Against the gain II

The disrespect of Commission Chair Cummings must stop

I was literally appalled watching a Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency meeting online in March.  I was livid at the treatment I saw toward Leon County Commission Chairwoman Carolyn Cummings as she moderated the meeting.

There were hot topics discussed that go to the core of peoples’ passions.  It began with discussions about homelessness. It moved to the FAMU request for assistance with the next phase of renovations to Bragg Memorial Stadium. It then went on to various other topics which included public comment and initiatives long-ago approved by the BIA.

I am all for politicians being passionate about what they do. However, the disrespect of chair Cummings by men on the committee is unacceptable. And, a very poor model of treatment of an honorable servant like Cummings.  It sets a precedent of total disrespect that has no place in our local government. Tallahassee and Leon County are not the reality show circus we see going on in Washington, D.C., and it should never become that.

As she navigated the hot topics, not only were the public speakers heated, but some of our city and county commissioners were as well.  Public citizens, while they should follow a decorum, often are irate about whatever they are speaking on and usually are not totally familiar with the limits of what should happen. Seeing them get a little out-of-line at times is nothing unusual.

But, for male elected officials who represent the people of Tallahassee and Leon County who depend on their judgment to make our municipalities better, the meeting was a poor example.

Cummings had to use her gavel to squelch the escalating disrespect on several occasions.  Several of the other commissioners expressed discontent with how she was being treated as well. The long meeting went on and on and bold challenges to her authority persisted.

What message does that send to young men?  What message does it send to young women? What message does it send to women in general?  

We are no longer in cave man times.  The second most powerful person in our country is a woman.  The glass ceilings were shattered long ago.

Aside from that, my mother and father taught me to respect both elders and women.  The treatment I saw was so uncharacteristic of a commissioner.  I would hope the gentlemen who engaged would publicly apologize to the Chairwoman of the Leon County Commission at the next meeting.  Absolutely nothing was accomplished by the outbursts, except for a loss of respect for those engaging in the behavior. I expect more from those who chose to run to serve our community.  You should all be ashamed of how you represented us.