National Press Photographers Association, Inc.

The Society of Visual Journalists

3200 Croasdaile Drive Suite 306 Durham, NC 27705-2586 Phone: (716) 983-7800 Fax: (716) 608-1509 lawyer@nppa.org

VIA FACSIMILE ((202) 225-3012 & (513) 421-8722)

August 25, 2011

Hon. Steve Chabot 2351 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Re: Cincinnati Town Hall Meeting Dear Congressman Chabot, As General Counsel for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and its more than 7,000 members I strongly object to the actions taken by you and your staff abridging the First Amendment rights of those citizens who were recording your comments at a public meeting. While I appreciate your ongoing support of the press in permitting the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of [federal] court proceedings, there can be no less sunshine for your constituents. That is why I am so taken aback that you and your staff could disregard the public's right to record an open meeting in such a cavalier manner. Posting signs banning cameras for security purposes does not supersede the constitutional rights of citizens. Requesting that police interfere with and seize cameras under color of law is unconscionable. The fact that the officer involved appeared to be even more uninformed regarding the laws he is sworn to uphold is also very disturbing. A complete and immediate apology would be a good start in addressing this blatant constitutional transgression, along with the understanding that it can never happen again. Thank you for your attention in this matter. I look forward to your response.

Very truly yours,

Mickey H. Osterreicher
Mickey H. Osterreicher General Counsel cc: Sean Elliott, NPPA President