Despite expressions of regret from all quarters about the discord that has marked recent town council meetings, civility once again fell victim to partisan infighting at the February 28 session.
Fire department volunteer Jeff Maxwell made a statement that suggested that the issues dividing the town could be bridged by promoting community dialogue. He also defended the public sharing of his experience as a member of the team that responded to the recent fatal accident scene that claimed the life of Fred Sang.
Maxwell’s comments were followed immediately by those of Aaron Schreiber, who blamed the hostile atmosphere in town on people who oppose mining. He made a spirited defense of Mayor Ike Isakson who, he said, has done so much for this community and suggested mining opponents leave town. In response, Carolyn Shafer declared that mining opponents are trying to protect the town’s quality of life, to which Schreiber retorted, “You’re the main problem in this town.”
One issue fueling heated debate at this session was that of anonymous letters reportedly sent to the mayor and others. Marshal Joe Patterson said he will investigate this matter and informed Shafer that he would be interviewing her as part of his investigation. As the discussion unfolded, Mayor Isakson, asserting that the anonymous letters were anti-mining, asked Shafer to send a notice to people on her email list informing them that if they had any issues with him they should contact him directly and discuss it with him instead of sending anonymous letters.
Shortly after his verbal exchange with Shafer, Mayor Isakson moved on to other agenda items which included: approval of a permit for the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts to enlarge its new opera house; approval of a use permit for Red Mt.
Properties; appointment of Michael Harwin as the new town attorney; and approval for the Flood and Flow Committee’s pursuit of funding to develop a roadmap for the Sonoita Creek Watershed.
In stark contrast to the previous two sessions, the March 14 council meeting was a rather sedate affair. A motion introduced by Vice Mayor Andy Wood called for the council to adopt rules for audience participation during the call to the public.
The new rules, which were adopted unanimously, limit discussion to matters related to the town’s business; prohibit slanderous, disrespectful or hateful comments; and specify that comments are to be addressed to the elected body only, not to other audience members. Audience members may raise issues not on the agenda by completing, signing, dating and handing in a request form to the town manager.