Letter to the Editor: Why the "Hatch Act" may be relevant to the May 1st referendum

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Dale B. Olson of Decorah):

"I am writing in regard to your article of April 8th pertaining to display of yard signs by city council members.  You say they are guaranteed freedom of speech.
 
It is all good and noble to claim protection under freedom of speech, but that isn't totally true when it comes to partisan politics as it relates to government employees in the executive branch.  Whereas the city council members would probably be exempt because they are a legislative body, it might have been a good time to note that law and regulations under the Hatch Act limit activities of government employees in the area of partisan politics.  And I believe this applies to all government employees – federal, state, and local.  (See note)
 
So the claim of complete freedom of speech may not always apply, and it might be good for government employees to be reminded of these limitations, if they are not already aware of them."

(decorahnews.com says: "Dale is correct that the Hatch Act limits the political activities of FEDERAL employees.  It does not extend to state and local government employees.")