Tehachapi News

I intend to address the Tehachapi City Council meeting on Monday, August 21, 2006 and ask them this 3 part question:

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

I have NO idea who is in the audience. Is there a terrorist there who would target me? Perhaps a home invasion robber who now knows exactly where I live? Perhaps some one who would dislike what I have to say and wish to come and do 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 security is well known to the city officials.

I have personally spoken to many concerned citizens who privately confided that they have certain issues they would like to bring to the attention of the City Council in a public meeting but are fearful of announcing their specific home address. As a result, they have either stopped attending or alternatively sit quietly and listen only.

A. I would appreciate someone from the Council or perhaps the City Attorney to cite me the exact statute or ordinance which states this as a requirement for speaking to the Council at their public meetings.

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

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