A Mobile resident voiced concerns Tuesday with how council members react to citizens who come forward with concerns.
“Be respectful,” Sabrina Mass said to the council. “And then y'all wonder why we come down here with attitudes. Because you get what you give, and that's just facts.”
Discord began when several citizens addressed the council on funding for the library and public safety. Concerns for the library included inappropriate material in the children’s section, and concerns for public safety surrounded recent migrant influxes.
“I know for a fact that we have 1,000 Venezuelans in Mobile and surrounding areas,” Melissa Gates said. “I also know because this comes from reliable, multiple sources that Haitians are coming in as well.”
Councilman Joel Daves said everyone in the room, unless they are Native Americans, are immigrants.
“So, we need to be very careful when we start attacking people that are coming into this country to try to seek a better life,” he advised.
Daves said immigration policy is a federal issue, not a city council responsibility.
Councilman Cory Penn said people have to be mindful of their words because citizens could begin to relate public safety issues with a "certain group of people." He also pointed out that Gates began her public comment with a Bible verse.
“Jesus wasn't from America,” Penn said. “So, would he be welcome here? Will we turn Jesus away?”
Councilman William Carroll said his wife, who is Haitian American, fled Haiti with her family. He said his wife and her family are all successful and productive.
“To say that a group of people that comes here and to insinuate that they will not be productive is in my mind inappropriate,” Carroll said.
Carroll said it cut deep to hear negative comments, and then he said something in a foreign language. 1819 News has requested a translation from Carroll.
Mass said she has recognized citizens being shut down over the past two weeks and she called for an end to that practice. During the last meeting, Carroll told a woman to sit down after she brought concerns. Mass said the council has disrespected citizens.
“Maybe you don't agree with what people say and that's your right, but you are elected officials. We are the citizens, we are the taxpayers,” she added. “It's a different way. It's not what you say but the way you say it.”
“ … Don't play anymore,” Mass continued. “The city is sick and the city is tired. The citizens are suffering, and y'all act like it's about you, and it's not.”
Penn said he want to listen to constituents about library books and other issues even if he disagrees.
“We got to do it together; we got to listen to each other; we got to hear each other concerns and we got to respect each other even when moments where we disagree with each other,” Penn said. “We also got to listen at moments so we can figure this thing out so we can move forward.”
At the end of the meeting, each council member, including Carroll, said they did not mean disrespect, and they called on people to have a productive dialogue.
Council president CJ Small announced library representatives will attend the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on October 15.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
