Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker called it “absolutely appalling” after the County Commission banned all spoken public comments at meetings, effective June 2.
For years, residents could speak for up to three minutes at the start of each meeting on any issue. That opportunity was first moved to the end of meetings, then eliminated entirely in favor of written statements only. Signs now posted at the lectern read “Written statements only” and “Authorized personnel only.”
The change follows months of intense opposition to proposed AI data centers. Residents packed meetings and raised concerns about land use, soaring energy demands, and the projects’ impact on the community. A 13-hour public hearing on May 18 highlighted the depth of those worries. Commissioners justified the ban by citing “disruptive behavior,” off-topic comments, and repeated violations of time limits.
During the brief eight-minute meeting on June 2, Baker stepped to the lectern during the elected officials’ comments period.
“We always talk about how nobody from the public comes and talks to any of us... I just don’t think it’s right that this happened. It is our constitutional right to not only question our government but confront them, and you’ve taken that right away with no explanation.”
Presiding Commissioner Dave Schatz defended the policy, saying Baker had missed prior disruptions. Baker pushed back, noting that he regularly attends meetings to stay informed and that his office—which processes Sunshine Law requests—was caught off guard by the sudden change. When the audience began to applaud, the sound was quickly shut down under the new “decorum” rules that also ban clapping, booing, or signs.
After the meeting, more than 20 residents gathered outside to deliver written comments and speak freely among themselves. Dana Bowers handed over a box full of opposition statements regarding the data centers and said:
“This is the United States of America... You can’t make up the rules as you go.”
State leaders have also weighed in. State Senator Ben Brown released a strong statement:
“I oppose Franklin County's decision to eliminate the public comment portion of County Commission meetings. Public comment is not a privilege granted by government—it's a fundamental part of self-government. If there are concerns about disruptions, the answer is clear: rules and accountability, not silencing all citizens. Transparency, accountability, and citizen participation make our communities stronger. I urge Franklin County to restore public comment.”
State Rep. Brad Banderman echoed the sentiment:
“Senator Brown, I don’t know that I could have worded it any better. ... I support our residents’ opportunity to address their government, and I support our elected officials’ ability to set and enforce rules that ensure orderly meetings. ... Let’s strive to do better together.”
Local candidates, including Shawn Noel (who is challenging Schatz), and many residents praised Baker for speaking out. Critics see the move as an attempt to push through data center projects while quieting opposition.
Clerk Tim Baker joined The Robb Carter Show to double down on voicing his displeasure with the commissioners’ actions and defend residents’ First Amendment rights.
Bottom line: When government starts restricting how citizens can address their elected officials, especially on hot-button local issues like massive data centers, it’s a bright red flag. Baker is right: this isn’t orderly government; it’s avoiding accountability.