WORCESTER—Changes may be in the works regarding who is allowed to speak at Worcester City Council meetings.
An item on the June 17 agenda — a continuation of the June 10 meeting that was interrupted by protesters — called for the council’s Municipal and Legislative Operations Committee to review whether non-residents should be allowed to speak at meetings.
The order, filed under Chairman’s Orders by Mayor Joe Petty, poses the question of whether the city’s charter requires public participation to be open to individuals who don’t reside in Worcester.
Several councilors criticized the request, saying it risks undermining public trust in local government, particularly amid new security measures at City Hall, including metal detectors and an increased police presence.
“This is, to me, another attempt to limit public participation and transparency,” said Councilor Khrystian King, adding that such a policy would likely prove difficult to enforce. “I’m not quite sure how we would identify non-Worcester residents. Are we going to ask for their papers?”
Councilor Jenny Pacillo raised the question of whether people who work in Worcester but live elsewhere would be allowed to speak under the rule.
City Clerk Niko Vangjeli said that, in his interpretation of the city charter, only Worcester residents and city employees are explicitly allowed to speak — but that enforcement has never been pursued due to the logistical challenges involved.
Councilors noted that experts and businesspeople often speak at council meetings to offer input on issues before the body, and such a restriction could prevent valuable testimony.
“What I see this order do is limit not only participation for folks who have a right to speak to representatives, but also people who are experts in their field, and who we often call to provide testimony,” said Councilor Etel Haxhiaj.
Councilor Morris Bergman, chair of the committee to which the order was referred, said that while the charter limits participation to residents and employees, other municipalities have similar restrictions. He acknowledged enforcement would be difficult but added that allowing non-residents increases the duration of public comment. However, the council can always vote to suspend the rules to allow others to speak.
King pressed city officials on how they would verify a speaker’s residency. City Solicitor Alexandra Kalkounis noted some municipalities ask for a name and address, but Worcester currently lacks any such mechanism. City Manager Eric Batista added that while council meetings don’t require proof of address, committee meetings typically do.
“This isn’t simply a request for an order,” King said. “This is scary. This is poor timing, in this city, in this country, in these times. This is extremely, extremely concerning. How are we going to know? You’ve got to show your green card? You’ve got to show your ID? You’ve got to show your light bill? This sends a message… it comes from us, limiting public participation. This is not the answer.”
King moved to file the item, but the motion failed in a 4–6 vote. He then held the item under privilege, delaying action until the council’s next meeting.
Steve Smith, a veteran reporter with 17 years at The Hartford Courant, now brings his passion for photojournalism to Worcester. An award-winning photographer, he has covered major events like U.S. soccer, pro football, and UConn basketball. He is also the official photographer for the Miss Massachusetts competition and works as a realtor. Contact him at steve@stevephotographysmith.com
