From Michael Lowery:
Dear Honorable Sam Hall, President of the Pensacola City Council:
On Thursday, December 15th, 2011 I was in attendance as you know at the open forum prior to the regular City Council agenda meeting. At that meeting I witness the actions you took on cutting off Father Nathan Monk while he was discussing his right under “freedom of speech” his protected right under the 1st Amendment during the open forum.
I heard nothing that warranted your action to cut him off and abruptly end his time. Your abuse of power during that meeting was in my opinion very shameful and an abuse of power. History has shown that without such ability to have this right citizens have suffered in this country. In turn I was so proud of Father Nathan Monk and how he conducted himself by standing his ground and then leaving quietly without taking the opportunity to act out. Then he didn’t return and those in support of his actions did not abuse the moment either and respectfully the meeting continued.
But your actions can not go unnoticed or you can not be held accountable for your actions as the President of the Council. Therefore I demand on the behalf of my Union members present who witness your abuse of power demand that you give a public and written apology to Father Nathan Monk. If such apology is ignored by the next City Council regular business meeting I will stand before the City Council and will ask for the Council to take action to remove you as President of the City Council.
In closing I must say that the actions of Councilwoman Sherri Myers and Councilman John Jerralds of walking out in support of Father Nathan Monk and showing their disappointment in your actions clearly showed me that they were offended not only by your actions on the right of “Freedom of Speech” but they clearly have lived and fought for that right during some of America’s most historical movements and they found it unwarranted to have him removed with the use of police. I applaud Ms. Myers and Mr. Jerralds.
I look forward to your response and hope you’ll make the decision to apologize. As a leader of my Union for almost 15 years the one thing I’ve learned is a leader is respected when he/she admits their mistake and corrects their actions. The people realize we as leaders are human and will forgive as long as we learn from our mistakes.
Respectfully,
Michael A. Lowery
President/Business Agent
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1395 / AFL-CIO