January 21st, 2013 by WCBC Radio
A LaVale man is continuing what he calls a battle over freedom of speech issues at local public meetings. Kevin Shaffer, a county employee and former candidate for office, on several occasions has tried to discuss a book written on the subject of freedom of speech by a college law professor- Christoper Fairman. The book, available in local libraries, addresses, among other things, words that are considered taboo in public settings. Shaffer’s discussion was cut off by both the Allegany County Commissioners and the Board of Education during the past six months-with the presidents of those boards deeming the language inappropriate and offensive. He is now taking his case to the legislative delegation, asking that they seek an opinion from the Maryland Attorney General and to push for a law that would clearly outline freedom of speech issues- and his right to use those words in public settings. Shaffer attended Friday’s meeting of the local delegation to make the request. State Senator George Edwards said that he believes local boards, including the delegation, offer a great deal of leeway when hearing from citizens- and feels that the presiding officer has some rights in outlining how the meeting should be conducted…
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