Escambia County‘s technology policy”>
Escambia County, Florida, found itself embroiled in a debate over online interaction openness this week. A proposed technology policy, slated for discussion Thursday evening, aimed to considerably regulate how county commissioners use the internet for official business. However, in a late-night session that stretched into Friday morning, the commission decided to postpone the vote.
The proposed policy, initiated by Commissioner Mike Kohler, would replace a previous version rescinded in May 2019. The delay leaves the county without a formal policy governing commissioners’ online interactions.
The draft policy’s stated goal is ambitious: “The purpose of this policy is to establish rules for how the County Commissioners communicate about County business in order to promote public trust, maintain the reputation and goodwill of Escambia County government, and ensure compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law and the Public Records Act,” the document reads.
Under the proposed rules, commissioners would face meaningful limitations on their online presence. Personal blogs and social media accounts used for county business would be prohibited. Email would become the sole officially sanctioned method of communication for county matters.
while the policy wouldn’t entirely ban commissioners from engaging on third-party platforms, any comments or responses would require a copy to be forwarded to a county-maintained email account, unless it’s a response to another commissioner. The use of text messaging and other instant communication methods would be “discouraged,” with a recommendation to disable such features on county-owned devices.Any such messages used would need to be copied and retained for compliance with the Sunshine Law.
The policy also aims to prevent the blurring of lines between personal and professional communication. Commissioners would be forbidden from using private email accounts for county business, and vice versa. Furthermore, the use of cell phones, computers, or other devices to send messages or emails during official board meetings would be strictly prohibited, except in case of personal emergencies, requiring the commissioner to leave the meeting room.
The postponement of the vote leaves the future of this stringent policy uncertain. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will revisit the issue at a future meeting.
Written by William reynolds
Escambia county Debates Strict Online Engagement Policies for Commissioners
Escambia county, Florida is facing a debate over transparency and online communication as a proposed technology policy aims to substantially restrict how county commissioners interact online. The proposed rules would impact personal blogs, social media, email usage, and even text messaging.
Senior Editor: Dr. Lisa Thompson, thanks so much for joining us today to discuss the proposed technology policy in Escambia County.
Dr. Lisa Thompson: It’s my pleasure.This is a complex issue with meaningful implications for government transparency and public access to details.
Senior Editor: absolutely. For our readers who might not be familiar with the specifics, could you provide a brief overview of what this proposed policy entails?
Dr. Thompson: Essentially, the policy seeks to regulate how commissioners use online platforms for county business. It would require them to primarily communicate via email, limit the use of personal social media for official purposes, and even discourage text messaging. The goal, as stated by the commissioners, is to promote trust, ensure compliance with Florida’s sunshine laws, and maintain a clear distinction between public and private communication.
Senior Editor: On the surface, those goals seem laudable. Transparency is crucial, after all.What are some of the concerns being raised about this policy?
Dr. Thompson: There are several. some argue that the restrictions are too stringent and could potentially stifle open dialog between commissioners and constituents. Relying solely on email can be seen as impersonal and might discourage engagement. There are also concerns about the practical implications of monitoring all online communication, including texts, and the potential for a chilling affect on free speech among commissioners.
Senior Editor: You mentioned concerns about discouraging engagement. How might this policy impact constituents’ ability to access information and connect with their representatives?
Dr. Thompson:
That’s a valid concern.Many constituents rely on social media platforms to stay informed about local issues and connect with their elected officials. This policy could make it more challenging for them to do so.Imagine a scenario where a commissioner is actively engaged in discussions about a pressing community issue on social media, but then has to refrain from doing so due to these new rules. It creates a barrier to that open dialogue that’s so important in a democracy.
Senior Editor: The article mentions the Sunshine Law.Could you elaborate on how this proposed policy intersects with Florida’s open records and meeting regulations?
Dr. Thompson: The Sunshine Law mandates that government meetings and records be open and accessible to the public. this policy attempts to align commissioners’ online communication with those principles. By requiring emails to be retained and monitored, the county aims to ensure that all discussions related to public business are clear and auditable.
Senior Editor: This is clearly a complex issue with strong arguments on both sides. What are some possible next steps in this process?
Dr. Thompson: The Escambia County Commission postponed the vote on this policy, which is a positive sign. this gives them time to reconsider the proposed restrictions, gather more public input, and perhaps explore option approaches that balance transparency with the need for open communication. Hopefully,they will use this time to craft a policy that truly serves the best interests of the community.
Senior Editor: Dr. Thompson, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today. These are critical issues facing our communities, and your insights are invaluable.
