Dear Residents:
Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
We’re just wondering if anyone has a public opinion on this situation surrounding Mr. William Brooks and his current legal scenario in your “Paradise on the Hill” city. Brooks is a gentleman who was banned from attending St. Clairsville City Council meetings a while back because of incidents when his presence allegedly caused unrest, and it has appeared since as if everyone wants the situation to quietly settle instead of questioning whether or not an American’s freedom of speech truly has been violated.
A little more than a month ago, Brooks – a resident of your city and an activist for community improvement for more than 50 years – appeared before Belmont County Western Court Judge Eric Costine after challenging the pre-pandemic ban in mid-May. He was charged with trespassing and disturbing a lawful meeting, and he entered a “not guilty” plea. A decision is pending.
But what say you? A few folks have offered support and a few others have not shied away from letting Mr. Brooks know they disapprove of some of his attention-getting tactics, but how many residents of St. Clairsville have slowed their lives long enough to dissect this situation and what the judge’s decision could mean for the rest of us?
River Talk show host Dimitri Vassilaros has spent an impressive amount of airtime interviewing, investigating, and reporting on the statements made by Mr. Brooks, the public legal documents, his attempts to interview council members and the mayor, and the laws on the books in the Buckeye State, and guess what?
Brooks just might be right. Never mind how the man goes about proving his points, and sure, the language he uses might not be comfortable, but this Marine Corps veteran does have an undiapered way with words. Like it or not, Mr. Brooks cuts to the gut of the issue without political pleasantries and that makes people squirm like worms.
And, while that may be why your fellow tax-paying resident finds himself in his current legal situation, it’s really not all of his fault, now is it?
Sincerely,
Justice for ALL
