Part 2: My big debut: "Your behavior is disgraceful!"

My big debut to the Commissioners on Wednesday came after sitting politely for an hour and a half listening to the proceedings. It was finally time for citizen participation in the form of three-minute timed comments.

An old man with a cane hobbled up to the microphone and began a (somewhat) coherent speech on the plight of the homeless in the County and his request that the Board proceed quickly with the budget approval. At three minutes, Commissioner Conan Smith called time and the man hobbled back to his chair. It was what happened during those three minutes that boiled my blood.

As soon as the gentleman stood, nearly every member of the Board turned to their neighbor and began (what looked like) personal conversations. With the exception of a few moments searching in her purse, Commissioner Kristin Judge appeared to be the only person paying the least bit of attention.

During this time, I couldn’t help but remember the 20 minutes I spent listening as several Board members waxed poetic on their hard work creating the budget, the difficulties they faced, and how grateful they were to each other and the County staff for accomplishing the daunting task. The whole time I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t a personalized thank you note be a little less self-serving and a little more meaningful?”

Needless to say, I found the behavior of the Board quite appalling. I had a feeling this gentleman was the type who spoke frequently at meetings, but I believe everyone deserves respect when they speak. As I looked at others around me, I saw they saw this situation as status quo.

Realizing that no one else planned to comment, I immediately approached the Board and introduced myself. I mentioned that I was happy to see that they troubled themselves to actually look at me, given that earlier they were too busy chatting to listen. I was sure to point out the separate twosomes to assure them I had paid attention to their behavior. Chastising them for their rudeness, I said it was disgraceful that they couldn’t pay attention for three minutes and that as representatives, all citizens deserve their respect.

Needless to say, many of the Commissioners spoke with me after the meeting was adjourned. First up was Conan Smith. He explained that while he understood the nature of my comments, he wanted to put some context behind the Board’s behavior. To paraphrase the conversation:

He explained that the gentleman comments at every opportunity, at every single meeting.
My response: So? That’s his right.

He then explained that the gentleman has slandered both him and his wife in the past, as well as other Board members (sadly, no specific examples were provided.)
My response: He did not do anything like that tonight. His comments were about the homeless and the budget.

Comm. Smith then asked me for my opinion on the limits of free speech.
My response: There is a time limit which should be enforced. Beyond that, unless someone engages in profanity or slander, they should be afforded the right to speak. In the instance of slander, I am referring to someone saying things like “Your wife is a sl**, etc.” Beyond that, I don’t think free speech should be limited.

Soon Commissioners Ping and Prater joined the conversation. Comm. Ping was quite persistent and adamant in defending her actions. While Comm. Smith was at least apologetic, Comm. Ping was focused on assuring me that the gentleman deserved everything he got. In fact, she gave him a ride home one time and the next week he slandered her at the Board meeting because she’s a Republican!!! (The nerve!)

I don’t know about you but I was raised that you help others because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect some sort of quid pro quo.

Becoming tired of the excuses, I turned the conversation to my appointments to the Community Action Board and Workforce Development Board. Learning that it would likely be tabled, I decided to leave as it had grown late and I needed to pick up my dog.

Since Wednesday, I’ve had time to reflect on the situation and I feel even more strongly I was correct. Why?

A few thoughts:

Imagine it is your first Board meeting and you came to address the Board about a recent problem you had with County Administration. There are 10-15 representatives from the County Admin. sitting to your right. You see an elderly gentleman get up to speak and observe the Board’s behavior. You’re thinking, “Gee, they don’t even care. They’re not even listening. Do I really want to get up there and tick-off all these people sitting next to me when it won’t even matter?” You decide not to speak. This rudeness discourages others from expressing themselves because they “don’t know the context.”

As far as I’m concerned, someone can use their three minutes to extol the virtue of their dog Fido. It is their right. On-topic, off-topic, clear headed arguments or senseless rambling, everyone should be respected during their three minutes. Just pretend that you’re listening…I don’t care. Don’t behave out and out rudely.

Specifically regarding the gentleman, he looked to be in his 80s, probably doesn’t have family around (considering he’s had rides home,) and speaking at meetings probably gets him out of bed in the morning. Show some compassion and understanding.

My 90 year-old great-grandmother made nasty remarks to family members, would sometimes tell outright lies, or make a racist comment. Sometimes you need to realize that the battle is lost before it’s begun. My family was not going to change her and no one will change this gentleman. Let it go in one ear and out the other, then move on with your business. Because among all those comments you don’t agree with and are not interested in hearing, there may be a few pearls of wisdom.

So, what do you think? Was the Board justified in their actions? When do you think free speech should be limited at public meetings? Was/Is my response appropriate? Thoughts? Comments?