Rebecca Davidson, Tara Smelt, & Tayo, Inc. v. Baird

HARRIS, Judge:

¶1 A free democracy is often messy and, in our country, those willing to serve in public positions and who are entrusted with appropriately spending the public's money must be "[individuals] of fortitude, able to thrive in a hardy climate," and willing to put up with robust, even sharp, criticism of their actions by members of the public whom they represent. See New York Times Co. v. Sullivan , 376 U.S. 254 , 273, 84 S.Ct. 710 , 11 L.Ed.2d 686 (1964) (quotation simplified). The First Amendment to the United States Constitution affords a level of protection even for "vehement,…