Center. While seeking advice from the Texas Attorney General's Office on how to enhance council operations, Mayor Coon has suggested the creation of a code of integrity and transparency.
Although their enforcement is questionable, the new regulations are effective immediately.
