Quincy City Council Silences Taxpayer’s Voice
According to QuincyNews.org, the Quincy City Council denied a written request to speak on a recently approved $31.2 million budget and water and sewer rate increases by a resident taxpayer.
When it came time to vote to open the floor to allow the speaker, a mixed voice vote took place. A roll call vote ensued and the seven Democrats denied McQueen’s opportunity to speak while six Republicans voted to allow him to speak.
Alderman Mike Rein (R-5th Ward) was absent.
Alderman Mike Farha (R-4th Ward) said he had never seen anyone denied the right to speak in his 10 years on the council and called the vote “outrageous.”
Farha spoke up after the vote, saying “We have never not allowed a member of the public to address this body.”
Alderman Steve Duesterhaus (D-2nd Ward) countered by saying “A point of order here. This is an incidental motion and is not subject to debate.” Mayor John Spring agreed and Farha finished with “I just want my objection noted for the record.”
Duesterhaus (D-2nd Ward) said there had been ample opportunity to comment on the budget and the water and sewer increases before last week’s votes had taken place.
Clearly the elected officials have more pressing matters than observing the Constitutional rights of its taxpaying citizens who follow all the necessary steps required to address the council in a public forum.