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Residents and leaders clash over decorum after director walked out during moment of silence
Summary
Speakers at the Oct. 28 citizens forum criticized a director who left the room during a moment of silence for a recently killed public figure, calling the act disrespectful and asking the board to set stricter norms for civility. Other voices defended the director’s right to act but asked for mutual respect.
An extended portion of the Oct. 28 citizens forum addressed board decorum after a recent meeting moment of silence drew a public reaction when one director left the room during the observance.
Molly Anchiveria told the board the walkout during a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk "was a public statement made on our time by our elected official," and said the action "sent a clear message, your loss doesn't matter to me." Anchiveria asked the board to hold the director accountable and to model civility.
By contrast, Talisha Richardson, president of the Fort Smith NAACP, urged restraint and pointed out that directors are elected representatives who may exercise personal judgment. "He had every right to do so," Richardson said of the director who left the room and asked the board and the public to practice civility and respect, regardless of political views.
The exchange highlighted broader community tensions heard during the study session: commenters also raised concerns about transparency, FOIA requests and whether board members are sufficiently forthcoming about conflicts of interest related to city projects. The board did not take disciplinary action during the meeting but several citizens demanded clearer standards and consistent enforcement of civility rules.
