A legal battle is brewing in Surprise over a rule banning people from making complaints or allegations against city employees at public meetings.
Police arrested a 32-year-old woman for trespassing after the mayor ejected her from a recent City Council meeting for criticizing a top official.
Rebekah Massie was detailing her concerns with giving the city attorney a pay raise during a City Council meeting last week when Mayor Skip Hall interrupted to warn that she was breaking a rule written on the sign-up-to-speak form.
Massie kept insisting that the rule is unconstitutional. Hall said it isn’t and called for police.
“Chief, could you have somebody come down here and escort Ms. Massie out of this chamber,” Hall said.
“Really, is that necessary?” asked Massie.
“Yes, I think it is,” said Hall.
“In front of my 10-year-old daughter, you’re going to escort me out for expressing my First Amendment rights?" replied Massie.
“She can go with you,” answered Hall.
Massie was escorted out and cited for trespassing. Police say they plan to seek more charges against her.
Massie is being represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit says it plans to file a lawsuit, and released a statement from Massie.
“As an American, it’s my right to speak out to keep the local government accountable. And as a mom, it’s my obligation to set a good example and stand up for our fundamental rights — like the right of free speech — when they’re threatened. That’s the lesson I wanted to show my daughter. And now, it’s the lesson I am determined to show the City of Surprise, Arizona.
“I am now represented by FIRE, which is planning to file a lawsuit on my behalf. My criminal defense attorney is Bret Royle of Feldman & Royle.”
