KENT—The Kent Board of Selectmen are working on a policy that will cover the use of social media by public officials.
At a recent meeting, Selectman Lynn Mellis Worthington presented proposed language that First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer is folding into a formal policy.
The move to formalize a policy came after a social media “spat” about a Planning and Zoning Commission member citing a regulation that limits displaying political signs for more than 30 days.
While the regulation exists, town counsel has found it to be illegal and has recommended that ZEO Tai Kern not enforce it.
Lindenmayer noted that the PZC member did not represent himself as speaking on behalf of the commission.
“He never said he was a member of the commission. All he did was cite the regulation,” Lindenmayer said. “They have a First Amendment right to freedom of speech as long they are not doing it on an official site.”
In the draft proposed by Worthington, any town department, commission or committee that wants to establish a social media account would have to notify the first selectman and town clerk and provide the account name/title and login information. Already established accounts would provide login information to the town clerk and first selectman. Each account would have two administrators.
Under the proposal, posts would be shared to the town’s Facebook page.
Efforts should be made to ensure that information would be shared with the town’s website and also with other Facebook groups serving Kent residents.
Under the proposed policy, employees and persons serving on commissions and committees would refrain from posting and commenting on social media as representatives of the town without first getting clearance and approval from their supervisor or town agency. Posting as individuals would be identified as such.
Lindenmayer said the language of the final policy must pass a legal review. The selectmen slated the item for further review at its October meeting.
