A dispute over a sign-in sheet at a recent Town of Mentz Board meeting has triggered backlash online, renewed questions about New York’s Open Meetings Law, and accusations from a local news outlet that one of its journalists was improperly removed from the public session.
According to a lengthy statement published Saturday by Green Gator News, journalist Jerry Green was asked to leave the May 19 town board meeting before it began after refusing to sign in. The outlet said Green attended the meeting to “listen and observe” after residents expressed concerns about town government activity.
The outlet argued that signing in at a public meeting is voluntary under New York State Open Meetings Law and cited guidance from the state Committee on Open Government stating that public bodies generally cannot require attendees to identify themselves as a condition of entry.
The post quickly generated dozens of comments from residents and followers, many accusing town officials of overreach, while others defended the board’s actions and questioned why refusing to sign in became an issue in the first place.
Questions over Open Meetings Law
Green Gator News said the only reason given for Green’s removal was his refusal to sign in, describing the move as potentially unconstitutional and inconsistent with state transparency laws.
The post referenced Section 103 of New York’s Open Meetings Law, which states that meetings of public bodies “shall be open to the general public.” It also cited a 2013 opinion from the state Committee on Open Government indicating that a person’s identity is generally irrelevant to their right to attend a public meeting.
The outlet questioned whether Green was singled out because he is a journalist, noting that he regularly attends municipal meetings throughout the region and had not previously been removed for refusing to sign in.
The controversy intensified after residents claimed the issue was raised again during the public comment portion of the meeting. One commenter, Emma Martens, said the board “doubled down” on its position and repeatedly stated that Green was removed because “he refused to sign in.”
Several commenters called for legal action or intervention by organizations such as the ACLU, while others encouraged residents to attend future meetings in protest of the policy.
Supervisor cites safety concerns
Town Supervisor Mark Emerson responded publicly in the comment section, disputing parts of Green Gator News’ account and defending the town’s actions as a matter of safety.
According to Emerson, Green approached the board bench before the meeting and repeatedly referenced the Fourth Amendment while refusing to identify himself. “With the ongoing violence in our schools, and workplace, safety at the town meeting is my first priority,” he wrote.
Emerson also said Green had “several attempts” to identify himself as Green Gator News but did not do so. Emerson claimed that if Green had identified himself, “we would have open[ed] our arms and welcome[d] him to the meeting.”
Emerson additionally criticized the outlet’s interpretation of constitutional protections, writing that Green Gator News needed to “get their Constitutional Amendments correct.” He referenced his military service and oath to defend the Constitution before extending a public invitation for Green and Green Gator News to attend the next board meeting on June 16 at 7 p.m.
Public reaction grows online
Reaction to the incident became sharply divided online.
Some commenters argued the town’s actions appeared retaliatory or inconsistent with public transparency obligations, while others defended the sign-in request as reasonable for security and emergency accountability purposes.
Others speculated about unrelated town controversies or broader distrust in local government, though no evidence supporting those allegations was presented in the discussion thread.
As of Saturday, it remained unclear whether any formal complaint or legal action would be filed over the incident.
The controversy now appears likely to draw increased public attention to the town’s next meeting, where residents and observers are expected to revisit questions surrounding public access, transparency, and how local governments balance open meetings requirements with security concerns.
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