Citizens have a right to be heard by elected leaders

Dear Editor,

 Our First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is a wonderful thing. It gives people the right to free speech, as we are witnessing through citizens addressing our board of county commissioners. It provides citizens the right to write letters to the editor in local newspapers, expressing their opinions, even when they have no basis in fact. 

 This free speech is a right we have, without fear of punishment or retaliation by the government. It also allows citizens the right to redress grievances when there are perceived wrongdoings or injustices committed by the government, such as the abuse of the open meeting law. These first amendment rights are a foundational aspect of our American democracy, and enable citizens to hold our government accountable.

 What the first amendment does not protect is speech that is defamatory or slanderous, or speech that advocates violating our laws or constitution. I am always disappointed when I see letters to the editor that are personal attacks, rather than being fact-based. The letter from Carolyn Keisz in the Nov. 20, 2025 Weiser Signal American was disappointing, since it attacked an individual, and failed to acknowledge the many facts that are associated with the alleged open meeting law violations.  And the letter suggests that the County Commissioners should have dismissed Jeri Soulier, which would have violated her first amendment right to redress grievances associated with open meeting violations. That suggestion is advocating that the Commissioners should disregard the First Amendment rights of citizens. 

 As citizens, we have a right to free speech. We also have a responsibility to be good citizens, know and obey the laws and constitution, and be respectful to others. 

Frank Schwartz

Cambridge, Idaho