GALEO Appears before G'ville City Council

GAINESVILLE - Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials Jerry Gonzalez used every bit of his allotted five minutes before the Gainesville City Council Tuesday night and at the end of it was told by City Attorney James "Bubba" Palmour to stop being argumentative and that his time was up.

Gonzalez appeared before Council to tell them he fully expected city elections data to be released now that GALEO had released theirs. He said repeatedly he wanted an 'amicable' resolution to GALEO's contention that Gainesville's at-large voting procedure violates Section (2) of the Voting Rights Act.

Gonzalez also repeatedly said his group's patience was wearing thin and that a lawsuit that would prove costly to Gainesville taxpayers was a definite option.
Mayor Danny Dunagan said the city's attorneys would review GALEO's data and then respond.

"As soon as they receive it and they get a chance to let their experts look at it, we'll get back to you," Dunagan replied. "You're going to have to have some patience."

Dunagan said at-large voting has been upheld in court, pointing out that the council members represent every voter in the city, not just one ward.
Gonzalez was assured that the elections issue was a top priority but he told council members that GALEO was preparing a case they expect to win and would be ready to respond quickly.

"You're threats are heard," Dunagan responded, and Gonzalez replied that he resented his remarks being characterized as threats. At this point Palmour told Gonzalez to stop and that he had run out of time.

NEW PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY

Before Gonzalez' appearance, Council voted 4-1 on a resolution to immediately establish a new public comment policy which limited each speaker to two minutes with the entire comment period limit set at 20 minutes as recommended by City Attorney Palmour.Councilman George Wangeman objected, saying two minutes was too short.

"I think it's important that we hear more often and more of our citizens comments in our meetings," Wangeman said. "I think it will only enhance our meetings rather than detract from our meetings."

He wanted the two minute limit removed and rely on council's parliamentarian, the City Attorney or the City Manager in the City Attorney's absence, to limit the speaker. Council member Myrtle Figueras said she felt the limit should be at the parliamentarian's discretion. Council member Ruth Bruner suggested a four or five minute speaker's limit.

Mayor Dunagan suggested setting the limit at five minutes. Council voted 4-1 on the amended resolution to set the speaker's time limit at five minutes, with Wangeman voting no.

A PRAYER FOR BOSTON

City Council observed a moment of silence during the meeting invocation conducted by Gainesville Fire Department Chaplain Dr. William Carr for Monday's victims of the Boston Marathon explosions.

"In light of the events in Boston, I think it would be appropriate for us to use a moment of silence to remember those who died and those who are victims of this terrible tragedy," Dr. Carr said. "Hear our prayers for those who suffer from evil and need your loving care. We pray today for the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings. Comfort those who grieve, bring healing to those who are injured, calm our fears, and strengthen the resolve of all to overcome evil with good. Break the will of those who bring harm to others, and let justice roll down like a mighty stream. Change their thinking; overwhelm hatred and bitterness by the power of Your eternal love."