Springfield, Illinois (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – This week’s Springfield City Council of the Whole was less contentious than the week prior, but there was still discussion about how some council members conduct themselves.

Last week, Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory alleged a lack of respect for the city’s east side in economic development. His comments were in regard to a $250,000 payment to the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. Ward 7 Alderman Brad Carlson praised the SSGA, leading to a heated discussion and charges of racism from Alderman Gregory.

This week, several citizens added their concerns during the public comment porting of the meeting.

Ward 2 resident James Johnson, who frequently shares thoughts and concerns at city council meetings, praised Gregory for his commitment to Ward 2 and urged him to “keep doing what you’re doing”. Johnson also pointed out former Alderman Frank McNeil, Gail Simpson, and Herman Senor faced the same problems Gregory currently faces.

Citizen Ken Pacha, also a frequent speaker at city council questioned the City’s priorities. He questioned the value of SSGA when the city faces a $19 million dollars left out of a corporate fund balance out of $71 million dollars by the end of 2027 and questions the fiscal responsibility.

Another citizen, Rosana Pulido asked why, when she is expected to conduct herself in her workplace, or be reprimanded or fired, why rules of decorum don’t seem to apply to council members.

At last Tuesday’s Council of the Whole, heated discussion broke out when Alderman Gregory alleged Carlson is a “racist”, a “clown” and invited Carlson into the hallway. Mayor Misty Buscher was forced to regain control of the meeting, and ordered Gregory to conduct himself “professionally” numerous times.