City of St. Augustine Gags, Cabins and Chills Public Comment, Unlike All Other Local Governments -- Why?

No public comment allowed during consideration and debate on resolutions, reports, ordinance first readings, discussions, etc. -- unlike all other local governments here.

Why?

This dates back to the Reign of Error of ex-Mayor JOSEPH LESTER BOLES, Jr. and ex-City Manager WILLIAM  BARRY HARRISS, whose acolytes still prepare the agendas, make bad decisions and manipulate Commissioners.  (Yes, that was Vice Mayor ODD TODD NEVILLE having drinks with City Manager JOHN PATRICK REGAN, P.E. after Monday's meeting).

This is an outrage.  Let We, the People question everything.  It's really stinky to have elected officials who think they can freeze us out, or limit us to three minutes at the beginning of meetings, unless it's the second reading of an ordinance.

Come to think of it, City autocrats sound like DONALD TRUMP, who on January 25, 2017 told journalists at a photo-op with auto execs: "You're not supposed to ask questions.  You're not supposed to ask questions."

Enough flummery, dupery and nincompoopery.  These anti-speech restrictions are contrary to the genus of a free people.  Let us talk, please.