Police chief escorts speaker out
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Chairman Paul Cleary’s gavel got a workout Monday evening in the Town Council chambers which might otherwise have been a standard business meeting. After dealing with “Old Business” agenda items like increasing the maximums for food assistance and future funding of Roads 2000, the councilors went on to “New Business” and eventually the proposed change in the public comment period.
Phil Bernaiche questioned why it was being done since he did not see it as being in the best interests of the people. “I like to see the people get a fair shake.”
Then, Stan Ginish engaged in a somewhat rambling rant that escalated into unsubstantiated charges against the council. He was warned to observe the rules of order and avoid more outbursts as Cleary’s gavel came down repeatedly. But, in what could have been construed as a sarcastic and trivialized reference to the horrors of the Nazi regime, the ranting culminated with a shout — “Javol, mein Führer!” And, he sat down.
Off camera, Ginish’s defiant hand gestures triggered his removal from the council chambers by Police Chief Butch Asselin, at Cleary’s request, until order was restored. The telecast on the public access station was halted for several minutes.
According to Asselin, at first, Ginish declined leaving the chambers but agreed to exit upon the chief’s insistence whereupon, they discussed his behavior. He was allowed to return to the meeting and, Asselin said, he subsequently kept his composure.
“As police officers, we’re sworn to uphold and administer the law,” said Asselin who added that the council handled the situation well. He emphasized that protecting freedom of speech, is a fundamental right but not without its limits. And, he says, he will respond accordingly.
“You should be able to have a civilized meeting without the immaturity that showed up last night,” Cleary said in a Tuesday morning interview. He also said there are “a lot of people who get up and speak at our council meetings because they care about the town of Houlton and they want to make Houlton better.”
Cleary referred to the outburst as “uncalled for,” “disrespectful,” “childish,” “immature” and “embarrassing.” “People in town have a right to get up and speak and we encourage them to speak. But, you also have to show respect for the councilors and the process and the way of doing things.”
With regard to public comments, Cleary says “We’re putting all public comments at the front of the meeting.” That change would move comments on agenda items to the beginning of the meeting instead of having residents wait for them to come up.
Nancy Ketch said she thought moving public comments up would be more conducive to involving residents. Walter Goodrich said putting the comment period in one spot would not take away anyone’s right but would facilitate a smoother flow of council business.
Other matters before the council were Lawrence Clark’s renewal application to operate three taxis for Houlton Cab which was approved. It also approved the appointment of Kent Bickford and re-appointed Monique Grant and Mitchell Holmes to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board — all for three-year terms.
The council accepted a $100 donation for the DARE Program from the Houlton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. And, it authorized the town manager to apply for the Transit Bonus Program through the Urban Rural Initiative Program.
Councilor Brian Donnelly said he is dealing with an OUI charge and will continue to serve the people and work on the council. He expressed appreciation for the support extended to him and stated that he will not discuss the issue publicly in the future.
Before concluding business, Councilor Paul Romanelli expressed the importance of keeping the park and bridge clean and possibly installing portable toilets, picnic tables and a way to deal with bird droppings. Councilor Sue Tortello encouraged residents to participate in the Canoe Race and the Dog Walk-A-Thon this weekend and the post office’s food drive next weekend. The subject of the “Rec Center” brought up more discussion on ways to improve or replace it. Goodrich said without discussion, perhaps architectural drawings, and estimates, there is no way of knowing what is involved.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m.
