Mayor Petty Defends Decision to Block Public Comments on Gaza Cease-Fire Petition, Cites Safety Concerns and Focus on Worcester-Specific Issues

Photo Radio Worcester

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty explains why citizens were not able to place a petition on the council agenda and why they were not allowed to speak on the item. Tuesday’s City Council meeting was adjourned after a majority of Councilor’s felt it would be impossible to conduct city business over protestors who filled the chamber and wished to be heard on calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Petty said going forward the Council wants to make sure that the issues people are bringing to the meetings and speaking on are Worcester issues. That this issue has been percolating for a few months and predates the Gaza Cease-Fire petition. Petty said at least week’s meeting threats were made against members of the Worcester Republican City Committee and Council and that he was informed this week of threats being sent to at least one City Councilor with messages saying “we know where you live.” Petty concedes the Council has probably been inconsistent in the past with what they have allowed to come forward and be commented on, including a vote a year ago to condemn the taking of hostages after the Hamas attack on innocent Israel citizens. People can be heard, they can speak on agenda items, they can protest in front of City Hall but Petty says, “I’m not going to allow chaos and hate in the City Council meetings. I’m not going to stand for it.”