The Village of Mantua is considering a social media policy for its employees and appointees when using the village accounts.
If approved, employees would not be able to post a dozen items, including harassing statements, anything that may offend “a person of reasonable sensitivities, matters in dispute or current or potential litigation, nonpublic information of any kind, and references to illegal and banned substances and narcotics unless for educational or informational purposes.”
The new ordinance also would prohibit employees from posting pornographic, sexually-oriented or “otherwise offensive or illegal” materials; defamatory, libelous, offensive or demeaning material; business solicitations; comments supporting or opposing political parties, campaigns or candidates; information that might compromise the “safety or security” of public buildings or activities; disparaging or threatening comments “about or related to” anyone; and personal, sensitive or confidential information of any kind.
The ordinance affects anyone using any of the village’s social media accounts. Mantua has a separate social media policy that affects what employees may post on their personal accounts during or outside of work hours.
Council’s processes committee, which also addresses hiring, retention, wages, employee and handbook policies, will review the proposed legislation on Aug. 5. When the committee has completed its review, a public hearing will be scheduled.
The proposed policy has its roots in a simple personnel change. Former village Solicitor Michele Stuck handled the village website until she retired June 30, and village leaders are deciding how to move forward.
Should they decide on an outside firm or person to run the website, Mayor Tammy Meyer said village leaders want all parameters spelled out. Until an entity is chosen, Meyer said Council President Steve Thorn is volunteering his time.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.