I have been a committeeperson for nearly 30 years and until recently had never experienced the kind of behavior exhibited by certain members. 

As the first woman ward leader of the 22nd Ward, the behavior was actually reminiscent of the inappropriate, misogynistic treatment I witnessed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson endure. Being yelled at and constantly interrupted by people who have a different political point of view than you is absolutely unacceptable, regardless of any party, position or title.  

Although I strongly disagree with the disruptive manner in which they chose to express themselves, I extended an olive branch, inviting the group to join a Zoom meeting to work through some of the issues many of them previously raised. Out of the 10 invitees, only two showed up. The letter-to-the-editor writer was not among those two attendees.

I additionally suggested meeting with a mediator to discuss and arrive at an agreement about better ways to conduct our ward committee meetings.

They declined my offer.

I urge the letter writer to reconsider his perspective and perhaps consider redirecting his energy toward helping us all develop a solution to the issues facing our committee. We all want the same thing. Let’s find ways to get it done.

City Councilmember Cindy Bass