Dear editor,
My great grandfather settled in Santa Rosa County before 1840, according to the 1840 census. My grandparents lived in the Town of Milton as early as 1918. I was born in Milton in 1945, and my family and I still own property within the city. We love this place!
I am bothered by the events that occurred during a December City Council meeting. Mayor Meiss chose the opportunity to disrespect and harass Councilwoman Mary Ellen Johnson. Although duly elected in a recent city election, he did not want to swear her in at the swearing-in ceremony because of unsubstantiated rumors and a "Facebook printout." These claimed that she did not reside in the district she represented.
Her right to be sworn in was attested to by the attorney for the city and the clerk of the city. Yet, she was not sworn in until after the new members' swearing-in had taken place, and after much bickering among the council members.
My brothers and sisters and I were all born in the city and grew up on Mary Street. Mary Ellen and her siblings grew up in the same neighborhood. Her mother, Lucille Johnson, was an admired lady who was loved and revered by all those whose lives she touched. The Lucille Johnson Park is dedicated to her and is enjoyed by many today.
Anyone knowledgeable about the history of this city would know what a fine and civic-minded family the Johnsons are. Mary Ellen is a retired educator. Her integrity is above reproach.
Shame on those who acted in a totally unprofessional and uncalled for manner!
I do hope that this behavior does not set the tone for future council meetings.
MAUREEN MOSS WEST
Milton
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Johnson family is 'fine,' 'civic minded'