Proposed Changes for Smith County Commissioners Court Meetings

TYLER –A newly-appointed committee held a meeting Thursday to redefine the rules of procedure, conduct and decorum for Smith County Commissioners Court. According to KETK, a handful of East Texans met to offer suggestions and changes they would like to see. Under the current rules, “the court will not allow a member of the public to question the integrity of the court or its members.” Attendees said they want to throw out that rule, adding it was an abridgement of their free speech. The suggestion comes after a regularly scheduled meeting, in which people questioned Smith County Judge Joel Baker’s alleged inappropriate conduct.

Citizens also said they wanted the chance to say whatever they wanted in the three minutes allocated to them, as long as they were not being vulgar. Another suggestion was for there to be a meeting one evening a month, open to public comment on upcoming issues. East Texans will have the chance to meet again next Thursday to give their input. Then those suggestions will be presented to The Commissioners Court.