Improper response

Mayor Patterson needs civility training. Why would I say that? Very simple, because of her very loud and abusive voice comment to two speakers at last week’s Council meeting. Her comment was condescending, rude and disrespectful to two residents speaking on an item on Measure C, declaring the speakers to be “out of order.” The mayor apparently has no respect for Benicia residents. These two Benicia residents may not have been familiar with the procedures but to be shouted down was way over the top. A very kind and respectable response would have been fine.
Councilmember Hughes was correct to call her out on her loud , abusive comment. She did apologize. Sorry, Mayor Patterson, that was not enough. The residents of this fine city do not need uncontrolled abusive comments directed toward residents. I was shocked at her verbal abuse to two residents. Yes, it was verbal abuse that some might even call bullying. I would call it bullying. Her behavior was authoritarian and for sure disrespectful. An apology is not enough. I do believe she needs civility and anger management training to control her outbursts.
I suggest all residents go to the city of Benicia website and look at the Council meeting video. This incident took place at the very end of the meeting. You can then see the display of out-of-control behavior and be able to make your own decision. The mayor’s display of disrespect and uncontrollable behavior should not be tolerated by the fine citizens of this very fine city. There is no room for that kind of behavior.
I do hope the mayor learned a lesson. We shall see. The OWL will be paying close attention. Stay tuned.

Bob “The Owl” Livesay,
Benicia

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