The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission’s new decorum policy banning signs and T-shirts expressing a view is “problematic” according to an attorney for the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union (CCLU).
Supporters of the Westport Family Y’s move to Mahackeno wore yellow T-shirts at the opening of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s hearings on the application in March 2008. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

“Messages on T-shirts are often a constitutionally protected form of expression,” said David McGuire, the CCLU’s staff attorney based in Hartford.

“A ban on speech related to an item before a municipal body is problematic because it constitutes the most highly protected form of speech.”

McGuire was reacting to the new policy approved last week which says: “In order to minimize disruptions or distractions, the following behaviors will not be permitted at our meetings: displays of any kind on any surface including but not limited to clothing and signs.”

“Mark it on the calendar. July 31 will be the day we can all help fill the shelves the shelves of Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank,” Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in a statement last month. (See WestportNow July 14, 2010)

“Fire departments around the state made our 2009 campaign such a success that we are delighted to have them again this year as partners.

The governor said the economy is still very volatile and the need remains great for many families who continue to struggle to make ends meet.

See more events:  Celebrate Westport Calendar

Antonio A. and Fatima Pugas to Michael and Mody K. Brown, 301 Main St., $970,000

R B Properties to 5 Flower Farm Lane LLC, 5 Flower Farm Lane, $4,750,000

Louise S. Couffer Est. to Amanda V. and Marc W. Rowley, 28 Woods Grove Road, $537,500

Richard Christopher Montanaro to Heidi Mitchell, 5E Gorham Ave., $1,345,000