I recently took my Scouts to the Highland City Council meeting as I have done many times in the past. This time the boys were to meet me there because of a prior commitment I had.
When I arrived, the room was crowded. It only took a moment to realize none of my Scouts was there, and I was soon thankful for that. My intention had been to show them how the system works and to see democracy in action.The meeting was a public hearing on the nuisance law. But unlike the public meetings that are held at the Capitol, where citizens give input and there is a meeting of the minds, this meeting was an abhorrence.
Those in attendance were rude. It was an emotional issue, but this was the reason the council was holding the meeting. They wanted to find out from citizens what should be done since there was a need and obviously there had been complaints from other members of the community.
As I walked in, there was a fellow standing talking about the democratic process of government for and by the people. This meeting had no resemblance of that process; it was approaching anarchy.
Mayor Hewlett expressed his preference not to live near certain properties in the community that are stockpiled with junk. He was then challenged by one of those parties. It was not just comments that were made, but the individual came out of his seat and charged the mayor in a very hostile manner.
To my astonishment, a majority of the crowd clapped and appeared to think this was funny. I saw it as dangerous, not only for our mayor but for the system itself. Someone else had the same view and called the police.
I hope that not only those in Highland but all citizens everywhere will realize that these are costly displays. Most of those who serve do so for free or very low compensation. They are entitled to the courtesy and respect that comes with their offices.
Lowell A. Nelson
Highland