By ANDY GARDNER
North Country Now

MASSENA -- The woman who was shut down last month when the supervisor told her only positive comments were allowed from the public spoke out at Wednesday's meeting.

Gina Snyder at September's Town Council meeting was asking about the status of a project to replace decrepit Welcome to Massena signs. On a recording of the exchange, Town Supervisor Steve O'Shaughnessy cuts her off and tells her the comment period is for people "to say positive things about the Town of Massena."

When asked by a reporter shortly after, O'Shaughnessy said he would not police comments at future meetings.

At the Wednesday, Oct. 17 meeting, Snyder stood up during opening and closing public comment to address the matter.

"I want to publicly let you know how hurt I was by your actions at last month's board meeting ... I prepare for these meetings and you want me, as your boss, to only praise you publicly," Snyder said.

During closing public comment, she asked the board to publish clear rules for what is and isn't allowed during public comment. The village board now leaves a notice near the sign-in sheet that outlines how the public should conduct themselves during comment periods. She handed a copy of the flyer to all four councilors and the supervisor, plus members of the press.

"I was wondering if you would adopt this so all town and village board meetings would be on the same page and the public will know the rules," Snyder said. "Can we come up with our own?

"I feel everyone needs to live by rules."