Public comment should be appreciated, not scolded

I was asked recently about the protests at the Springfield Municipal Building and the council meeting this week. The protests were about recently retired Springfield Police sargent Egan receiving special treatment after a nearly fatal crash with Trevor Hopkins and Chelsea Farley. Sargent Egan was not arrested for DUI after refusing a field sobriety test per procedure and Illinois state law. He was allowed to access his vehicle for up to 6 hours after the accident and given water while Mr. Hopkins and Ms. Farley were being given first aid and loaded into ambulances. Protesters were asking for Sargent Egan to be arrested and attempted to enter the building. They were met with police shields and two protesters, Tiara Standage and Brandon Dorr, were arrested and later released. Sargent Egan was arrested shortly before or during the protest, arraigned and is out on release with conditions per the Safe-T Act.

During the subsequent City Council committee of the whole meeting, some aldermen chose to argue and leave the room during public comment. The public has the right to provide comment about agenda items or current events that relate to our jurisdictions. None of the county board members acted this way during a very long meeting last month. All candidates that I saw and current board members were respectful and understood that public comment must be valued and respected. While the urge may be to debate and argue specific points, during meetings, this isn’t allowed for time.

I will continue that tradition as your representative on the county board. I’m there to represent ALL of my constituents and the best way I can do that is to listen to your concerns. When you take time out of your schedule to attend our meetings, I will value what you have to say. I will listen, thank you for your comments and take them under consideration. If I disagree with you, I am open to having a discussion before or after the meeting and explain my reasoning. I’m not running for county board to better myself. I’m running for county board to improve our community. I hope I can earn your vote this November.

Posted on 13 Sep 2024, 11:11 - Category: Campaign Platform