Citing `Illegal Activities,' County Cuts Microphone to Free Speech Program

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Byline: Tim Christie The Register-Guard

Lane County officials plan to pull the electrical plug on a free-wheeling free speech program that takes place during Saturday Market season at the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza, saying excessive noise and unlawful behavior on the terrace have become untenable.

"We're not trying to suppress or censor free speech," Commissioner Bobby Green said. "We're concerned with the level of what we consider to be illegal activities" that take place on the plaza, such as drug dealing, defecation, urination and vandalism.

"It's disgraceful what they're doing to a public resource," Commissioner Bill Dwyer added. "Wayne Morse would be turning over in his grave if he could see what I've seen on several occasions."

The commissioners, following …