City Resident Banned From City Council Meetings Untill He Apologizes For Pointing Out The Truth About Politicians

The Albert Lea City Council is forbidding a veteran council-watcher from speaking at meetings until he apologizes for calling the interim mayor "a liar and a cheat." Albert Lea, Minn. resident Roger Bok was talking about the disposal of scrap metal during a public portion of Monday's meeting when Mayor Pro Tem Al Brooks told him the issue had been settled and Bok should move on. Mayor Pro-Tempore
Sixth Ward Councilor
Al "Minnow" BrooksBok called Brooks "a liar and a cheat." Bok, also known as Freeborn County's watchdog, has missed just 14 council meetings in 16 years. It's not the first time he's been in this situation. City Clerk Sandi Behrens said she remembers two times when Bok wasn't permitted to address the council. "I have nothing against Mr. Bok and this is not because his comment was directed at me or any of the other council members," said Brooks. "We don't need to sit up here and be called liars and cheats because we don't call Mr. Bok that." The council's decision -- if City Attorney Steve Schwab determines it's valid -- takes effect at the Aug. 22 council meeting. "There are issues that need to be addressed and they violate the charter," said Bok, "and then when I say something they say I'm out of order."