GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — First Ward City Commissioner Jon O’Connor released a statement following controversial remarks made at a Grand Rapids City Commission meeting Tuesday.
O’Connor walked out during a heated public comment session after saying, “I’m done with this [expletive].”
The city commissioner apologized for his comments and cited a number of frustrations that led to them on Tuesday.
“Like so many others in our community, I am frustrated and unfortunately, I let my emotions get the better of me,” the statement reads in part.
He ends his statement saying he plans to do what he can to reach favorable solutions in the future.
O’Connor’s full statement reads:
"I want to apologize to my constituents and the entire city for my outburst and use of inappropriate language at Tuesday evening’s city commission meeting. Like so many others in our community, I am frustrated and unfortunately, I let my emotions get the better of me.
"Over the past several months I, along with my colleagues on the commission, have remained relatively quiet at the dais as well as in our public commentary for a variety of reasons. While we all share concerns about what has taken place in our community, the actions of a small activist group have diminished the ability to conduct the business of the city and have created an environment within the commission chambers where any opposing point of view is interrupted, shouted down, or chastised. I have a responsibility to listen to all those who choose to attend and make public comments, regardless of my personal beliefs about what they are saying. The current situation continues to stifle civic engagement and intimidates individuals from participating in the local government process.
"This group of individuals and their supporters have crossed a line, making it difficult to seek compromise and pursue positive outcomes for the community. They have come to my home, where my family sleeps, in an attempt to intimidate me, defacing my residence in the middle of the night. These intimidation tactics toward myself and my colleagues are unacceptable and we should not stand for such actions, now or in the future.
"I remain committed to working for positive outcomes for Grand Rapids. This is an amazing community with a history of working together in a respectful manner, making hard decisions, and producing results for residents. This is the work I will continue to focus on with my colleagues on the City Commission. Our city, our state and our country have become increasingly polarized and unwilling to seek compromise with civility. In Grand Rapids, however, we must rise above. I am dedicated to this work and invite others to join in a positive and proactive discourse for a better future for all."
FOX 17 talked with a constituent, Lucas Leverett, says he would appreciate a conversation that he's been trying to have for months.
Leverett is a self-proclaimed trouble maker who moved to Grand Rapids about a year ago. It was his snarky comments that appeared to set off O'Connor at Tuesday's meeting.
"We caused trouble by dumping tea in a body of water. You can't say being a trouble maker isn't American," Leverett explained to FOX 17. "If you don't have anything to say, I'm going to keep giving you smart comments until you break and engage."
Leverett wants a meaningful, productive dialogue.
"I have an open hand, an open porch, an open beer if you partake. Come talk," he added.
Leverett told FOX 17 that he sends his ideas for possible solutions for fewer disruptions at commission meetings because he wants this elected body to be productive. He outlines his ideas in detailed emails with potential solutions to help manage emotions and better ways to run things when tensions get high.
His suggestions include adding initial comments at the beginning of the meeting to set the tone.
"I've given the suggestion that they change the procedure," Leverett explained. "The only tone set for these meetings is the mayor warning people like a school teacher to behave. Everybody deserves to come angry if they follow some of the rules that really make sense."
Leverett said it's very clear that he and other leaders are on opposite sides of the political spectrum and that's okay, adding that there's no hard feelings and he will continue to attend the meetings.
READ MORE: Commissioner walks out during GR City Commission meeting, three arrested
