Escambia County Commissioners to Debate New Online Communication Rules
A proposed policy aimed at governing how Escambia County’s commissioners utilize internet communications is slated for discussion this week. Commissioner Mike Kohler spearheaded the proposal.
Transparency and Accountability Drive Proposed Policy
“The purpose of this policy is to establish rules for how the County Commissioners communicate about County business in order to promote public trust, maintain the reputation and goodwill of Escambia County government, and ensure compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law and the Public Records Act,” the new draft policy states. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will deliberate on the policy at Thursday’s meeting.
This proposed policy comes after a previous technology policy for commissioners was rescinded by the board in May 2019.
Email as the Sole Platform for County Business
If the draft policy is approved, commissioners would be prohibited from using social media platforms, blogs, or similar mediums for conducting county business. All official communications would be limited to email.
Commissioners would still be permitted to engage in publicly-accessible platforms and comment on third-party websites or social media accounts as long as they are not responding directly to another commissioner. In such instances, they would be obligated to forward a copy of their comment to a county-maintained email account.
Texting and Instant Messaging Subject to Restrictions
The use of text messaging or other instant communication methods would be discouraged, regardless of device ownership. Commissioners would be encouraged to disable these messaging options on county-owned devices.
If they choose to use these modes of communication, commissioners would be required to forward a copy of the communication to a county-maintained email account or retain copies to ensure compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.
Separate Accounts for Personal and Public Business
The policy also dictates that commissioners must not use private email accounts for county business. Any emails received in their personal email concerning county matters would need to be forwarded to a county email address.
Likewise, commissioners are forbidden from using county-issued email for personal matters.
No Electronic Communication During Meetings
During official board meetings, commissioners would be prohibited from using cell phones, laptops, or any electronic device to send messages or emails, irrespective of device ownership. A personal emergency could provide grounds for phone use, but the commissioner would need to leave the board chamber or meeting room.
* What are the potential arguments for and against the proposed policy’s emphasis on email as the sole platform for official communication?
## Interview Regarding Escambia County’s Proposed Online Communication Policy for Commissioners
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a proposed policy that could significantly change how Escambia County Commissioners communicate online. Joining us is Alex Reed, a local transparency advocate. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, this new policy aims to govern how commissioners use the internet for county business. Can you tell us more about it and why it’s being proposed?
**Alex Reed:** Sure. The draft policy, championed by Commissioner Mike Kohler, aims to increase transparency and accountability in county government. It emphasizes using email as the sole platform for official business, prohibiting the use of social media and other online platforms. The stated goals are to build public trust, maintain a positive reputation for the county, and ensure compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Act. [1](https://www.northescambia.com/)
**Host:** This isn’t the first time the county has tackled this issue, is it?
**Alex Reed:** That’s right. A previous technology policy was rescinded back in 2019, so this new proposal is a reattempt to address concerns about online communication practices within the county commission. [1](https://www.northescambia.com/)
**Host:** Why do you think this specific policy focusing on email is being proposed?
**Alex Reed:** The focus on email likely stems from its established role in public records and its relative ease of archiving and retrieval. By limiting communication to email, the county aims to ensure all interactions are properly documented and accessible to the public.
**Host:** What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of this proposed policy?
**Alex Reed:** On the positive side, it could lead to increased transparency and accountability, making it easier for citizens to track official communications and hold commissioners responsible for their actions. However, some may argue that relying solely on email could stifle open discussion and limit the use of more accessible platforms like social media for engaging with the public.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights. This is certainly a developing story, and we will continue to follow it closely.
