No social media policy for Westminster

The mayor in Westminster said the predicament faced by the Oconee Probate Judge is fodder for the city council to consider a social media policy for the city.  But last night the city council was split and the idea was rejected in a 4 to 3 vote.  Mayor Brian Ramey said he’s also influenced to consider governing what someone affiliated with his city says on social media by the fact that nearby Seneca is considering a policy and the issue has been a topic at meetings sponsored by the state Municipal Association.  But two city council members suggested their city can avoid the potential problem of liability in other ways.  Yousef Mefleh said all individuals have the ability within themselves to restrain from making public comments that are hurtful to some or potentially libelous.  City Attorney Derek Enderlin said the advantage of a policy is that the city administrator would have control over what someone says in a capacity with the city.  But Councilwoman Susan Ramey said she’s concerned that a policy would have a counter-productive effect on Westminster residents who have formed city committees to advise city leaders on how to address city problems and other issues.