Hostile Crowd Greets CdA Council

Alison Boggs/SR is covering tonight’s City Council discussion of proposed McEuen Field changes. I left 90 minutes into the meeting — and 6 people into the public comment period (including proponent Marlo Faulkner and opponents Sharon Culbreth & state Sen. Kathy Sims). I had to run a gauntlet of activists collecting signatures on 3 petitions for referendums of Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna’s education reforms and activists handing out “public vote” signs. At various times, the council and speakers were interrupted by shouts, stomping, and shouts for a “public vote.” Opponents to change held up their “public vote” signs throughout the discussion. But there also were a number of individuals who applauded the proposed changes. Mayor Sandi Bloem warned the crowd to be respectful 50 minutes into the public meeting. Police Chief Wayne Longo and a half dozen officers were present at Woodland Middle School to ensure that things remained peaceful.