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Steve Evicted from Memorial Building... Who's Next? |
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| Ironwood - August 25, 2009 At last evenings meeting of the Ironwood City Council, citizen, Steve Frank was asked to leave the chamber. When he failed to do so, Ironwood Public Safety Officers were called to the scene. As you might imagine this was a bit of overkill. Also it is one of two recent incidents where this has happened. More on that subject to come. Steve was attempting to read a statement to the city council. However, his epistle was well over the five minute limit set by council rules. Steve, wanted to express dissatisfaction with recent decisions of the city council. As usual, Steve wanted to cover as much as possible in his comments. Steve Frank is an articulate and intelligent young man. I believe this even when I disagree with his point of view, as was the case last evening. Steve really needs to get a job as a salesperson. I did very briefly in my youth. I was taught to make the pitch, make the sale and get the hell out! This would have been good advice for Steve. He and I are on two different worlds on the caves issue. I would like to see both motorized sports and non-motorized sports thrive in our community. Steve, like some of the rogue elements within the hiker/biker group, clearly want motorized sports removed from the city entirely. They dance around this issue, never offering a comprehensive plan of their own. As my Dad use to say "Talk is Cheap!" Last night Steve spoke for 5:30 seconds before the 5 minute buzzer sounded. He went on speaking and was not asked to stop for another 26 seconds. He went on talking. At the 7 minute mark he was interrupted. He said he had one more page to go. Councilwomen Suzanne Toth asked him to leave the podium. He, Steve continued to speak. At 8:06 minutes City Attorney told Franks that he would be making his arguments to jury this morning if he didn't leave the room. Escorted by, Public Safety Director Bob Erspamer, out of the building. Being as long winded myself as Steve, I usually time my remarks to fit within the time allowed. Its difficult to do when you are trying to be both complete and accurate. There is one thing that should be noted about this situation. The city council has time and time again allowed people to speak past the time limit. Doing this for some individuals and not for others is referred to as "Selective Enforcement". By perpetrating selective enforcement, a judge may deem the entire rule, ordinance or law illegal. Steve believes his first amendment rights were violated, just as I felt that several months ago when the city violated my fourth amendment rights as a news publisher. Steve has a point of view that should be heard and there certainly is no harm in allowing him to voice it. As far as the trail issue goes, Steve and his colleagues are losing ground fast in their war against motorized sports. The supporters that they (the hiker/bikers) counted on are not in agreement with their views, or lack of views which ever is the case. The hiker/bikers need to put together a clear message that they can all stand behind. So far, I have received a different message from every member that I have spoken with. The question that they keep avoiding and dancing around is a simple one. Do they want all motorized sports evicted from the caves area. do they believe that 400 +- acres is insufficient to accommodate the small number of people using the area? You may watch the video and formulate your own opinion. |
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