Attacking the People’s Voice
All Americans have a right to an open and transparent government, not the type of government you are proposing for Glendale that will stifle the people’s voice tonight.
The city of Glendale has its traditions. Moving the “People’s Hour”, the time in which the public can speak on any subject matter, from five minutes to less is a form of tyranny. John Drayman, who recently pleaded guilty to three felonies, left his mark when he was Mayor by moving the “People’s Hour”, with the consent of his council colleagues, from the beginning of council business to the end when it’s bedtime for the people.
Oppressive leaders can find any method to twist the facts to their liking.
Last year, when Councilman Weaver became our latest Mayor, he was not happy hearing from his council critics and directed staff to find a method to silence and lessen their influence on the viewing audience.
Mayor Weaver also plays offensively with his council critics by frequently moving the general three minute time for speakers to address Agenda or Consent Items from three minutes to two or one minute in order to throw his critics off guard.
Directing staff to find other cities to reduce the time for public input does not respect the great city of Glendale.
Council members, I beg of you, please do not leave your legacy as the council that allowed the PEOPLE’S HOUR to be less than five minutes.
