From The Press of Atlantic City — I am not sure if the writer of the Aug. 7 editorial, “Free speech in Mullica/Bad law resurfaces,” regarding amendments to Mullica Township’s ordinance on parades and public assemblies actually read it, but there is definitely a communication gap here.

This is not a new law to us or any other town. It clarifies the requirements for special-events permits and the use of public facilities while specifically exempting “any public event or assembly gathering for the purpose of political discourse, debate or other similar expressive activity.”

We receive numerous requests for outside organizations to utilize our recreation fields. Currently we require an applicant to submit an application, pay a fee and provide for liability insurance. This allows us to coordinate the applicant’s request with our own recreation association or previous applications.

Yes, permits can be denied. But should the taxpayers who paid for these fields be on the hook for an outside organization that refuses to complete the application or is not properly covered in the case of a lawsuit?

This has nothing to do with spontaneous gatherings for political discourse on any public property, including the trash-transfer station.

And residents driving into the transfer station to drop off their trash do not need to exit their vehicles because we have individuals in safety vests who remove it for them. This is in great contrast to a group of individuals standing at the exit gate for five and a half hours meeting passers-by.

Why is asking them to wear safety vests such an infringement on their rights? Wearing a safety vest provided by the town is a small compromise to ensure everyone’s safety.

KATHY CHASEY, Committee person, Mullica Township