Martino: City… Intimidation, Humiliation, or Bullying!
Posted by Michael Martino on April 17, 2018 · 2 Comments
Have you ever heard of a Kangaroo Court? A Kangaroo Court can be defined as an unofficial or mock court set up spontaneously for the purpose of delivering a judgment arrived at in advance; usually a verdict has in reality already been decided before the trial has begun. The term may also apply to a military court, a court held by a legitimate judicial authority, or a court held by political decree. Usually, these courts intentionally disregard legal or ethical obligations and are characterized by dishonesty and/or incompetence. The defendants in such courts are often denied access to legal representation and in some cases, proper defense.
On April 5th, at their only monthly scheduled meeting with the Public, the City Council of Palm Beach Gardens convened their unique version of a Kangaroo Court under the guise of a political decree. That’s my opinion. It might be yours, also, if you view the video of said meeting, and more particularly, agenda Item IX, the City Manager Report, which is devoid of an announced topic.
In February the City Council issued a political decree to the City Manager for a report concerning two particular residents who have continuously raised various issues and complaints at Council meetings and with the City Administration. The report was to explain the persistent complaints that have continued over time about the various issues that the two residents deemed injurious and the City’s positions and responses. It is my understanding that prior to the political decree and ultimate report, penalties and punitive measures, both lawful and otherwise, had already been meted out to the two residents in question as retribution for their indiscretions. One has had all phone calls and emails made to the City blocked and had been advised that all further contact with the City should be conducted in person or in writing. The second resident had been assessed fines totaling $150,000 which was reduced to $40,000 through mediation, and paid.
However, back to the City Manager’s “report”, which was not a “report” at all, but a 38 minute Kangaroo Court. It was a trial in absentia of the two referenced City residents which amounted to a public humiliation of them in addition to the penalties and punitive measures described above. The trial was conducted by the City Manager as Chief Prosecutor, with the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney, the City Engineer, and the Deputy Assistant City Manager as his Assistant Prosecutors. The City Council was presiding in a manner reminiscent of a sphinx. Throughout the intimidation of this trial their silence was pervasive.
The “report”, from my perspective, could have and should have been no more than a 5 minute verbal summation by the City Manager and a written account of further details, if necessary. Instead, the Public was subjected to a Kangaroo Court. It was a costly, well rehearsed, verbal and pictorial “trial” complete with charts and anecdotes, that “tarred and feathered” the residents in question without them afforded an opportunity to refute. The “innocence or guilt” of the residents in question is not mine to assess. However, their public humiliation was a senseless exhibition of bullying by an Administration that appeared to be frenzied and out of control.
There simply is no justification for this 38 minute Kangaroo Court, trial, “report”, or whatever the characterization may be, of the two referenced City residents, or any other residents for that matter. There is and are no redeeming qualities to be found in attacking residents, publicly, in this manner regardless of the circumstances, particularly, when penalties have already been assessed. This “report” should not have been scheduled for any City Council meeting agenda as presented. From my perspective, the Mayor and City Council bear the brunt of responsibility and their offices have been demeaned.
When elected officials raise their right hand to swear the oath of office the words, humiliation, intimidation, or bullying, are nowhere to be found.
My opinion is: the local Inspector General should be invited to look at the “works” takng place in PBG. This Council had promoted an election earlier this year that cost approximately $60,000.00 to teach people what the Council wanted to happen. Thankfully, a judge eliminated 2 of the points the Council was trying to push through. Now, April 17, 2018 the daily newspaper provides information regarding a referendum/special election the council wants to have on August 28, 2018 in order to push through what failed earlier. Namely, removing the residence requirement of the city manager. Why would you not want to live where you carry so much responsibility? Then to add to the Council’s terms of service to be at least 9 years. The residents had previously set reasonable limits of two (2) terms. Then Ordinance 8, 2018 …” calling for a referendum to be held on August 28, 2018, proposing to the electorate of the city that all portions of the charter be repealed,” Sounds like too much discord and smells like something is rotting in Palm Beach Gardens. Residents, look out, see what is happening or you become the “goat” of this Council!!!!
Thank you Mr martino as you know I have been president of sandalwood for 11 years. I have had to deal with the city on many issues. I had not attended a council meeting in years. 2017 was the first time I came back. All I wanted was a crosswalk for 4 disabled people on gardens east Dr, speeding is horrible and crossing the street is difficult especially since most cars drive in excess of 35 to some cars clocked at 60 and 80 mph. That is when they blocked my emails! I was accused of harassing? I have copies of my emails. The city refused to meet with me on the cross walk issue. I did call them out when the code was selectively enforcing mulching and did not make other surrounding communities comply! In my opinion other then Matt lane this council is not standing for the will of the people. They allowed the 2 bullies to continue their vitriol and self serving as you put it kangaroo court! It may end up costing them as i.have the video and will see who I can contact to come in and address the matter. I will be at the next meeting and present my side, I have told the city council in writing my intentions. Let’s see if they allow this to happen again. I have a lot to say at the next meeting. Stay tuned as I’m a patriot and strong willed. I do however worry about my safety after seeing how bruised egos reacted to my peaceful assembly right that I exercised. They had no right to bully me in this manner as it is a first amendment right! See you at next council meeting!