Thuggery at Council Meeting

The official complaint:


November 13, 2204

City Council Members of Blaine, WA
Mary Lou Steward, Mayor of Blaine, WA
Chief of Police, Rodger Funk

Mike Harmon, City Manager, City of Blaine, WA

 Subject: Formal Complaint Against Council Member Mike Hill for Hostile and Intimidating Conduct Toward a Citizen

Dear City Council Members, Mayor Steward, Mike Harmon and Chief Funk:

I am writing to formally report an incident involving Council Member Mike Hill that occurred on November 12, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m. in the Blaine City Hall chambers. Mr. Hill's aggressive and intimidating behavior toward me is inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected from public officials and may constitute violations of several legal codes.

Incident Summary
During a public meeting, I was engaged in a conversation with Chris Damitio regarding environmental protections for the Cain Creek project and other PUDs that the City Planning is approving without public comment. I work hundreds of hours as a community volunteer working with other citizens on quality of life and public health issues with the Blaine Water Coalition.

Without warning, Mr. Hill interrupted, accosted me, positioning himself within approximately 1.5 inches of my face. He raised his voice and stated “why you are tearing up this town" attempting to harm my reputation during my introduction of the Blaine Water Coalition with Chris. My attempts to de-escalate the situation by asking Mr. Hill to "calm down" were ignored, forcing me to seek intervention from Chief Rodger Funk, who had to physically escort Mr. Hill away from the interaction.

This incident was recorded on audio, capturing Mr. Hill's aggressive tone and my repeated requests for him to calm down and disengage. This can be shared with appropriate external parties when appropriate.

Relevant Statutes and Codes Violated
Mr. Hill's conduct appears to violate several key statutes and codes of conduct, including:

  1. RCW 9A.46.020 (Harassment): Washington State law prohibits behavior intended to intimidate or harass another person. Mr. Hill's aggressive approach, close physical proximity, raised voice, and unfounded accusations constitute actions reasonably perceived as intimidation.
  2. RCW 42.30 (Open Public Meetings Act): The OPMA ensures that citizens have the right to attend and participate in public meetings without fear of intimidation or harassment. Mr. Hill's behavior directly interfered with my ability to engage in civil discourse, infringing upon the rights granted to citizens under this act.

Immediate Actions Requested
To address and prevent further incidents, I respectfully request the following:

  1. An independent investigation into Mr. Hill's conduct to determine whether he has violated municipal or state codes and ethical standards.
  2. Disciplinary action such as a formal reprimand, censure, or other consequences as deemed appropriate, reinforcing the council's commitment to respectful and lawful conduct by public officials.
  3. Implementation of a clear code of conduct for all council members to prevent future incidents and ensure a safe environment for public participation under the OPMA.

I'd like to point out that Council Member Mike Hill was accusatory earlier in the meeting when fellow Council Member Richard May presented the results of a study polling Blaine residents about the proposed buildings to be placed on the water side of town. Council Member Hill's tone and manner toward Council Member May were also inappropriate and disrespectful, and not in line with public officials code of conduct.  

Mayor Steward just last month proclaimed October 2024 as Blaine's Bullying Prevention Month, "whereas coming together united in our desire to create a healthier community for all, be it further resolved that... community organizations be encouraged to engage in unity day bringing all citizens together to celebrate kindness, acceptance of differences and inclusion to protect our town from bullying and create a healthier community."

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter and for your commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of Blaine's public meetings. I look forward to seeing the council uphold the values of respect, inclusivity and lawful conduct, as underscored by the City of Blaine's commitment to a “healthier community.”

Sincerely,

Otto Pointer

Blaine Water Coalition

Alias protected by Anti-SLAPP Act (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation)

Cc:      City Attorney, City of Blaine, WA

State AG, OPMA

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