JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Angry words were exchanged when the chairman of Jacksonville's Charter Review Commission tried to adjourn a meeting Friday afternoon before receiving public comment.
The commission meets every 10 years to consider changes in the city's charter -- the legal structure of the consolidated city/county government.
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Members were talking about a proposal to change the Duval County school superintendent to an elected position rather than an appointed one. City Councilman Garrett Dennis and Matt Carlucci were among those due to speak when time ran out and commission Chairman Lindsey Brock tried to adjourn the meeting.
Another commission member challenged that, saying they are required to take public comment. Brock responded, saying: "The meeting is adjourned. I am not debating this. The meeting is adjourned."
Other members stayed and listened to comments from Dennis, who said he felt disrespected by the chair.
"It is because of people like the chair that this democracy and the city of Jacksonville has just gone down," Dennis said.
Dennis has introduced a resolution to City Council asking that the chairman of the charter commission be removed.