Sacramento, CA - (May 23, 2023) Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s statement on the disruption at council Tuesday evening:
“Democracy is messy and imperfect. As city leaders we have the responsibility to make sure there are safe and viable ways for everyone to participate in public governance and have their voice heard at the city council.
Dissenting and passionate voices have a vital role in pushing elected officials to respond faster and better to real human suffering.
While bigots and racists have a first amendment right to spew their hate, they have no right to incite violence.
No one, no matter their point of view, has the right to disrupt the public’s business or make it impossible for others to participate.
If this kind of disruption continues, we will do everything necessary to ensure safety within the chambers. The public will always get the chance to be heard, even if temporarily by Zoom or telephone.
This is the imperfect balance we must strike to assure there is a viable and safe way for everyone to participate in our council.”
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg
