Posted on Mon, Apr 16, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Mayor defends barrier erected between public, City Council, says people have 'charged' her
By Cindy Heflin
Some Milan City Council members, including Mayor Pro Tem Michael Armitage, are not happy that the city has erected a barrier separating members from the public, the Milan News-Leader reported.
Mayor Kym Muckler said the barrier is in place to provide psychological distance between council members and the public and make it clear that the proper procedure is to address council members from the lectern, not approach them directly.
The barrier was erected on the recommendation of former police Chief Jeffery Lewis. The idea for the barrier arose after an incident in Missouri in which council members were shot. Muckler said angry people have charged toward her in the past.
Comments
Jtcan
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Overkill it may well be, but the number of incidents where "ordinary" people become violent when frustrated does seem to point to a feeling of powerlessness among the public, in this time when people seem to shout past each other, and few listen. Continual news stories highlight the deafness and rigidity of many public officials. Perhaps we should be looking for ways to return to a more participative and representative government!
Dog Guy
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Nope! With clandestine bipartisanship, the Washington regime has ended "participative and representative government". I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=7SGWH3kirzg&vq=medium
Ron Granger
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
I have always described Milan as somewhat Mayberry-esque, and that is a complement. It isn't quite that way, but for this area it'll do. Imagine the episode of Andy Griffith where the new mayor puts up a barrier during council meetings. Andy would be the voice of reason. Barney would probably be eager to provide protection and would try to convince Andy that he should put his bullet in his gun. Otis would get drunk. Etc.
Ron Granger
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
The mayor says the councilmembers cannot do anything about the barrier, etc. The councilmembers should simply move their chairs to the other side of the barrier, leaving the mayor isolated in her own little world. After that, I'll bet the barrier would not last long.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
When is the public going to learn their place? The nerve!
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
Wow....who would have ever thought Milan would turn into a little Detroit?
Dog Guy
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.
Mayor Muckler should ask for a Secret Service escort so that no one could say, do, or even smirk anything she doesn't like. There's an Obama App for that now.
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 11:09 a.m.
Are you sure Les ?
Les Gov
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 10:32 a.m.
The Secret Service would have no interest in Milan. Milan doesn't offer the same entertainment value as Colombia.
Ron Granger
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
Detroit, or Milan? What a joke. I can't wait until this comes up - again and again - in the next mayoral election.
dotdash
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
This type of barrier destroys the feeling of community that is so valuable in local government. It's too bad, especially because it seems the goal is maintaining authority, not safety. The Mayor's office, not her furniture, should uphold her authority.
Cash
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Yeah, those Milan farmers are a mean bunch.