News Summary
The Cañon City Council has adopted a new social media policy aimed at guiding council members’ online conduct after a controversy involving Councilwoman Emily Tracy. The policy, passed with a unanimous vote, mandates that council members clarify their opinions do not represent the city when using personal accounts. This comes in response to public outcry over Tracy’s recent Facebook post about Charlie Kirk, which discontented many residents. The council will revisit this policy in January to ensure clarity and engagement moving forward.
Cañon City Council Takes Steps to Address Social Media Usage
The Cañon City Council gathered recently, not to pass judgment on one of their own, but to enact a new policy aimed at clarifying how council members should navigate the often-tricky waters of social media. This comes in the wake of a recent controversy surrounding Councilwoman Emily Tracy, who sparked public outcry following a Facebook post about Charlie Kirk.
No Vote on Censure for Councilwoman Tracy
During the recent meeting, council members decided against voting on the proposed censure of Emily Tracy, who was notably absent. Instead, they opted for a forward-looking solution, adopting a new social media policy with a unanimous 6-0 vote. This new guideline stipulates that council members must not identify themselves as officials of Cañon City on their personal social media accounts unless they include a disclaimer clarifying that their opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the city.
Why the Controversy?
The saga began in mid-September when Tracy shared an article titled “Charlie Kirk’s Legacy Deserves No Mourning.” Kirk, a controversial political commentator, was tragically shot and killed on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. The article drew significant criticism, causing a wave of public anger directed at Tracy. At a council meeting on September 15, about a dozen residents voiced their frustrations, and a change.org petition led by resident Dustin Trevathan quickly gathered 901 signatures calling for her resignation.
The Council’s Limitations
During the uproar, Mayor Preston Troutman highlighted an important fact: the council does not have the authority to remove a sitting council member. Such action would have to come through a recall election, a complex and politically charged process that can take time.
A Shift Away from Censure Discussions
At an earlier meeting on October 6, council members decided to postpone the discussion around censure in favor of drafting a concrete social media policy to avoid such future issues. When the issue resurfaced on Monday, Mayor Pro Tem John Hamrick pointed out that there had been no clear policy on social media conduct when Tracy made her post. This understanding contributed to the council’s decision to protect council members from unnecessary disciplinary actions without clear guidelines in place.
Voices of Support
Public comments during the meeting reflected a more nuanced sentiment among residents. Several speakers took to the floor to express their support for Tracy, acknowledging her valuable contributions to the community, especially concerning energy rates and environmental cleanup initiatives. Additionally, Tracy’s husband has been hospitalized with a serious illness, which understandably has affected her availability.
Moving Forward
In light of the happenings around this situation, Mayor Troutman shared his own frustrations related to harassment that his family has faced due to the ongoing controversy. After the meeting concluded, Tracy released a statement expressing gratitude that the council chose not to pursue her censure and reiterated the importance of First Amendment rights for everyone.
The New Policy — What to Expect
Looking ahead, the newly established social media policy is set to be revisited during the council meeting scheduled for January 5 when new council members will be seated. It’s a promise of a more organized approach to handle the complexities of social media, ensuring that council members can engage with the community without stepping on any toes.
In a world where social media conversations can ignite rapid, often fierce reactions, the Cañon City Council is taking important steps to protect its members while promoting responsible use of platforms that can enhance engagement. From here on out, it seems the council is focused on creating an environment of understanding and clarity for all parties involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Colorado Sun
- Cañon City Daily Record
- KOAA News5
- Fox21 News
- Cañon City Daily Record
- Wikipedia: Social Media
- Google Search: Cañon City Council
- Google Scholar: Cañon City Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Media
- Google News: Cañon City Council
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