Essex Massachusetts
@EssexTownClerk is preventing public records requests and other email to be sent to their town clerk. This is unacceptable, it is misuse of publicly funded resources (Electronic Mail), and prevents citizens from petitioning their government and other first amendment rights
OpenCommonwealth needs to look into “Town” Issues Pages on Facebook as well. On the topic of Essex, a School Committee Woman moderates the Essex Issues page. Selectpersons and other town officials comment freely and discuss town business including sometimes sharing information from meetings that were not open to the public. Often times, debate can get heated between residents and town officials. The moderator deletes comments if she feels they are not keeping in line with what her narrative is. She also will delete comments by town officials if they say something that is a bit off narrative or angry/emotional as well. Residents who complain or challenge the moderator are blocked from commenting, but more importantly they are denied access to town officials’ conversations on town issues. I spoke with our Town Administrator about this and was told that it is a “personal page” not a “town page.” I also spoke with Sec Galvin’s office who takes the exact opposite stance. He suggested that we ask Town Hall for a copy of all comments made by any town officials on this page under the FIA and to report back auto what they say. Galvin’s Office is VERY interested in this sit could set precedent on all town officials commenting on Social Media.