The Butler County commissioners continue to debate what topics should be broached during public comment sessions.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein criticized Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, for preventing county residents from exercising the right to free speech by interrupting them.

“I think it’s uncalled for,” Eckstein said. “It’s appalling.”

He said McCarrier stopped three speakers at the last meeting two weeks ago.

According to Eckstein, McCarrier was inconsistent by allowing a fourth speaker to go beyond his allotted time.

He claimed McCarrier was acting like a dictator.

McCarrier said Eckstein’s accusation was unfounded.

“That’s certainly ridiculous,” McCarrier said.

Under county policy, people speaking during public comment must stick to issues that may come before the commissioners.

During public comment Wednesday, Dave Kerr of Lancaster Township defended his previous comments about the plight of the Monarch butterfly, insisting it is county business.

“I am aware all of you scoffed at that,” Kerr said to the commissioners.

He said the commissioners do have the ability to bring attention to the adverse impacts of insecticides such as neonicotinoids, which are used on soybean and corn crops.

Kerr asked the commissioners to contact officials at higher levels of government.

McCarrier said the county Conservation District could notify farmers about the dangers of insecticides.

Eckstein agreed with Kerr that the issue was county business, expressing concern about the affects on honeybees as well.