Editing New Haven, New York (section)

== November 2023 Town Board Meeting Controversy ==

On November 21, 2023,<ref>https://newhavenny.com/images/meeting-minutes/2023/2023-11-21_Town-Board.pdf</ref> Michelle Allan Gregory, the vice president of the New York Coalition for Open Government, attended a town board meeting in New Haven, New York.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/open-government-advocate-jailed-after-new-haven-town-board-meeting/article_158f3830-8974-11ee-a5d1-f3ad2a6c2b91.html | title=Open government advocate jailed after New Haven town board meeting | date=November 22, 2023 }}</ref> During the meeting, the board moved into an executive session, prompting Gregory to ask if minutes would be taken.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newzjunky.com/police-blotter-report-for-thursday-november-23-2023/ | title=What happened overnight? Police blotter report for Thursday, Nov. 23 &#124; Newzjunky }}</ref> Her question, made out of turn, led Town Supervisor Dan Barney to ask her to leave the meeting.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/arrested-for-trespassing-at-a-public-meeting-it-s-possible-experts-say/article_7dba6b38-b3da-11ee-afd0-f3d87dca9a27.html | title=Arrested for trespassing at a public meeting? It's possible, experts say | date=January 16, 2024 }}</ref> When Gregory refused, law enforcement was called, and she was later arrested by Deputy Caitlyn Gregory of the Oswego County Sheriff's Office. The charges against her included criminal trespass, obstruction of governmental administration, and, later, disorderly conduct.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/police-arrested-2-women-after-new-haven-board-meeting-why-was-1-jailed/article_db49646e-9398-11ee-a8f7-6f5a40620d8a.html | title=Police arrested 2 women after New Haven board meeting. Why was 1 jailed? | date=December 6, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/new-haven-supervisor-makes-groups-naughty-list-again/article_4da8253a-9abb-11ee-8a63-f7d5f1343038.html | title=New Haven supervisor makes group's naughty list again | date=December 15, 2023 }}</ref>

In April 2024, charges against Gregory and a companion, who was also cited for trespassing, were dismissed due to speedy trial violations. Following the dismissal, both women pursued civil legal action against the town of New Haven.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/new-haven-town-supervisor-threatens-more-legal-action-against-open-government-advocate/article_3be6f466-34b7-11ef-80db-2ff0462b3a4b.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawG4CIpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX1lfzkxDR0oAVY94HzHS_RzaB1X_ktm4qrknUyytGppY-94aDgFTaXHrA_aem_KbS6LSJsVhuzGkwF7Ipvfw | title=New Haven town supervisor threatens more legal action against open-government advocate | date=June 28, 2024 }}</ref> The incident raised significant concerns about the interpretation and enforcement of public meeting laws and the training of law enforcement officers in constitutional rights.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/two-women-cleared-of-criminal-charges-in-new-haven-plan-to-sue/article_92aeccb0-706c-11ef-9458-ffe8709f69dd.html | title=Two women cleared of criminal charges in New Haven plan to sue | date=September 11, 2024 }}</ref>

The incident sparked great controversy within the community, many outraged citizens who viewed police-worn body cam footage strongly condemned the Deputy for incorrectly asserting that Gregory was required to provide physical identification, even though New York law does not mandate this unless there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.<ref>https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/140.50</ref><ref>https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/195.05</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/in-ny-you-aren-t-always-required-to-give-police-your-id/article_a1a79d34-b184-11ee-b3d2-93e24ac43594.html | title=In NY, you aren't always required to give police your ID | date=January 13, 2024 }}</ref> The incident drew significant public outcry, with critics accusing Barney of abusing his power and targeting Gregory for personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/10-month-new-haven-trespassing-saga-began-long-before-arrests/article_3b78ba56-7052-11ef-9fd3-5be5ca8c4da3.html | title=10-month New Haven trespassing saga began long before arrests | date=September 11, 2024 }}</ref> Many called for his removal from office, describing his actions as petty and undemocratic. Online reactions also raised concerns about transparency and accountability in local government, with the New York Coalition for Open Government placing Barney on its "naughty list" for the second consecutive year. The incident was featured on the November 25, 2024 episode of ''Audit The Audit'', a popular Civil Rights Podcast with over 3 million subscribers where it was announced Gregory filed a civil lawsuit against the city of New Haven.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6z7qvOL_q8 | title=This Female Cop is a HUGE Liability! Massive Lawsuit Incoming! | website=[[YouTube]] | date=November 25, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2017/11/oswego_county_town_council_charged_with_illegally_hunting_deer_from_motor_vehicl.html | title=Oswego County town official charged with illegally hunting deer from motor vehicle | date=November 27, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.observertoday.com/news/local-region/2024/01/open-government-group-unveils-naughty-and-nice-list/ | title=Open government group unveils "Naughty and Nice List" }}</ref>