CLEARWATER - While our readers responded to the Gazette's online poll on filtering Internet access on the Library's public access computers, the announced candidates for the Mayor and Council seats up for grabs in the March 2005 Municipal election were asked for their opinion. Two questions were asked: 1. Should the policy decision whether or not to filter internet access be made by City Staff, or the Council? 2. If the decision should be made by Council, what would be your position?
Council member Frank Hibbard, who has announced his candidacy for the Mayor seat, said, "Ultimately, the policy should be set by the Council because we're accountable to the people and that opens it up for public discussion." But he has no position yet on what that policy should be; "That remains to be seen until we have the debate," he said, adding, "I don't want the library to be used as an outlet for pornographic material."
John Doran, a candidate for the Council seat being vacated by Hibbard, said, "I would consider establishing a Council policy." Regarding his position on the issue of filtering, he said, "I can't tell you whether I would vote yes or no; I would need more information."
Finally, Council Member Hoyt Hamilton, who recently announced his intent to run for reelection to Seat 3 rather than the Mayor's seat, said, "I'm not sure that government should be in the business of legislating morality, but public computers are not the right place for that type of material." On whose decision it should be, Hamilton said, "I have no problem with John (Library Director John Szabo) making the decision", but added, "If John needs that direction coming from us, we'll give it to him." Hamilton said that he wants to see what the public's opinion is, and stated, "I don't have a problem using Internet filtering in the Library."