Commissioners drop censure of Moreno

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City commissioners decided Monday night to not censure Commissioner Jim Moreno for his actions as spokesman for Water First! during the group’s “no shop” activities.

Commissioner Matthew Showalter withdrew his motion to censure following much audience comment in Moreno’s favor and a consensus within the commission that he had been reprimanded enough.

Audience member Elizabeth Banks said the commission should be proud of Moreno because he spoke up for what he believed in.

“We admire an individual who speaks his beliefs, who speaks about what affects his community,” she said.

When the motion was open for commissioners’ comment, Moreno was the first to speak.

“I was really surprised when I found out about this. I have been a political activist for 34 years. I was elected by the people of Mount Pleasant with the knowledge that that is who I am and would continue to be.

“I did not condone vandalism or engage in criminal activities, so I was shocked by the wording of the motion,” he said.

Moreno said the people of Mecosta County had done everything they could to legally remove Perrier from their land. When this didn’t work, they turned to civil disobedience.

But Commissioner Ron Roby said the commission is elected to represent the people of Mount Pleasant.

“I felt that Meijer (Inc., 1015 E. Pickard St.,) is a taxpayer in the city. I think it is inappropriate for a city commissioner to act against a taxpayer,” Roby said.

He said city commissioners have to act as such all the time.

“Those of you who think we don’t get the stigma of being a city commissioner every second of our lives, you’re wrong.”

Commissioner Jon Joslin read a letter he had received, that he said expressed his opinion well.

“While Commissioner Moreno has the right to his own opinion, his opinion should not interfere with the citizens of Mount Pleasant, of which Meijer is a part.”

Speaking for himself, Joslin said, “You do have the right to speak for Water First!, but who will speak for Meijer?”

Vice Mayor Adam Miller read a prepared statement as well.

“This is simply an issue of duty of office. As a citizen, I support Mr. Moreno with his rights. As an elected official, Mr. Moreno has a responsibility to protect the rights of those he represents.”

Miller said he thought it should be up to the citizens to decide if Moreno was wrong when it came time for re-election. He suggested that Showalter withdraw his motion, and have the record show that the commission will not tolerate any illegal activities.

Mayor Mike Pittsley said the first article he read about the ‘no shop’ identified Moreno as a city commissioner, and Moreno didn’t anticipate what the press would do. He has made it clear, in every article since the first, that he was speaking as a private citizen and not as a commissioner.

“I cannot support a censure motion. I don’t believe it’s in our purview to say what a city commissioner can do when acting not as a city commissioner.

Commissioner Cynthia Bradley said that in a small city, commissioners should be able to call each other when there is a problem.

“This is no disrespect to Mr. Showalter. I know he did this with no hidden agenda, out of his good conscience. But I don’t think it’s necessary. I prefer to use my own words.”

Showalter reserved his right to speak last.

“I made the motion with a clear conscience. I am in no way trying to infringe on (Moreno’s) rights.

“This in no way has to do with Perrier. The state of Michigan, in their wisdom or non-wisdom, is allowing them to (pump the water). Perrier is doing it legally, and Meijer is doing business legally.”

Showalter said he would withdraw his motion to censure, because Moreno had been sufficiently reprimanded. No one objected to the withdrawal.