Much to learn about decorum

Poor interpersonal skills can never be remedied by a set of rules intended to regulate behavior.

During a special meeting of the Palmdale City Council on Nov. 16, the council adopted a resolution establishing rules of order for meetings of the council, commissions, committees and boards. Relating to the conduct of public officials, the document stated that “public officials will refrain from abusive conduct, verbal attacks or charges against another member outside of proper protocol, or abuse upon the character or motives of other public officials, city employees, or the public and adhere to this resolution at all times.”

During a regular council meeting held on Nov. 15, just one day prior to the special meeting, Mayor Laura Bettencourt falsely accused me of claiming to speak for the Human Rights Committee. I was there representing AVLULAC, The Palmdale Prevention Community Coalition and Pueblo y Salud and provided a written statement on their behalf asking for a response to a recommendation made to the Council by the Palmdale Human Rights Committee during an Oct. 5 meeting.

I mentioned that I was a HRC member and tried to clarify that I was stating such for identification purposes only. Mayor Bettencourt would not hear the latter comments and began to deride and admonishing me for attempting to speak for the HRC. Though I attempted to clarify that this was not the case, Mayor Bettencourt continued with her false accusations and looked to city attorney Curley for legal advise. Instead of correcting Mayor Bettencourt, Mr. Curley enabled the mayor giving credence to her false assertions.

The interchange made us nostalgic of times when the council meetings were run by Jim Ledford. We don’t know if you can teach your protégé, Jim. She has much to learn about decorum and protocol.

Xavier Flores President, AV-LULAC

Palmdale