Editor:

This is my response to the mayor’s blatant disregard to my speech addressing my concerns at the Evanston City Council meeting on Aug. 6.

My hope, once I read my speech, was that the opportunity would present itself for, first and foremost, sincere apologies from the two women heard on the voicemail, from Rocco himself and from the mayor on behalf of the City of Evanston — all of whom were in attendance and heard every word I said.

Then I was hoping for some sort of dialogue from the mayor and council on what could be done in regards to the lack of air conditioning at the Machine Shop. That is the reason I wanted to share my concerns in the first place. However, none of that happened — the mayor made sure of that.

The response to me directly from the mayor was, honestly, an absolute joke. There was no sincerity. He stated that it was unfortunate that it happened and that he’d had a talk with Rocco.

In fact, the mayor pointed out that he, too, has spoken badly about people from time to time and that the city will all try to do better.

He then went on a tirade at how disappointed he was that the paper wrote the article in the first place. For over four minutes, as he was getting red in the face, he voiced his distaste for the Herald. His rant was shocking and disturbing, to say the least.

The mayor was more concerned and upset that the Herald wrote the truth in an article than he was with Rocco purposely keeping me off of a work session agenda and Rocco and the other two city employees berating me.

As far as I’m concerned, the mayor ended the meeting inappropriately and silenced the council members, as well — how disrespectful and distasteful. The mayor should be ashamed of himself. The way he dismissed my concerns entirely and then to punish the Herald the way he did for simply writing an accurate article was simply deplorable.

It sounds to me that he wants to censor us all. The citizens of Evanston should all be concerned, and when the next election cycle for mayor happens in the next two long years, use your voice and vote! I know he no longer has mine.

I will continue to voice my concerns regarding the Machine Shop and hope to get on the work session agenda to help find a resolution to the problem. I am entirely grateful for the Herald, my husband and family, friends and strangers for all of your support.

Gina Sundquist

Evanston