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Veterans and residents criticize restroom restriction at Run for the Wall; caller demands mayor's resignation, councilor apologizes
Summary
Public commenters, including veterans, said a prior proposal to restrict restroom use at the Run for the Wall offended veterans; one caller demanded the mayor's resignation and other council members publicly apologized and clarified that restroom access and porta‑potty plans are in place.
Multiple public commenters at the meeting criticized a prior council action they said would limit restroom access at the Run for the Wall veterans' event.
Philly Farmer (SEG 382) said he felt "singled out, disgraced, and forgotten" and complained that mayoral statements had excluded Run for the Wall veteran bikers from park restrooms. Misty Ann Hansen (SEG 416) said she witnessed a council attempt to restrict public restroom access for that event, called it a "lie of omission," and demanded the mayor's immediate resignation and a public apology: "Mayor, I call for your immediate resignation. I call for your immediate public apology," she said on the record.
Later in the meeting Council member Bell apologized to veterans and said he supported the event, adding, "I 100% support this event and want all people are invited... I am very sorry by any means if we offended any of you." Council members also clarified plans for porta‑potties and restroom access during the event and said they did not intend to exclude veterans from facilities.
The record shows strong public sentiment about the issue and a formal apology from a council member; the council also said they will take steps to ensure restroom access during the upcoming event.
