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Residents criticize commission during public comments, calling for changes
Summary
During public comment speakers accused the commission of racism and improper practices and urged officials not to run for re-election; separate commenters asked that invocations be revised when they deliver political messages.
Several members of the public used the commission’s public-comment period on April 7 to sharply criticize elected leaders and a pastor who delivers invocations at recent meetings.
One public commenter (who did not give a professional title on the record) challenged the commission’s conduct and alleged complicity in racist behavior, saying elected officials had “no spine” and urging them not to run for re-election. The same speaker said the commission’s actions “don’t look good” and urged voters to take notice.
Another speaker who identified himself as Diablo Velez criticized Pastor Burks’ invocation practice and recommended the pastor submit invocations for review, saying the pastor’s remarks advanced a political agenda rather than a spiritual one. Velez said the invocation content had angered people and asked the commission to require that invocations be submitted for revision.
Commissioners heard the comments without taking formal action during the public-comment period. The meeting proceeded to scheduled agenda items after the public-comment interval closed.
