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Residents accuse councilmember of harassment and tampering during public comment
Summary
Several residents used the public-comment period to allege harassment, altered records and intimidation tied to Councilmember Lowry; speakers said they plan complaints and urged council action, while the council and staff said such personnel or criminal matters must be pursued through appropriate legal channels.
Several residents sharply criticized Councilmember Lowry during the meeting’s public-comment period on July 13, alleging harassment, altered government records and intimidation.
Robert Harvey told the council he was unlawfully arrested after recording an elected official, said the district attorney later dropped charges and accused Councilmember Lowry of conspiring with police to have him jailed. Harvey said he will file a complaint over an allegedly altered government record that he said injured his reputation.
A separate commenter who identified himself as John urged the council to examine whether Penal Code §37.10 (tampering with governmental records) applied and suggested the council consider censure or removal. Maribel Freebird said Lowry posts people’s profiles and personal information online and encouraged harassment; she urged the council to stop what she called ongoing bullying.
Another caller, who identified as Mister Followwell, defended Lowry, called Harvey’s claims “lies” and urged enforcement against Harvey’s followers. The exchanges were heated and included personal insults from multiple speakers.
Council members and staff repeatedly told commenters that the city may not deliberate on items raised during public comment and that personnel or criminal allegations must be handled through the appropriate legal or administrative channels. Mayor Bell and city staff acknowledged the statements and directed staff to assist residents with formal complaint processes where appropriate.
The council did not take any formal action in response to the allegations during the meeting.
What happens next: city staff and legal counsel may receive formal complaints if residents file them; any criminal allegations remain a matter for law enforcement and the courts.
