I’m sitting at the Ruston town council meeting, and if you’re looking for an example of how contentious politics has become in this town, here’s a good one:

Councilman Bradley Huson submitted a motion to change the rules of meetings, and a big part limited the amount of public comment on motions. Audience member Jim Wingard stood up and yelled, “We still have a constitution in the United States that guarantees freedom of speech!” He pointed to Mayor Michael Transue. “I’ll see you in Superior Court next week!” He then turned to the council. “I’ll see all of you in court next week!”

While Transue stood up and tried to calm Wingard down, Huson motioned to adjourn the meeting (about 45 minutes after it began). Wayne Stebner seconded it. A woman in attendance started screaming at Huson, and others followed with shouts at the council.

The woman stormed out of the room, and Transue turned to Albertson and asked for his vote. Others in the audience asked for calm. Huson then leaned back in his chair, smiled and said, “As soon as they’re silenced, I’ll withdraw (the motion). If not, I’ll go home and finish my dinner.”

James Hedrick voted against the motion, and the deciding vote went to the final councilman, Dan Albertson. Transue scolded the audience for their disruption, and then Huson withdrew his motion.

Since then, it’s been business as usual.