Item: Palouse gets refresher in free speech: State warns mayor against limiting comments during public meetings in town/David Johnson, Lewiston Tribune

More Info: After receiving some unsolicited advice from Washington state's ombudsman on open government, Mayor Michael Echanove on Monday declared a resumption of free speech at city council meetings. "Someone can always come in and say the mayor is a bonehead," said Echanove, who's been at the helm of this Whitman County town since 2001. "That doesn't bother me in the least." But prior to receiving a letter last week from Tim Ford, assistant Washington attorney general for government accountability, Echanove had protected paid city employees from public criticism.

Question: How much guff should a mayor allow during the public forum at a City Council meeting?