A New Kind of Rudeness Rules City Government - short

Whose government is it anyway?
An Editorial

While Orville Nelson has become a one-man band, the iron fist is showing at Council meetings. Nelson has now extended it over the gardening club spokesperson.

At the last meeting, Teri Macduff is subjected to "gavel abuse" as Nelson demands that she stand facing the council in a position with her back to the audience. The move accentuates the adversarial relationship towards many citizens that is defining Nelson's mayoral tenure... Read the editorial here, including video of the exchange.

In assisting councilor Mack Eubanks, the liason councilor between the Community Harmony Garden and the city make his report, I, Teri Macduff, was gaveled down. As chairman of the Parks Advisory/Community Garden committee, in efforts to be helpful, I was gaveled down and told to move to the center by Mayor Nelson.

Mayor Nelson wanted me to stand at the center of the room which would have required me to have my back either toward the audience or the council, by standing at the side my back is toward no one, therefore much more courteous and respectful of both audience and council. It is frustrating to be talked over and rudely gaveled down when offering information. It demonstrates a lowering of standards in courtesy and manners on the part of our mayor.

Category:

News & Politics

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• lakeside
• oregon
• orvillian
• city
• government
• mayor
• rude
• gavel