Banned from City Hall: The David Webb Debate and the Boundaries of Protest

Hank, Ben, Tom Marino, and Mark Henderson unpack the City’s No Trespass order against David Webb, the politics of protest, and whether making Webb the face of Worcester’s left is a calculated move.

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

(Photo-Radio Worcester)

WORCESTER, Mass.- Political gadfly, professional irritant to the administration, David Webb, has been No Trespassed from Worcester City Hall. Tom Marino, thisweekinworcester.com, Mark Henderson, the016.com, along with Hank and Ben, discuss whether such a move is warranted. The administration argues that Webb has crossed a line where his actions have become harassment of officials, not just questioning. The group discusses when such a line is crossed. They also talk about what are legitimate forms of protest. For example, whether the constant commentary during the City Manager’s State of the City address and the attempted disruption of the opening of The Worcester Regional Food Hub kitchen are actual protests. The poitics of making Webb the face and voice of the political left in an attempt to harm Worcester’s Progressive movement is also touched on. Other stories discussed include the Worcester City Budget and a possible strike from UMass/Memorial workers.

This article was sourced from a transcript of a recent interview conducted by Hank Stolz on the Radio Worcester program Talk of the Commonwealth.