By By Sentinel Staff
Copyright keenesentinel
7 p.m., The Keene City Council convened at City Hall. The meetings are normally sparsely attended by the public, but tonight, it’s standing room only. Councilor Bobby Williams, whose social media comments about the recent murder of Charlie Kirk triggered public concern, is attending in person. All of the councilors are present for the meeting, with Michael Remy attending remotely.
7:05 p.m., Mayor Jay Kahn has told the crowd there will be no public comment tonight.
7:07 p.m., Mayor Kahn paused the discussion briefly to tell people in attendance that signs must be down during the meeting. Kahn is laying out the case against Williams.
7:12 p.m., Bradford Hutchinson, who is running for mayor against Kahn, disrupted the meeting twice. Kahn ordered that police escort him out of the room.
7:17 p.m., Williams’ statement was met with some applause. Kahn warned the audience that there will be no applause or other comment from the audience.
7:18 p.m., Councilor Greenwald introduced a motion to ask the council to proceed with disciplinary process as outlined in the city charter.
7:20 p.m., Councilor Kris Roberts said “I may not agree with what someone says but I will always defend with my life their ability to say that.”
Councilor Catt Workman noted that words matter, particularly for those in public office. But she also said Williams did not condone violence and he didn’t celebrate Kirk’s death. She said his posts are not grounds to remove him from council.
She also noted the council received only 6 emails from citizens and no calls on the Williams matter. She said none of the letter writers were from Ward 2, which Williams represents.
7:25 p.m., Councilor Jacob Favolise disagrees with Workman. He said Williams’ comments represent at best “a lapse of judgement.”
7:28 p.m., Councilor Randy Filiault said councilors are bound by the city charter by law. He noted the charter does not have an option for disciplinary action of a councilor. The only option council can do is vote to begin the process to remove a councilor. That requires a two-thirds vote.
Filiault said he does not agree with Williams’ comments and he was “ticked off” by the comments. However, he said controversial comments on social media are not enough to trigger the initiation of a removal proceeding.
Councilor Ed Haas said the right to speech is the most sacred right, and barring direct threats, it should not be ground for persecution.
7:38 p.m., Roll call begins. The council voted against moving forward by a margin of 11-4.
Mayor Kahn called for a five-minute recess.
