In an unexpected turn of events, the City of Surprise Council recently voted to revise a rule regarding public comment during council meetings. The unanimous decision repealed a previous restriction that barred speakers from raising complaints against city employees.

It all started when resident Rebekah Massie took the podium during a city council meeting in August to criticize the city attorney’s salary. To her surprise, Mayor Skip Hall intervened, citing the rule that prohibited such comments. This sparked a debate about First Amendment rights, leading to Massie’s arrest for not complying with officers.

The aftermath of the incident saw the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filing a federal lawsuit against the City of Surprise, claiming a violation of Massie’s rights. The council remained silent on the matter during the latest meeting, leaving the timeline for implementing the rule change uncertain.

The Controversy Unfolds

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