Resident urges council to stop name-calling and 'lead with dignity' during public comment

At the Washington Court House City Council meeting on Sept. 24, resident Christine Blair used the public-comment period to call on elected officials to stop personal attacks and name-calling during council meetings.

Speaking from the podium, Blair identified herself as a local resident and said the issue had 'been going on for years.' She said that at a recent public occasion a council member’s name was used 'in a very vulgar way in a public place' and that citizens who are criticized 'don't have a chance to respond.' Blair asked council members to 'lead with dignity and with integrity.'

Council members responded in turn. Councilor Caleb Johnson (as identified earlier in committee attendance) thanked Blair for speaking and later said he welcomes criticism and loves dialogue. Council Chair Dale Lynch and others echoed the need to be mindful of words and their effects.

Blair’s comments prompted councilors to note the importance of respectful discourse during the 'miscellaneous' part of meetings and the public-comment period. No formal disciplinary action or council resolution addressing decorum was introduced during the meeting.

Because public civility affects public trust in local government, Blair’s remarks were taken as a reminder for councilors to consider tone and conduct in future meetings. The council moved on to its agenda without taking further action on the specific request at that meeting.