Residents, Alderman Call For Apology From Town and Country Alderman

UPDATED: 5:50 p.m. Wednesday-

At this week's meeting, numerous residents and an alderman spoke out saying they want an apology, even a resignation, for recent behavior by Alderman Fred Meyland-Smith.

Many of the events that residents recounted revolve around the issue of deer management.

"I am aghast at the behavior of some members and question as to why they have not been held to the city’s code of ethics for elected officials," said Town and Country resident and former city alderman Barbara Hughes.

Hughes referenced a December board of aldermen meeting when she publically announced she was submitting a sunshine request to the city for information on its deer management program. She was publically reprimanded by Alderman Fred Meyland-Smith after her statement.

"I have witnessed elected officials raising their voices with members of the audience, challenging their statements," Hughes said this week. "I personally experienced an elected official raising his voice to me at a board meeting and calling my statements into question, barely giving me the opportunity to respond."

Meyland-Smith tells Patch that the Dec. 12 meeting Hughes is referring to is the first time he responded publicly to her comments to the board.

"I've had no other exchanges with her," Meyland-Smith said.

Hughes said she did later receive a an apology from one elected official, but it was in private and Hughes did not specify which official apologized to her. Meyland-Smith said it was not him and Hughes confirms it was not Meyland-Smith.

"I expect both a public apology to me and a public admonishment by the board to Alderman Meyland-Smith for his actions stemming from the December 12, 2011 meeting," Hughes said.

Meyland-Smith, however, tells Patch he does not plan to issue a public apology.

Meyland-Smith said Hughes, or any resident, has a right to submit sunshine law requests. He said the city takes those requests very seriously and spends much time and effort to respond to them. 

"However, every resident of Town and Country has a right to express their personal views on activity that's occuring in our city. As a resident, I chose to offer my views of her sunshine law request," Meyland-Smith said. "And I characterized it as unproductive."

Town and Country resident Dennis Fitzgerald expressed his concerns Monday night over Meyland- Smith's December verbal reprimand of Hughes after her request.

"Your berating and chastising of Ms. Hughes is reprehensible. You seem to think you have more authority than anyone else, including fellow aldermen," Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald even called for Meyland-Smith's resignation. 

"Mr. Meyland-Smith, you appear to be a mean spirited individual," Fitzgerald said. "I call on you now to resign from the board of aldermen immediately. Please do the right thing."

Meyland-Smith tells Patch he does not know Fitzgerald and does not want to address his comments or call for a resignation.

Town and Country resident Mary Brendia also spoke Monday night, addressing the board about Meyland-Smith's behavior. She said that Meyland-Smith came to her home and "lectured" her about an anti-deer-killing sign she had in her front yard.

"I question what right does Mr. Meyland-Smith have to confront me on this issue or for that matter any issue?" Brendia said. "I do not owe Mr. Meyland-Smith any explanations for my feelings and should never been approached in such a rude manner."

Meyland-Smith told Patch he was curious about the sign, and, as elected official, wanted to understand the resident's feelings about the issue. Meyland-Smith said he thought the two of them had a "cordial and friendly discussion."

"I, in no way, questioned her right to have the sign," Meyland-Smith said. "Nor did I question her position on the matter. I was there to understand it, which I think is the obligation of any elected official."

Alderman Al Gerber also relayed an incident Monday night regarding he deer issue. Gerber said it happened on Dec. 27, the first night of deer shooting in Town and Country.

Gerber said he went to witness the loading of some of the culled deer. He said it was a visit he arranged with White Buffalo and Town and Country Police Captain Gary Hoelzer who is coordinating the deer management program for the city. Gerber said Meyland-Smith blocked him from going to the site. 

"I was absolutely astounded at this behavior, since one alderman does not have the right to physically block the path of another alderman," Gerber said Monday.

Gerber also said that at the end of the discussion Meyland-Smith swore at him. 

"This Alderman leaned downto my window and said, 'One last thing, you can kiss my... and he mentioned part of his anatomy that I never want to see," Gerber said. 

Gerber was eventually allowed to make his way down the road and view the loading of the culled deer.

Meyland-Smith said he blocked Gerber's way because he was not certain the shooting had stopped and wanted to prevent any accidents from happening. 

"It was a safety concern," Meyland-Smith said. "When we arrived, neither of us knew for certain that the shooting had ceased."

Meyland-Smith said he did regret the last thing he said to Gerber.

"What I said was inappropriate and I regret my statement," Meyland-Smith said. "I have sent a letter to alderman Gerber expressing my regret."

Nonetheless, Meyland-Smith said the argument was a private one and in the heat of the moment.

"Our differences got the best of me," Meyland-Smith said. 

Monday night, Gerber demanded an apology from Meyland-Smith to him and the people of Town and Country.

After having sent a letter of apology to Gerber, Meyland-Smith said he does not think he should have to apologize to the other residents. 

"I do not believe my comments were personal attacks," Meyland-Smith said. 

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