Politics & Government
Aberdeen Mayoral Election Heats Up With Exchange
Incumbent Michael Bennett and lone challenger Patrick McGrady exchanged words during the public comment period at Monday's City Council meeting.
The following exchange took place as the only public comment during .
and resident , the lone challenger for Bennett's seat in the upcoming municipal election, exchanged tense words.
Patch transcribed the following notes from Monday's exchange:
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McGrady: Good evening, my name is Patrick McGrady and I reside at [address redacted]. My name is Patrick McGrady and I am running for Mayor of the City of Aberdeen.
Bennett: Excuse me, there is no campaigning in City Council chambers. If you have any questions …
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McGrady: Is that documented anywhere?
Bennett: There is no campaigning in City Council chambers. It hasn’t gone on in years. Unless you have some question or something, we’re not going to have a campaign time here in the council chambers.
McGrady: Sir, is there any rule that indicates that, or …
Bennett: We’ve never done that.
McGrady: OK. But there’s no rule against it? Then …
Bennett: We’ve never done that. I’m going to call you out of order, so you can do whatever you want. If you have a question, address that to us, but there is no campaigning here during the council meetings. Period. Are we clear?
McGrady: I’d like to tell you a little about me, why I’m running. Why it’s so important…
Bennett: Excuse me. You are out of order.
McGrady: Sir, I have a right to free speech. This a time of public comment.
Bennett: This is a time of public comment.
McGrady: That’s what I’m commenting upon.
Bennett: You either return to your seat, as you are out of order, please, or you can ask a question. [Long pause] We can sit here and stare at each other all night long, but it’s not going to change. OK?
McGrady: I believe this is a violation of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. [McGrady departs]
Bennett: Please take your seat, sir. Anyone else, please? No one else approaches the mic, we will close this time of public comment and begin our legislative session.
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The Aberdeen Municipal Election is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 8 at the on Franklin Street.
The deadline to register to vote is October 18.
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