THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 1994 TAG: 9409280477
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANCIE LATOUR, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
The days of gadflies calling Mayor William E. Ward ``Billy Boy'' or accusing the City Council of taking too many paid vacations ended with Tuesday's session - at least in front of the council cameras.
In a 6-2 vote, the council passed an amendment that delays citizen comments on nonagenda items until after the council has adjourned.
Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer spearheaded the amendment, which calls for turning off television cameras and excusing the city staff before hearing citizens' complaints and general comments about city affairs.
``We've felt that certain people have consistently used the council podium as a circus every Tuesday night,'' Dwyer said.
As a group of five regular critics huddled and sneered from the back of the council chamber, Councilman Robert T. Nance said it was time to draw a line in the sand.
``Quite frankly, Mayor, you have been abused,'' Nance said. ``And the citizens have been abused by having to watch the same theatrics and name-calling.''
Ward, though, opposed the measure.
``The principles of democracy can often be painful, chaotic and even offensive,'' Ward said, ``but once you begin to chip away at the constitutional right to speak . . . you'll have the continued erosion of those principles.''
Because the council will adjourn before hearing the comments, it will not be able to take any action based on them. Nor will the city manager or city attorney be available to answer questions that could address a problem.
Councilman Alan Krasnoff also voted against the amendment.
The new rules will take effect with the next council meeting. In a 30-minute session after the meeting, each speaker will be allowed up to five minutes to comment. Council will remain to hear their comments, which will be recorded on audio tape only.
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE CITY COUNCIL by CNB