http://www.lohud.com/article/20100408/NEWS02/4080378/1018/NEWS...
1270842625897
Mt. Vernon considers cell-
phone, camera limits in city
buildings
MOUNT VERNON — City officials are preparing a
policy that will limit how the public can use cell
phones and cameras in city-owned buildings.
A draft of the policy forbids the use of cameras
except at such events as news conferences, public
hearings and public meetings. Cell phone use
would be forbidden in city offices except in public
halls and would be allowed only if the use of such
phones does not impede people's ability to leave or
enter a room.
"These restrictions of the use of these devices are
for the protection of the public, city employees, its
facilities and public records," states a copy of the
draft policy. "Further, these restrictions are
necessary so that the business of the government
may be conducted without interruption to the
workplace."
Mayor Clinton Young is expected to issue an
executive order within the next week or two, said
his chief of staff, Yolanda Robinson.
Robinson declined to comment on the policy
because it was not finalized. She denied that the
policy was a response to residents whose news-
gathering styles could be perceived as disruptive.
Samuel Rivers, author of the Mount Vernon Exposed
blog and a former City Council candidate, said he
believes the policy is aimed at him.
"I do object to this policy. It's unconstitutional.
That's why I will not be adhereing to it," Rivers said.
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In the past Rivers has used his video camera to
record confrontations with city officials and others.
In one video he posted to YouTube.com and his
Web site, he captured a man March 22 standing
outside Community Church at the Circle, where a
developer's public hearing was held. The man
objects to being filmed and then appears to assault
Rivers.
That man, James Dickerson, is scheduled to appear
April 15 at City Court on a harassment charge,
according to court records.
The city already has some security measures in
place. All City Hall visitors are required to show
identification, and there is a metal detector at the
building's only public entrance.
Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters
Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the
proposed policy is similar to policies at most
courthouses, which are legal. Dalglish said she has
been getting more calls because of bloggers'
activities.
"A small number of citizen journalists ... have not
picked up basic lessons of civility along the way,
and they haven't realized that reporters in general
are fairly polite," Dalglish said.
Linda Berns, executive director of the Lower Hudson
Valley chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union,
reviewed the city's draft policy and said her group
would prefer more specific language.
4/9/2010 3:50 PM