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Mayor Ed Ng rebukes a resident over public-comment complaints; councilmembers defend staff
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Summary
During public comment Pastor Jack Bedon praised Temple Beth Orr and urged consistent enforcement of public-comment time limits. Later Mayor Ed Ng sharply criticized a resident for what he described as dramatic behavior and instructed them to use official city channels; Councilmember DeRouse defended staff and urged constructive feedback.
At the April 14 La Mirada City Council meeting, several public commenters addressed the council on community events and process questions, and a brief but pointed exchange between a resident and Mayor Ed Ng drew attention.
Mark Travis, representing the Masters of Harmony, used the public-comment period to invite councilmembers and staff to a May 16 performance at the La Mirada Theatre and thanked the city for its support. Pastor Jack Bedon, a long-time resident, praised Temple Beth Orr's 70-year presence and raised concerns about security and the consistency of the council's public-comment time limits. "If it's 3 minutes then let's say 3 minutes. If it's 5 let's stick to that," Bedon said, urging a clear and consistent rule.
Later in the meeting the mayor responded to ongoing complaints that had been raised outside the chamber. Mayor Ed Ng criticized what he called theatrical complaints during public comment and told a resident to use established channels: "You have something to say to me like a man? Off the dais or all on the dais... Go through the city. I don't have you don't have access to me." His remarks included admonitions about repeatedly contacting council members and creating what he called unnecessary drama.
Councilmember DeRouse defended city staff and the council's conduct, saying that members should be given constructive feedback and that criticism should include alternatives. "Don't tear down, build up," DeRouse said, adding that staff work hard and that public input is best received when it is constructive.
The exchange underscored tension around meeting procedures and public engagement. The mayor reiterated that time limits are at his discretion (noting a Youth in Government day adjustment to a three-minute limit), and he asked residents to use formal city channels for follow-up outside the meeting. The meeting then proceeded to scheduled agenda business and adjourned.
