City Council Meeting or Circus?

I didn't preview this meeting, but nothing would have quite prepared me for the circus that was Monday's City Council meeting. At the start of the meeting, two citizens aired their concerns before Council. One man, Mr. Pyles, was quite angry about a number of things. He began by berating Council on the occupation tax, saying West Virginians are "overtaxed." He then began talking about drug use, saying he saw many of his family members die because of drug use. He went over his allotted time, prompting Councilman Mark Bates to bang his gavel several times and shouting to Mr. Pyles that his time had expired.

Tom McCallister, who speaks at almost all City Council meetings, also expressed concern that council members had not made him aware of a Sanitary Board meeting after he had asked to attend. He is concerned taxpayer money is being misspent. Later during the meeting, the council discussed an increase in filing fees that would require new businesses to pay $75 for building inspections instead of the current $15. McCallister expressed concern, saying the increased fee coupled with the occupation tax would deter businesses from locating in Huntington. He was so angry he left the meeting.

Pyles again blew up when the issue of new police surveillance cameras was discussed. The police department and council want to purchase four new cameras to monitor possible criminal activity, mainly in Sandra Clements' district. Pyles became very angry, accusing Council of spying on Huntington residents. He called surveillance cameras "unethical." He then proceeded to tell Council they should concentrate more on rehabilitating drug addicts in the city and spreading the Gospel. He was also concerned that students at Huntington High are taught evolution. Several council members began to question Pyles' point, which led to an exchange between Pyles and Councilman Ritter. Pyles called Council a group of "thieves and liars," and Ritter asked Pyles if he wanted to "take it outside." Bates called down Ritter, who said he didn't appreciate being called a thief.

Despite the silliness, Council did get through its agenda and make some decisions. I covered City of Huntington for The Parthenon and attended a few Council meetings, but this was by far the least boring. McCallister usually makes an appearance to air some concern, so his ridicule of Council was nothing new. I don't ever remember him being so angry that he left before the meeting was half over, though. I've never seen Pyles, and I'm sure Council never wants to see him again. However, he promised he would return just to remind Council how angry he is with them. Here's the kicker: Pyles is from Barboursville.  I may attend the next Council meeting just to see if Pyles does return and what the mood is like. I'm sure it will be very entertaining.