Julie Tacker Claims She Supports Free Speech. She Doesn’t.

Aaron Ochs is the author of “Defamers: How Fake News Terrorized a Community & Those Who Dared to Fight It,” a nonfiction uncovering the defamatory, deceptive and criminal practices of online tabloid CalCoastNews.

This week, we learned Oceano Community Services Director Cynthia Replogle was blocked from serving on any committees. Her colleagues pointed to disagreeable comments she’s made about the district from behind the dais, with her constituents and on social media. That shouldn’t be a problem. Ms. Replogle has always been outspoken about the local issues, and I argue that being critical of the government she serves absolutely deserves to be recognized, not prohibited.

But I was surprised to see Los Osos resident and self-described “government watchdog” slash “community activist” Julie Tacker weighing in on the issue.

In an op-ed published on CalCoastNews, Tacker bristled at the New Times’ Shredder referring to her “activism” — with regard to the latest controversy in Oceano — as “incessant crap-stirring,” adding the publication allegedly tried to quash her free speech. Recently, Tacker announced that she filed a formal complaint to compel the district board to walk back their decision.

For all intents and purposes, Tacker is right. Ms. Replogle shouldn’t be barred from serving on committees or taking on committee assignments because of her criticism of the district. But Tacker, of all people, should sit this one out.