During the past year, residents speaking at City Council meetings have thrown in white towels in a gesture of surrender, handed out failing grades to mayors and cursed officials who didn’t listen to their catcalls from the audience.
Just this week, a former Republican mayoral candidate, Elbert Huckaby, used the public participation portion of a council session to declare that America is a Christian nation, repudiate the Clintons, denounce gays and call city Councilor Craig Minor a whiny know-it-all who’s not standing up for Christ.
That Minor is Jewish was not lost on Huckaby.
Mayor Art Ward immediately told Huckaby that he would not put up with such disrespectful talk at council sessions.Ward said there have been “some problems” with public participation in recent months and that the circus atmosphere is over.
The newly elected mayor said that “we shall have no room for that type of activity” anymore – and those who won’t treat the city’s leaders with respect will get hauled out of the meeting by the police.
Ward said that residents are free to come and express ideas that support what his administration is doing or oppose it. But whichever side they take, he said, they have to speak with the dignity the forum requires.
“Totally and emphatically, I am going to insist that it be done with respect,” Ward said.
Even after Ward threatened Huckaby, who lost a 1997 mayoral race by a wide margin, the Republican said he was merely exercising his First Amendment rights and insisted he had said nothing offensive.
He said Minor should not have opposed a city church’s request last year – and again this year – to put a creche at City Hall.After that, he made some kind of vague threat to Minor.
"You got a free pass this time," Huckaby told the councilor before sitting down, perhaps a reference to the GOP’s failure to field two candidates in Minor’s 3rd District.
Minor said Wednesday he was reluctant to talk about Huckaby’s tirade.
“It’s impossible to have a calm discussion over the issue of church and state with someone like him,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Huckaby has made waves with public pronouncements at council meetings.
In 1999, another Republican mayoral hopeful, Mike Werner, denounced Huckaby for making anti-Semitic slurs against the city’s economic development director and making personal attacks on both Republican and Democratic politicians in town. That year, Huckaby even questioned the sexuality of one of his own party’s candidates.
Huckaby got creamed in his 1997 mayoral race, a 1998 state House contest and a 1999 GOP mayoral primary. He has not run for office since then.
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
25 comments:
Steve,
Just a quick correction to your blog post. At one point in 2006 Huckaby attempted to run for Governor, but nothing came of it.
He'd make an interesting governor.
I remembered that, but didn't consider it a serious campaign so I left it out.
I think I'll use the next council session to practice my stand-up comedy act or perhaps I'll do my rendition of my favorite Sinatra song.
Is one of the theatrics removed the office of assistant mayor that mr. ward illegally held in the past and mr. strotz was villified by the press and mr. ward for shedding public scrutiny on ??
Stortz was never vilified by the Press for axing the honorary deputy mayor position that Ward held when Couture was mayor. I don't even remember anybody criticizing him for that.
The only people who complained about Stortz's actions relating to the deputy mayor thing were Ward and his backslappers.
Its good that Ward has proposed ending the uncivil public part considering half the people who have come up in the last year have been his stooges. Chops, Laurie Defillippi's father Mr. Michaud, Maureen Carter - the list goes on.
This is a good thing. Art has not tolerance when it comes to drama in City Council. I'm sure he will carry this out without a problem.
Leave the drama for the stage folks, not for the City Council.
I thought the Mayor and Councilmen were just as guulty of engaging in theatrics at the meeting. They sounded caught up in their "I am an elected official and I am special so you should respect me" attitude. They are way too full of themselves.
It would be nice to see civility return to council meetings. Muzzling a clown like Huckaby is a good first step. That said we have to put it in perspective. There will always be "Huckabys" to deal with and I think the mayor and council understand that reality. The real test will come when a speaker with contrary ideas and opinions to the mayor, council or individual councilman or for that matter the city unions, employees, etc holds their ground with good constructive, concise and rational debate. Will the new mayor or council maintain their cool when called on the carpet? Will the new mayor control his supporters in attendance that may have a tendency to act up? If Mayor Ward is sincere about his vow then maybe constructive things will happen.
There's one other area on which he can help create a constructive atmosphere. That is with the BOE. Just as any speaker before the council or the board should maintain decorum so too should the members of the BOE. I witnessed too many sessions this past year where BOE members snickered, conducted side conversations or responded in nothing less than a condescending manner to speakers against the current school plan. Communication is a two way street. Yes, the BOE could certainly improve on outbound communications but they also need to improve their listening skills as well.
Steve, one last note. How about a Blog on the New Britain School plan that goes in the complete opposite direction of Bristol by separating the lower grades even further vs. bringing everything back together. If I'm not mistaken New Britain is a much more significant urban area than Bristol. You'd think that if K8 was the miracle cure for urban areas they would move in that direction. It would make for a great debate.
Why such use of the term "Republican" when describing Mr. Huckabee, Steve.
Outside of the fact that 10 years ago he was a losing mayoral nominee, what is the point? Seems pretty inflammatory to me and unnecessarily prejudicial to good decent Republicans who want nothing to do with this guy or his views.
Huckaby was the Republican mayoral candidate in Bristol in 1997. That's not irrelevant a mere decade later.
Besides, if he runs against Minor in 2009, it would also certainly be as a Republican.
On the other hand, I'm well aware that many Republicans have no use for Huckaby. In fact, on some thread here, I posted a 1999 letter from former Republican Mayor Mike Werner denouncing Huckaby, which makes the point rather dramatically.
Steve, any chance you could dig that up? I'd be facinated to read it. Thanks in advance. :)
Found this in my computer, a 1999 letter to the editor from former Mayor Mike Werner, a Republican:
May 12, 1999
Editor, The Bristol Press
Dear Editor:
At two recent City Council meetings, Elbert Huckaby, a member of the Bristol Republican Town Committee, has made several comments which have not been, and will not be, endorsed by the Town Committee. While his comments last month were over the line, his personal attacks at last night's meeting went too far. Mr. Huckaby's personal attacks on Joe Wilson and his family, on Johnathan Rosenthal, and on Patti Ewen were all out of line. His anti-Semetic remarks to Mr. Rosenthal were especially regrettable. I know these people personally, and while we may disagree on issues from time to time, they are all good people with good families, and they do not deserve the kind of treatment they received from Mr. Huckaby. I am equally angry, better yet outraged, by his slanderous and untrue accusation of a fellow Republican at last month's Republican Town Committee meeting.
Mr. Huckaby, who claims to be a Christian, is certainly not acting like one. I remember the Bible story of the adulteress who was about to be stoned when Jesus stood in front of her and challenged the crowd, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Jesus lived among the outcasts of society. He did so not to rebuke them, but to teach them God's word of Grace and salvation so they would change their sinful ways. Most of His public attacks were against the Pharisees, who were the church leaders who pictured themselves as better than everyone else. Sound like anyone we know? Mr. Huckaby, I challenge you: the next time you get the urge to attack people in public, ask yourself, What would Jesus do?
While I may agree that homosexuality is not a proper lifestyle, I also believe it is wrong for men and women to live together without the benefit of marriage; that it's wrong to drive faster than the posted speed limit, to cheat on one's income tax, to have children out of wedlock, to cheat on final exams, and to take the Lord's name in vain. Sin is all around us. We all have sinned. We all sin every day. Let's work on our own weaknesses before we take it upon ourselves to tell others how to correct themselves.
Finally, the Bristol City Council oversees the departments who fix potholes, provide Police & Fire protection, pick up rubbish, and handle other municipal matters. They have no jurisdiction over the matter of homosexual rights. This issue has no business at a local Council meeting. If you have a point to make with regard to this issue, talk to your State Senator or to you Congresswoman.
Sincerely,
Michael Werner, Chairman
Bristol Republican Town Committee
Digging around through old computer files, I found some more stories about Huckaby, including one from 2000 that says he changed his registration to Democrat. I don't know if that's still the case, but if it is, well then, calling him a Republican would be a mistake. I'll try to check on his current status soon.
Meanwhile, here's that story:
April 14, 2000
Huckaby speaks out against gay rights
BRISTOL Former Republican mayoral contender Elbert Huckaby, who got drubbed at the polls in 1997, is sounding like a candidate again.
During the public address period of this week’s City Council session, Huckaby lashed out at gays and lesbians whom he accused of being "not normal" despite the approval offered them by the "left wing, ultraliberal" press and others.
Huckaby accused state Rep. Kosta Diamantis, a Bristol Democrat, and City Councilman Joe Wilson of lending a hand to gay causes.
He vowed to speak to local organizations across town to let them know their political leaders were backing gay rights.
Huckaby said he intends to introduce legislation next year a move only elected representatives can do to bar gay marriages.
Political insiders say Huckaby plans to take on Diamantis in a primary this year. Huckaby recently changed parties from Republican to Democrat, but he took care this week to mention that he still "repudiates" Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Or consider this one, where Huckaby called Nicastro "an incompetent, insensitive and ego power-grabbing mayor" in 1997:
May 21, 1997
By STEVE COLLINS
BRISTOL - The split between the city's sole Republican mayoral candidate and the chairman of the powerful finance board has become a gaping chasm.
Republican mayoral hopeful Elbert Huckaby said Wednesday that Finance Chairman John Letizia "has finally come out of the closet in his attempts to be King Mayor of the city of Bristol."
Huckaby called Letizia "a sham" who "will be exposed for the questionable deeds he has perpetrated on this city and the residents of Bristol."
"John Letizia is a liar and he should resign immediately," Huckaby said.
Letizia, who could not be reached to respond, blasted Huckaby this week for "insulting" the finance board. He called on the GOP contender to "get a new circle of advisors because whatever so-called experts are advising him are making him look foolish."
The finance chief's comments followed Huckaby's public assertion that the new city budget is "a facade and a re-election tool gimmick perpetrated by Frank Nicastro and his finance board chairman, who is paying him back for reappointment."
Huckaby aims to snatch the $75,000-a-year mayor's post from two-term Democrat Frank Nicastro, who is almost certainly going to seek re-election.
Huckaby said that Letizia is Nicastro's "puppet" and "Boy Wonder" because he has proven willing to prostitute himself "to an incompetent, insensitive and ego power-grabbing mayor."
Nicastro responded that he won't stoop to name-calling. "I won't lower myself to his level because I couldn't go that low," the mayor said.
"It shows me how desperate he is and how filthy a campaign he's going to run," Nicastro said.
Letizia's barb that Huckaby is "a political novice" also prompted a response from the Republican campaigner.
"I chuckle with disbelief when I hear John 'I don't have any backbone' Letizia talk about someone being a political novice," Huckaby said.
"This is from someone who has never displayed the courage or even attempted to run for any office on his own. These statements come from a finance board chairman who says he is non-partisan and non-political," Huckaby said.
The sharp words between Huckaby and Letizia are only the latest example of the stunning political change since the last city election two years ago, when the GOP constantly hammered Nicastro for trying to oust Letizia.
At that time, Nicastro sought to replace Letizia because of the bad blood between the finance chairman and Councilman Joe Wilson. But the mayor could not muster enough votes to get rid of Letizia.
After a year-long stand-off that ended only after the election, Nicastro reappointed Letizia. The two have worked well together ever since - and the mayor's critics now say Letizia has become Nicastro's water carrier.
Letizia scoffs at the notion that he tries to benefit Nicastro. He insists he is steadfastly non-political.
But Huckaby said that if Letizia had any backbone or integrity, he would never have stayed on after Nicastro "publicly humiliated, chastised, disregarded and ridiculed" him by leaving him twisting in the wind for a year.
For him to put up with it, said Huckaby, is an indication of how great is the lure of the political power of the financial oversight panel.
But Letizia's days on the board are numbered, Huckaby said.
"Come November," said Huckaby, "John Letizia and Frank Nicastro can enjoy their retirement from political life together."
Wow, take a look at this one:
Wed., April 28, 1999
Ex-candidate raises the gay issue
By STEVE COLLINS
The Bristol Press
BRISTOL -- Former Republican mayoral candidate Elbert Huckaby ratcheted up his anti-gay crusade this week when he asked a prominent GOP politician, "Are you a homosexual?"
After Huckaby raised the issue Monday at a Republican Town Committee meeting, other members of the panel shouted out to him that the answer was "none of your business."
City Republican Chairman Mike Werner ruled the question "out of order."
But Huckaby said that as a believer in Jesus he wanted City Council candidate Gary Schaffrick to answer him directly. He said that if Schaffrick is gay, "I will not support his candidacy."
Schaffrick held his tongue during Huckaby's tirade.
But he later said that Huckaby "is not the moral authority in the United States" and wondered why a man "who walked into this party two years ago" should feel free to try to humiliate him in public.
The Rev. William Barnes, pastor of Prospect United Methodist Church, said it is "very, very unfortunate" that anyone would "impugn the character of a member of my church."
He said Schaffrick, a lay leader of the church, is "a concerned, caring, Christian person who gives a tremendous amount of time to his church."
Barnes said it is "not Christian" to behave as Huckaby did. He said the message of Christ is one of "love and acceptance."
Huckaby, who lost by large margins in both his 1997 mayoral bid and a state House race last year, recently urged city councilors to take a stand against gays as well. He said then that gays lead "twisted, disease-filled lifestyles" that are "downright immoral."
City leaders reacted with horror at Huckaby's harsh words. City Treasurer Patti Ewen, for example, took issue with the "bigotry and bias" displayed by Huckaby.
Barnes said it is "totally surprising" that someone "whose own ethnicity has suffered so much in the past" would lead the charge with "a kind of categorical discriminatory denunciation" against another group of people.
But the 55-year-old Huckaby, who is black, has said that homosexuality is a sin and he is compelled by his faith to denounce it.
Schaffrick said, though, that Huckaby is merely carrying a grudge from his mayoral race.
He said Huckaby, a member of the GOP's town committee, "blames me" for his trouncing at the polls because Schaffrick took a public stand against the candidate's tax cut plan during the campaign.
But Schaffrick said he can't possibly be responsible for Huckaby's landslide loss. He said he can't sway more than 6,000 voters with his words.
He said he can't believe that after working in Republican politics for 23 years -- since he signed on to Werner's first mayoral campaign at the age of 12 -- he could be subjected to such a "political, personal type of attack" from a man who was a Democrat until 1997.
"Mr. Huckaby's got to remember he's not Mr. Republican," Schaffrick said.
Democratic Councilman Joe Wilson, who took a stand against Huckaby at the last council session, said the public attack on Schaffrick is another "misguided" effort.
"For an individual to attempt to impose his own moral standards on everyone he encounters in the political arena is basically an error of judgment," Wilson said.
He said voters need to judge candidates on whether they are "quality citizens" not whatever private beliefs they may hold.
Moreover, Wilson said, there needs to be "a clear distinction" between religious beliefs and the political arena, where a candidate's ideas and issues are what's important.
Werner said Huckaby acted inappropriately by quizzing Schaffrick in a public meeting.
"If that's a question he has to raise," Werner said, "he should be doing it in private."
Schaffrick, a 35-year-old operations manager at Fleet Bank, is the only elected Republican at City Hall, serving on the city's Board of Assessment Appeals. He aims to win one of the West End council seats now held by Democrats Gerard Couture and Chet Reed.
Barnes said that his church has a couple of politically active members, including Schaffrick and Democrat Terry Parker. They are good friends who work together, he said, despite political differences.
"Both act on the call of Christian stewardship," Barnes said, and each of the two "seek to live out in public service what is close to their hearts in religious teaching."
Does Huckaby have a real job? Has he ever had to pay bills?
Huckaby is apparently a Democrat now. Dean Kilbourne must be proud.
Interesting that Maureen Carter didn't show up for the last council meeting. Neither did Chops or Michaud. It was all for the cameras, as usual. Carter cries about "the children" and the schools. Let's see if she shows up to ANY school building committee meetings. She probably won't when she made such a stink in the last three months.
To the Nov. 15 5:25 poster. The council did not lose their tempers; not once. It was the audience that got more and more vicious when they saw that the council wouldn't stoop to their level. The council sat there and took it, which they shouldn't have. Stortz should have escorted those people out especially those that chose to personally attack any council member. The council is used to having people not agree with their ideas, but the council meeting is not a forum to make personal attacks. Those attacks that were made were generic on topic so they could seguay into personal attacks having nothing to do with the topic. That's where Mr. Ward needs to crack down. He won't stiffle those who have legitimate concerns, but he also won't allow people to just show up to belittle a particular councilman or the council as a whole. It's inappropriate and should not be tolerated.
As far as the BOE, I agree, they should not be so disrespectful as to make inappropriate comments or make faces, but don't put the council in the same category as the BOE.
To the last poster at 7:46 AM - Your read my post incorrectly. I did not say that the mayor or council had done anything inappropriate. Politicians however, (even very good ones) can sometimes try to isolate or label dissenting opinions as "crazy" or "out of touch." It's a defense mechanism that we have seen from some of our council members in the past. They don't necessarily do it in a disrespectful manner but it does come off as condescending. Hasn't that been the biggest knock on Minor as well as former council woman Zoppo? Debate can sometimes get passionate. Look at the Democratic presidential candidates last night. To that extent my point was that I hope the new mayor will tolerate fair and open debate even if it gets passionate vs. tolerating hate speech and illogical ramblings. There is a difference and good leader needs to know the difference so not to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Should be easy for Ward: his buddies Chops, Carter, Michaud won't rag on him.
Now if he can only get Geladino to be a democrat again he will have the best of all worlds.
Go for it Artie!
I think that Stortz was very tolerant of the legitimate speakers: it was geladina, carter, ciachetti that were obnoxious.
"Huckaby is apparently a Democrat now. Dean Kilbourne must be proud"
Collins: Please you knew this to be the case years ago.
"Huckaby is apparently a Democrat now. Dean Kilbourne must be proud"
and Republicans all over must be devastated that Huckaby left their Party.
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