Council gets riled by public comment

Typically, the accusations made by resident Doreen Hopkins during public comments doesn't elicit much of a response.

Hopkins told the council that they were paid off to approve the Wal-Mart project and that a majority of residents would have preferred to see some senior housing developed.

She also made comments about the downtown, which she referred to as Little Tijuana, not having any business.

But at this meeting, perhaps because there was a larger than normal crowd - most from the non-profit Push America and those attending the New Model Colony Awards - I suspect the council was a little embarrassed.

Following public comments, Mayor Paul Leon told those in attendance that he has spoken to Hopkins several times in the past and encouraged her to "if she feels she has a legitimate complaint then she go to the district attorney."