Kilger responds to misguided suggestions that Council is attempting to censor public discussion

Below you will find a Letter to the Editor from Cornwall Mayor Bob Kilger, regarding City Council's recent decision on the establishment of an advertising policy. There have been some misguided suggestions that this is an attempt to censor public discussion.

PHOTO CREDIT - Jason Setnyk, OurHometown.ca

Cornwall - December 22, 2011 - Below you will find a Letter to the Editor from Cornwall Mayor Bob Kilger, regarding City Council's recent decision on the establishment of an advertising policy.

Dear Editor,

I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify City Council's recent decision regarding the establishment of an advertising policy.

There have been some misguided suggestions that this is an attempt to censor public discussion. This is simply not the case. The City of Cornwall enjoys a positive working relationship with the media, and it is one that we value and respect. Members of City Council and City Administration always make themselves available to the media and the public.

The City is also open and receptive to feedback and constructive criticism from members of the public. We welcome public input because it helps us to better understand residents' concerns and priorities surrounding municipal matters.

The motion debated and passed by Council dealt solely with advertising and was strictly about the City of Cornwall's right to choose where to advertise. City staff believe that advertising on web sites or publications with offensive content undermines the positive values of the City of Cornwall brand. This includes websites or publications outside of Cornwall. These guidelines have always been followed as an 'unwritten rule' â€" the Council report simply examined the issue in an open and transparent manner.

The City has not asked the media to do anything. In fact, local journalists already follow their own professional guidelines regarding what is acceptable commentary, and local media organizations already enact varying policies to remove what is perceived to be offensive commentary. The City of Cornwall's advertising guidelines simply mirror the same generally accepted guidelines in place in most media organizations.

Sincerely,

Mayor Bob Kilger
City Cornwall