Resident Greg Green calls for civility, defends city staff and council amid online attacks

Presque Isle — A lengthy public‑comment period at Wednesday’s City Council meeting featured a resident letter calling for more civil online discourse and several community members urging immediate action on a neighborhood safety issue.

Greg Green read a prepared letter “to the citizens of Presque Isle” asking residents to refrain from abusive or threatening communications toward elected officials and city staff. Green praised the new city manager Sonia for her local ties and service, and singled out several council members for public recognition for their volunteer work and contributions to local projects. “We are your elected representatives and we are no different than any of you who live next door to us,” Green said, asking citizens to “be kind, be polite, ask questions.”

Later, a neighbor (Shel) spoke on behalf of Kim, who lives adjacent to 16 Judge Street and had left work because of stress tied to threats and safety incidents. Shel told the council Kim’s mother moved out after being threatened, and recounted multiple police calls, fires started at the property and persistent nuisances. The speaker asked the council to act immediately to protect the resident and family rather than wait for court timelines.

Councilors acknowledged the complaint and the limits of civil process; staff and the police were asked to coordinate with the complainant. The council later moved forward with an abatement order for 16 Jud Street (see separate story) and discussed eviction/court timelines and the need to prevent winter habitation pending remediation.

Quote: “The level of unbecoming rhetoric and suspicion has reached a level that is totally unacceptable,” Greg Green read. “We are not your enemy.”