Cahokia, IL. (ECWd) –
The Mayor of Cahokia, IL., Mr. Curtis McCall, Jr., sent out a Press Release concerning his illegal use of force at the City Council meeting last night (video in previous article).
The Press Release was factually inaccurate.
McCall states the Open Meetings Act “strictly prohibits” open discussions of personnel issues.
WRONG!
Section 2(c) of the Act only “authorizes” closed sessions for that reason, but never requires it.
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: small;">"c) Exceptions. A public body <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>may</strong></span> hold closed meetings to consider the following subjects..."</span>
In fact, Section 2(b) specifically states:
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: small;">"...The exceptions <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">authorize but do not require</span></strong> the holding of a closed meeting to discuss a subject included within an enumerated exception."</span>
Other parts of the Press Release are factually incorrect, like him asking the citizen on several occasions to take her seat and remain quiet. Did he forget there was video of the meeting and it is posted online?
The Board Member was not disruptive, at least no more disruptive than the board member on the far left, who was allowed to run her mouth without interruption by the Mayor.
What does it say about a Mayor that has to have two police officers standing behind him, and at least two more in the audience during City Council Meetings? What is he afraid of, and what is he trying to hide?
I would hope their Attorney, Robert Sprague, did not advise the Mayor on these misleading statements.
Read the factually inaccurate press release below:
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4 Comments
Angie
Posted at 21:50h, 29 OctoberI thought that was wrong….since when can the people not speak? No one i seen was disruptive!!
Rissie McComb
Posted at 17:17h, 28 OctoberHe couldn’t even be professional and sign it!
jmkraft
Posted at 18:57h, 28 Octoberand that one was a replacement for the one where his listed phone number had been disconnected.
Rob62234
Posted at 23:26h, 28 OctoberBylaws ??? Is there a statute that says someone can be removed ?