Excerpts heard at the December 15, 2009 Gulfport city council meeting

Freiburger held up this sign, which read “TOXIC” during Councilwoman Judy Ryerson’s turn to speak during the “New Business” portion of Tuesday night’s council meeting. He continued to hold this sign up through councilmember Sam Henderson and Mayor Mike Yakes’ portion of the New Business session.
At the time he held up the sign he gave no indication as to the meaning of the sign. However, earlier in the meeting he spoke his concern of the air quality in the city.
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“If you need a quote, ‘Where’s the good-looking attorney from last time?’” –Jim Greenwald, about the appearance of a different interim city attorney from the last council meeting
“I think a lot of people are getting an ordinance confused with… what might happen later.” –Council member Michele King

“I have no problem with that except all the workshops are happening at 10 or 11 o’clock in the morning…I hope maybe you’ll alter the rules to that when you get to that point so people can freely discuss this thing.” –Bob Newcomb, about council’s decision to workshop the proposed bench sign (Ordinance 2009-16)

“Hi, my name is Dottie, cherry-crusted nutbar.” –Dottie Wolksi, who then proceeded to thank council for their work over the past year.

“I’m going to read to you an item that you have before you and I am raising this because the paper that is published here each Thursday, which I is why I read the Gulfport Watchdog.” –Al Davis

“I just want to know what the status of the safety director.” –John Freiburger

“At this time I have no intention of going outside the organization.” –City Manager Jim O’Reilly, in response to Mr. Freiburger’s question

“I think dredging works elsewhere; I don’t know why Swiftmud has made the determination that it’s not going to work on Clam Bayou.” –Jerry O’Reegan

“It’s critical that we don’t have naked women on our benches, that we don’t have Wal-Mart on our benches.” –Rob Case, past president of the Gulfport Lions

“Just chaining up their boat doesn’t do anything because its just tying up a slip and they’re still not paying for it,” –Vice-Mayor Bob Worthington, about the way the city currently handles boat owners who fail to pay their slip rent

“Operation Santa is still looking for people to adopt families. We have more families than ever this year and this year they need a lot more help.”—Councilwoman Michele King

“Get out and vote. Nobody wants to win by only 15% of the people.” –Councilwoman Judy Ryerson, who holds the only seat that has more than one candidate in the 2010 election