Hunter Bonner
During a regular city council meeting, the issue of railroad quiet zones was on the agenda. This is an issue that many people, including homeowners, businesses, and members of the council, have expressed an interest in exploring. The consensus overall is to obtain more information.
That is except for one person. Ward 1 Alderman Richard Turner.
The video of the meeting clearly shows that obtaining more information is still the way forward. A valid point of costs is still the overarching question, but in order to explore that, a letter of intent has to be filed from a local government authority. That means the city council.
As stated in a previous article, Alderman Turner has stated emphatically that he will not spend any money on a quiet zone. The operative words here are “he will not.” This becomes important later.
One citizen came forward and stated very clearly this is something that is important not only to them, but to others, including a number of business owners in the city. Like members of the council, this person is against increasing taxes. The proposed solution was to try and find other funding through grants, private money, and the like. In short, make it to where the city would not have to pay for the quiet zones themselves.
It was at this point that Turner made the accusation that he would not support a Quiet Zone, solely because he believed that the individual speaking would profit off of it. When challenged, he provided zero proof as to how this would happen. No documents. Nothing but Turner’s words.
It was clear from the body language, the tone of voice, and his dismissive attitude that Turner has a personal issue with a citizen. One member of the council stated as much, “that we (the council) need to be more respectful of our citizens.” Unfortunately, he continued to chastise the speaker in a condescending tone, making additional unsubstantiated remarks, and waving his hands and arms in a dismissive manner towards the speaker.
This is not the first time that a citizen or business owner was attacked by a member of the council. Regardless of who is speaking, no citizen should be treated in this manner by a public official.
The questions citizens should be asking themselves are, “Did Turner ask me what I thought about the subject?”, or, “Why can’t we find out more information?”
Previously, I challenged all the Aldermen and Alderwomen to hold Ward meetings to keep their constituents informed, and to have discussions on city related topics. Not once in any of his responses did Turner mention, “The people of my Ward do not want this.” Ward 1 citizens should now be on notice that Richard Turner represents only his personal agenda. You, the voter, do not matter.
This is not how local government is supposed to work.
When a sitting Alderman turns an official meeting into a personal war, making baseless allegations regarding someone they dislike, that official demonstrates a serious lack of judgment.
This type of behavior has gone on for far too long in this city and county. Turner’s behavior was beyond outrageous. It was unbecoming of a public official and an embarrassment to the city council and city at large.
Richard Turner demonstrated that he is emotionally compromised and cannot effectively lead. His judgment is clouded by his vitriolic dislike for a citizen, and thus no reasonable person can expect him to make factual and rational decisions on a Quiet Zone, or anything else for that matter.
Everyone generally agrees that Jefferson has many things that need to be addressed, like water, sewer, streets, and other issues. However, what is the harm in exploring this issue, along with all of these other areas currently being explored, as part of an overall plan to better the city? There is none. This was about one person abusing his position of authority.
In conclusion, Alderman Richard Turner has failed the citizens of Ward 1 and should resign effective immediately.
Hunter Bonner is the President of the Marion County Republican Assembly and a grassroots activist. He can be reached at hunterbonner@outlook.com and on Twitter @HunterBonner. His views are his own.