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Public commenter removed after repeated warnings at Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board meeting
Summary
A signed-up speaker, identified as Alex Zimmerman, was removed after multiple warnings for off-topic and disruptive remarks that included an offensive slur and repeated accusations about dual citizenship; the board cited compliance with ordinance 6752 and council member Hamilton suggested further follow-up.
A public commenter who signed up to address the Parks and Community Services Board was removed after multiple warnings for disruptive and off-topic remarks during the boards oral communications period.
Ryan (staff) read the lone signed-up speaker as Alex Zimmerman. Zimmerman made sustained comments that included an offensive slur and statements that people with dual citizenship "cannot be a member of government," repeatedly challenging the board. Chair Klima warned the speaker multiple times to keep remarks within the boards scope and ultimately concluded the speaker had "formed a disruption of our public meeting" and had not spoken about matters within the Parks and Community Services Boards duties.
"For the record, I consider the speaker's refusal to follow the rules adopted by council ordinance 6752," Chair Klima said as the speaker was removed. Council member Hamilton later told the board he supported follow-up action and suggested banning the individual from future meetings should staff and council choose to pursue that path.
No formal motion to ban the speaker was made at the meeting. The board emphasized it does not condone hateful or offensive speech but also noted First Amendment protections for public comment; the removal was framed as enforcement of the boards rules and the city ordinance limiting off-topic political content.
After the removal, the board proceeded with its agenda, including recognition of the departments CAPRA reaccreditation and a staff presentation on park naming guidelines.
