Dear Editor,
I attended the City of Richmond council meeting this evening (Nov. 27) and was absolutely shocked by the lack of civility our mayor demonstrated to Coun. Carol Day.
Several times during the proceedings, the mayor showed nothing but condemnation and contempt for Coun. Day, to the point that it was uncomfortable within chambers.
Civility of government is a cornerstone of democracy and what Mayor Brodie did tonight was bordering on harassment. He was rude, belligerent and dictatorial.
The major reason I was there, as were several members of the Steveston community, was the issue of paving of the easement between houses on Richmond and Broadway streets, between Second and First avenues.
Coun. Day was advocating on behalf of those who had come to speak against this and the mayor kept publicly belittling her.
Do we need this type of abuse within our city council? I think not.
It may be time for a new mayor, one who will provide positive leadership and not harass and humiliate colleagues and public servants.
I, for one, was embarrassed to be a Richmondite tonight.
Ben Baker
Richmond
