December 15, 2023
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
Free Live for IMLA Members - CLE available to Kitchen Sink Subscribers and in some cases to others but fees may apply.
First Amendment & Public Comment Webinar: Public Comment – The Good, The Bad, and The Legal
As Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) from the show Parks and Rec humorously stated: “What I hear when I’m being yelled at [during a public meeting] is people caring loudly at me.” This presentation will explore the benefits of public comment, some of the issues commonly associated with public comment, and what you can do to address those issues.
Speaker: Randall Van Vleck & Todd Sheeran
Randall Van Vleck is a graduate of the Washburn University School of Law. He is the Managing Attorney of Van Vleck Law, LLC and is associated with NM Local Government Law, LLC, a law group that focuses its practice on local government matters and clients. Randall was formerly the General Counsel to the New Mexico Municipal League. Randall’s public service includes employment as an Assistant District Attorney, the Deputy Chief Counsel to the Disciplinary Board of the New Mexico Supreme Court, an Assistant Attorney General, and as a City Attorney. Randall has served as President of the New Mexico Municipal Attorneys’ Association and Chairman of the State Bar Local Government Law Specialization Committee, he is also currently on the faculty of the School of Public Administration at the University of New Mexico. Randall is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Municipal Lawyers’ Association (IMLA), and past Chair of IMLA’s State League Counsel Section. He was named IMLA’s Outstanding State League Counsel for 2014 and in 2017 Randall received the William I. Thornton, Jr. IMLA Faculty Award. In 2001 he was named a Fellow in Local Government by the International Municipal Lawyers’ Association, and re-certified in 2006, 2010 and 2012, and in 2021. Randall is a frequent speaker and panelist at seminars and conferences throughout New Mexico, and the United States.
Todd Sheeran graduated law school at the University of Utah in 2015 and has represented municipalities since then. As the city attorney for Herriman City, Todd has navigated a diverse array of legal challenges, effectively advising city officials, departments, and agencies on matters that span the spectrum of municipal governance. From zoning regulations to reasonable accommodations, and from contracts and agreements to public comment policy, Todd has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to provide insightful and practical legal guidance that aligns with the city’s goals and values. When not working, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife, Marlene, and three kids.