I intend to address the Tehachapi City Council meeting on Monday, August 21, 2006 and ask a three part question.

Before allowing a citizen to address this august body, the citizen is required to publicly announce his/her personal home address. I have done this on several previous occasions.

I have NO idea who is in the audience. Neither does the Council since there are no sign in requirements. Is there a terrorist who would target me? 
Perhaps a home invasion burglar who now knows exactly where I live? Maybe someone who would dislike what I have to say and wish me bodily harm?

As a retired criminologist and board certified polygraph examiner I have spent many years in the criminal justice system in both Los Angeles and Lancaster before moving to Tehachapi 2 years ago. My interest in safety and security is well known to the city officials.

I have personally spoken to many concerned citizens who have privately confided their desire to bring certain issues before the Council in a public meeting but are fearful of announcing their private home addresses. As a result, they have either stopped attending or alternatively sit quietly and listen only.

Here is the 3 part question:

1.  I would appreciate someone from the Council or perhaps the City Attorney to cite me the precise statute and/or ordinance number(s) which states this as a requirement for speaking to the Council at public meetings.

2.  If this rather arcane position must be strictly adhered to, then I would request that the Councilpersons and other city officials present to similarly stand and announce THEIR home addresses before speaking.

3.  If they feel they are exempt from this requirement....why?

(More to come. Check back often and I appreciate all comments.)

Jim Richards