Local resident criticizes council response to Cuff family case during public comment

During the public comment period on May 27, Fountain resident Al Linder criticized the mayor and the council for how they handled a previous meeting in which the Cuff family spoke about an ongoing neighborhood legal matter.

Linder said he felt council lacked compassion and urged the mayor to resign: “I wish you'd resign,” he told the council, and added, “I wish you'd go, and I wish the next 4 years you lose.” Linder also said he was “ashamed” that council members did not “stand up and fought for that woman,” and singled out one council member, saying “he's the one that saved the day.”

Council response and limits of authority: Mayor Thompson acknowledged the emotional nature of the matter, said the chief of police and city attorney had met with the family and that the city has limited authority because the issue is subject to a court process. The mayor said, “We are the legislative body. We are not the judge body, and we are not gonna cross that line,” and urged patience with the legal process. Council member Evans added the city would continue to bring resources to address the problem and said “we're not done either.”

Why it matters: the comments reflect local frustration about an ongoing court matter that residents raised at prior meetings. Council repeatedly emphasized that, because the matter is in court, the council must not act as judge or jury and that staff will continue to coordinate with appropriate agencies and provide follow‑up where possible.

No formal action was taken in response to the public comment during this meeting.