The Hammond City Council censured one of its own at Monday’s city council meeting.
The council presented the resolution on the heels of a continuance in the hearing between Councilman Anthony Higgs, D-3rd, and Anne Herbert, who opposed Higgs for the Third District seat in May. Higgs filed a protective order Aug. 24 against Herbert, 65, accusing her of stalking him at his job and threatening him during a recent council meeting.
The hearing has been rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 23 in Judge John Sedia’s court.
A video of Mayor Tom McDermott addressing the council and audience shows he supported the largely symbolic resolution and would sign it that night. In his remarks, McDermott brought up actions Higgs has taken that McDermott considered “bullying” to Herbert and others.
McDermott added that he thought sanctions should be rough against Higgs.
Higgs didn’t address the issue in his response.
“I’m just going to say this, and then I’m done: God bless you, Mayor. I understand that we don’t agree, and whatever reason, it seems to be that you, you just don’t care for me, and I understand that. But I’m praying for you that God will relieve you of that hate and hostility. That’s my prayer,” Higgs said.
The vote was 6-3 in favor of censure. Higgs, Councilman Robert Markovich, D-at-large, and Councilman Homero Hinojosa, D-6th, voted against the resolution
Scott Rakos, who’s running for the Sixth District Council Seat in November, said he feels something needed to be done.
“He’s trying to stop people from talking and exercising their First Amendment rights, and it’s embarrassing,” Rakos said. “You have to have broad shoulders during a council meeting. I agree with the resolution.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.