Mayor Parker Wiseman’s veto of a policy restricting City Hall’s usage for public events should hold if the same bloc that opposed the matter last week holds in a potential override attempt.
Wiseman vetoed the board’s decision to restrict public events to the structure outside plaza Monday, after aldermen passed the Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins-led motion by a 4-3 margin.
Five votes are needed to override the mayor’s veto. It is unknown if any alderman will attempt to nix Wiseman’s decision.
In his veto, Wiseman wrote the policy “prevents use of City Hall meeting spaces by outside groups,” even though the facility is paid for with taxpayer monies.
“(City Hall) exists for the benefit of the public. Accordingly, our efforts should be spent in trying to maximize, rather than eliminate public participation in the building,” he said in the veto. “While it is understandable that rules and regulations must govern the use of meeting spaces in City Hall, it is counterintuitive that the most public building in the city should be closed to use by the public it serves.”
Other facilities — including the Oktibbeha County Courthouse and Greater Starkville Development Partnership — currently serve as public meeting spaces, Wiseman said.
“If those public and private organizations are able to manage the security concerns associated with accommodating the public in their facilities, then I have no doubt that the city can, as well,” he said.
Aldermen focused on security issues when the topic first came up for discussion at a previous board meeting. City Hall’s design, they said, could allow access to secure areas if the interior of the structure is opened for third-party events.
“My only concern is security. If that can somehow be addressed, I would be fine,” said Ward 5 Alderman Scott Maynard.
He, along with Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn, Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn and Perkins, supported the restrictions.
“Right now, you have to walk through office and other secured space to access the conference room,” Maynard said.
Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker said he wants to see the board develop a compromise that would allow third-parties to utilize the space between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. as long as the board of aldermen had the final authorization for the proposed event.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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