Native Information
David Webb has filed 305 public information requests and despatched 1,071 emails to the general public information entry officer, based on the no trespass order.
A self-described “instigative reporter” has been banned from the Worcester Metropolis Corridor for “intimidating” and “disruptive” habits, however the reporter says he’s simply holding the town accountable.
David Webb, who publishes a Substack, speaks ceaselessly at public conferences, and has filed a whole lot of public information requests, stated he was issued a no trespass order and a cease-and-desist final week.
“That is to advise you that you need to stop this obsessively harassing habits,” the no trespass order from Worcester Metropolis Supervisor Eric Batista learn. “This sample of habits is unacceptable. It creates a disquieting and unsafe setting for people in and round Metropolis Corridor.”
Webb stated he’s not going through felony harassment fees. Beforehand, the progressive activist was assaulted with spray paint within the face earlier than a gathering in Metropolis Corridor; a Worcester restauranteur was charged after the incident.
Webb has been ordered to remain from the “Metropolis Corridor constructing, and any places of work therein, and areas instantly adjoining thereto, together with the storage, porticos, entryways, paths of ingress and egress together with exterior stairways, the entrance and rear plazas, and sidewalks surrounding the constructing and designated for Metropolis Corridor functions,” based on the order. The ban is for one 12 months, beginning Might 27.
“Worcester is afraid of democracy and transparency that I’m creating,” Webb advised Boston.com. “Amongst different issues, I’ve realized I wouldn’t be capable of attend Pleasure this 12 months in the event that they’re banning me from the Frequent for this.”
The Worcester Frequent is in entrance of Metropolis Corridor.
When requested for remark, a spokesperson for Batista simply despatched the no trespass order, which additionally included an order for Webb to stop and desist emailing particular person metropolis workers.
Webb known as the stop and desist “a Computer virus.” He famous that he’s heard of individuals, significantly unhoused individuals, being issued no trespass orders for Metropolis Corridor, however by no means a stop and desist.
“The distinction is, I’ve been a First Modification advocate, and what they appear to truly be sad about is that I’m documenting who will not be doing their jobs, after which why they’re not capable of do their jobs,” Webb stated.
Webb has filed 305 public information requests and despatched 1,071 emails to the general public information entry officer, based on the 15-page order, which was hand-delivered to the activist exterior Metropolis Corridor by police.
Batista known as Webb’s habits “repetitive” and “frivolous,” based on the order, noting that he has additionally despatched 502 emails on to the town solicitor, 478 to Batista’s chief of employees, 370 to the town clerk, 209 to the deputy metropolis clerk, and 912 to the supervisor of information.
“The distinction is, I’ve been a First Modification advocate, and what they appear to truly be sad about is that I’m documenting how a few of that who will not be doing their jobs, after which why they’re not capable of do,” Batista wrote.
Within the letter, Batista describes Webb “following workers” together with his digicam and telephone, “leaping in entrance of an worker’s automobile,” and shouting at workers. He additionally stated that Webb signed up the town clerk and a metropolis councilor for anti-discrimination coaching for Metropolis of Boston workers.
Webb stated that he emails so many workers and information public information requests to carry the officers accountable. A few of his requests embrace police physique digicam footage and informing the town {that a} commissioner has not made “any effort to tell the general public in regards to the parks programs.”
“Them sending a stop and desist and accusing me of harassment is now their finest authorized tactic towards offering the general public information I’ve been asking for as a result of I began utilizing a script that systematically addresses the authorized tips they use to keep away from offering information,” Webb stated.
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