Roeland Park’s governing body debated a proposed policy Monday that would guide how city officials respond to media inquiries — a proposal that had some members of the council worried about issues raised when the mayor of Prairie Village asked councilmembers to refrain from talking to the media last year.
The proposed Roeland Park language was crafted by city staff and would direct media requests related to city policy to city administrator Keith Moody and requests related to the city council to Mayor Mike Kelly. Moody and Kelly could then either respond to the request themselves or refer the media member on to the most appropriate city official.
Staff said the policy would protect accuracy of information while supporting timeliness of press responses.
Councilmembers Becky Fast, Tom Madigan and Erin Thompson voiced concerns the guidelines would place a barrier between councilmembers and the press.
“I do not understand how the mayor can be the spokesperson for the governing body,” said Madigan while pointing out that the mayor only gets to vote on issues in two particular instances: to break a tie or when a 2/3 majority is required.
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