Lincoln City Council members Monday got into a heated exchange over a resolution supporting the so-called “Dreamers,†which some council members called a platform for their colleague’s senate campaign.
“I view this as a cynical abuse of this council and the purpose of it is to inject life into a lackluster campaign,†said City Councilman Roy Christensen, referring to Councilwoman Jane Raybould’s campaign for U.S. Senate.
Cindy Lamm made a motion to remove the resolution from the agenda, saying it was inappropriate for the City Council to consider a resolution concerning a federal issue over which the council has no control.
She also called the resolution a platform for a campaign with no place in a body such as the City Council.Ìý
The resolution, brought by Raybould and Bennie Shobe, both of whom are Democrats, asks Congress to protect young immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children from deportation.
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Raybould said she was offended by her colleagues' comments and said even though the City Council has no authority over the issue, it’s appropriate to allow those who feel strongly to speakÌý— and for the council to take a position on something that affects people in Lincoln.
Lamm said people can come to the council to express their views without a resolution.
Shobe acknowledged it was unusual to introduce such a resolution, but disagreed with his colleagues and wants to give those affected by the issue a chance to speak.
The motion to remove the resolution failed, but the council moved the public hearing on it to June 18.
Leirion Gaylor Baird said it was inappropriate and a violation of meeting rules to speak to another member’s motivation for introducing an item.
“I think that needs to stop for the sake of our relationships,†she said.