photo by: Bremen Keasey

Lawrence's City Hall, located at 6 E. Sixth St., shown during June 2025.

The Journal-World asked Lawrence City Commission candidates how they would apply First Amendment principles in office, oversee public meetings and handle media relations, whether through direct communication or official spokespeople.

Each candidate was asked the question: “As a public official, how would you apply the principles of the First Amendment to your duties, including the governing of public meetings? What would your policy be for interacting with members of the media? For example, would you speak directly with members of the media or make your comments to the media through a government spokesperson?”

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 150 words, and all four candidates responded to the Journal-World’s inquiry. Here are the candidates’ responses:

Mike Courtney

I would emphasize that upholding First Amendment rights is fundamental to democratic governance. This means protecting freedom of speech, press, assembly, and being able to petition your local elected officials, even when those opinions are critical or unpopular.

In terms of open meetings, I would work to ensure that meetings comply with the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) and that we provide time for public comments and opportunities for input. I would not suppress viewpoints that are different from my own. I would uphold time limits and established decorum. In terms of transparency, I would work with City staff to make the meeting agendas and reports more easily accessible and understandable for community members.

I would speak directly to the media when answering questions. If there is a question that requires research, I will respectfully ask to get back with the media within a short period of time to formulate a response.

Bart Littlejohn

As the incumbent, I’ve had to the opportunity to serve and to find that balance. I will continue to work in that regard. I have worked to keep a pretty good relationship with members of the media would continue to speak with them as well as members of our staff comment on it when it’s relevant. Our staff does a lot good work for the city and I always want to take to opportunity to have them show it because a lot of the time they’ve invested so much time in it to make it successful.

Kristine Polian

It is important that we keep our government as open and transparent as possible, which includes keeping public meetings open and accessible as possible. City business must be conducted as efficiently as possible, but receiving feedback from the community is an important part of governance. I will communicate with the media directly as an elected official, but it is important the City carry a consistent message, so there is value in having a spokesperson for important matters. Staff should always use one spokesperson.

Bob Schumm

I believe that all people who want to speak should be heard. My statement implies that, in an organized meeting, there would be rules to be followed. In that meeting, regarding speech, there would be times that individuals could speak. Speech would need to be appropriate, and speech would need to be specific to the topic being discussed. There should also be a free period in our meetings, where any citizen can speak on any topic related to the City of Lawrence issues. Free speech is basic principle of our constitution. I have always favored answering questions from the media directly with the media representative. I prefer to answer directly to a reporter with as much information that I have in order that the finished story has the greatest amount of accurate news content to present to the public. The public deserves the most accurate and in-depth reporting possible.