City Apologizes to Jacobson for First Amendment Rights Violations

IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - The Chronicle just received a copy of an apology letter sent to Ironwood citizen Ken Jacobson. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recently contacted the City on Jacobson's behalf. On March 9, 2010, the City Manager and the Director of Public Safety sent Jacobson a letter that threatened him with disciplinary action for writing four letters to the editors of the Superior Chronicle, IronwoodInfo and the Daily Globe. Jacobson happens to be a member of the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department, but his letters did not involve IVFD operations.

Jacobson contacted the ACLU and filed a complaint.

As a result, the ACLU sent a letter to the City. The following letter to Jacobson is the City's response:

Mr. Jacobson,

This is in response to a letter received from the ACLU regarding a letter, which was written to you on March 9, 2010. We agree with the ACLU that the City does not desire and cannot afford such an expense that this matter would result in. It was not the City's intent to take away Mr. Jacobson's right to free speech. That being stated, we hereby rescind the letter dated March 9, 2010, which refers to you writing several letters to the local newspaper and Internet newspapers. The City will not discipline you for exercising your constitutional rights as a citizen.

As stated in our March letter to you, we would like to meet with you in the near future to continue to address several work related issues with you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either of us.

Sincerely,

Bob Erspamer
Public Safety Director

Scott Erickson
City Manager

"We're thrilled that Ironwood has agreed to respect the free speech rights of Ken Jacobson. Firefighters do not forfeit their Constitutional Rights when they accept their jobs." Michael Steinberg, the Legal Director of the ACLU of Michigan, told the Chronicle.

Rana Elmir, the Communications Director for the ACLU of Michigan, "The ACLU of Michigan is thrilled that the First Amendment Rights of Ironwood's citizens are going to be upheld. It's important that our heroes such as firefighters, police officers, and EMTs are able to speak openly about issues of public concern without feeling as though their job is in jeopardy.  We do commend the City for their quick action in resolving this situation amicably."