Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance calls for more security at County Council meetings and better leadership from Chair Sue Marshall
Ken Vance, editor
Clark County Today
Clark County Council meetings have become an embarrassment to our community and it appears our County Chair Sue Marshall is either unwilling or incapable of doing anything about it.
During Wednesday’s Council Time, members of the council held a discussion about language for a resolution regarding federal immigration enforcement in the region, and that was after an hour of public comment on the issue. Prior to the period for public comment, Marshall reminded the crowd of the rules of the council. No applause. No vocalization for one side or the other. No profanity. No namecalling.
“Each person would be able to speak without intimidation,” Marshall said, adding that if there were disruptions, the council could take a recess and continue the meeting online.
During this meeting, the decorum and behavior of some of those in attendance reached an all-time low. There was swearing and anti-white rhetoric, plus props were used to simulate soiled toilet paper or a diaper. The behavior of one of those providing public comment was particularly disgusting and inappropriate.
“This is what I think about Clark County Sheriff and this is what I think about your statement,” one anti-ICE protester said, tossing the papers to the floor. That was after the person reached behind their back and appeared to put their hands down their pants to wipe their backside. Those sitting in chairs next to the podium were disgusted with the idea of litter just a few feet from them that had been used for the disgusting prop. They asked for the litter to be removed.
Marshall disregarded their concerns and allowed public comment to continue, with the “toilet paper” display left there on the floor for roughly 20 minutes before a staff member, wearing rubber gloves, removed the paper.
As Clark County Today Reporter Paul Valencia wrote in his report of the meeting, “this was not considered a disruption worthy of any action from the council chair.’’
It should be noted that in the past, Marshall has behaved like a strict elementary school teacher while monitoring the behavior of other attendees at county meetings. She has previously appeared eager to manage the decorum and behavior of those in attendance at county meetings, but her disdain and discipline has been reserved for those who represent opinions other than her own.
Marshall, along with Councilors Wil Fuentes and Glen Yung, are the authors of everything disgusting and absurd with the current council. There has been a growing faction of attendees, especially during the two meetings during which the anti-ICE resolution was discussed, who have exhibited threatening and aggressive behavior.
“That group is organizing everywhere; it is out of control,’’ Councilor Michelle Belkot said. “We need to have more security. This is getting way out of hand.’’
Maybe Marshall is intimidated and fears that the actions of the angry mob will worsen and become even more violent. Regardless, this is as far as many in our community want to see this behavior deteriorate.
I have reached out to County Manager Kathleen Otto to see if the county has any plans to provide extra security or staffing at County Council meetings or if Marshall will receive any instruction or training on how to appropriately conduct the meetings and enforce rules of decorum and behavior. If she provides a reply, I will update this column.
I am told there are four Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the county campus. One was present at Wednesday’s meeting, but that deputy was not positioned inside the meeting room for most of the Council Time. I am not being critical of that deputy. Under the circumstances, I don’t think one deputy is adequate security for meetings as long as this behavior continues.
The person who pulled this stunt on Wednesday, should have been removed from the meeting and trespassed from future meetings. And, Chair Marshall needs training and instruction on how to conduct future meetings and if she won’t do better then she needs to be removed as chair.
Also read:
- Letter: ‘Our forefathers warned us to assemble when government rules over We The People’
La Center resident Kimberlee Goheen Elbon criticizes the County Council’s handling of immigration-related meetings and urges residents to assemble and speak out. - Legislation from Rep. David Stuebe to strengthen Medicaid support for emergency ambulance services receives full support from the House
The House unanimously passed HB 2531 from Rep. David Stuebe to update Medicaid reimbursement for emergency ambulance services and maintain federal compliance. - Opinion: ‘County Council meetings have become an embarrassment to our community’
Ken Vance criticizes recent Clark County Council meeting conduct and calls for increased security and stronger leadership from Chair Sue Marshall. - POLL: Did the council’s debate and resolution help unite or divide the community?
The Clark County Council’s 3-2 vote to move forward with a modified ICE-related resolution followed heated public comment and sharp debate among councilors. - Stricter standards for WA sheriffs approved in state Senate
The state Senate passed Senate Bill 5974 to tighten eligibility standards for sheriffs and limit volunteer posses, sending the measure to the House.
