Waterford residents sharply divided after councilmember calls Charlie Kirk a 'fascist'; some call for resignation

At a Waterford City Council meeting, public comment was dominated by a dispute over Councilmember Liz Talbot's decision to describe the late commentator Charlie Kirk as associated with fascist ideology. Dozens of residents and several out‑of‑town visitors spoke, with some demanding Talbot resign or be recalled and others defending her statements and her record of community service.

The debate opened when Melissa, a Waterford resident and teacher, told the council she was "dismayed to witness an absolute circus" at the prior meeting and said Talbot's use of the word "fascism" was "incredibly disrespectful, and it was certainly unnecessary." Multiple speakers disagreed sharply about whether the label fit…