With public outbursts rising, City Council scales back speaking time

Armando Herman holds a banana during a racist dialogue Tuesday. (YouTube)

DOWNEY — The City Council voted Tuesday to decrease the amount of time the public is allowed to speak at its meetings. 

The decision was made in response to an increasing frequency in interruptions and outbursts at City Council meetings. 

Twice this month City Council meetings have been paused to clear the council chambers of antagonists who frequently try to shout down the mayor. 

Speakers regularly use vulgar language and racist speech in their comments. On Tuesday, one speaker - Armando Herman - displayed a banana while screaming the N-word. 

Under the new rules, the public will have a single four-minute window to speak, with exceptions for public hearings. 

“It’s become a circus,” said Councilman Mario Trujillo. “There’s four or five people that come up and take up all our time, so yes, I want to limit them to one time. And if you have more you need to tell me, email me, make an appointment, or call. 

“We have become the laughingstock of the southeast because of these individuals and our inability to control them.”

The vote to amend public comment was 4-1 with Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez voting against.