PSB Opponent Kept Out Of Open Public Meeting
By ABC-7 Reporter Veronique Masterson
EL PASO — A vocal critic ofthe Sun City’sStormwater feetold ABC-7his rights as an American citizen to an open and transparent government were violatedas hetried to stop by a Public Service Board meeting.
Jimmy Janacek says he was singled out Wednesday night bythe security guard at the meeting.He said the guardwould notlet him in until he got approval from a manager.
Janacek called 911 as he was trying toboard an elevator because the guard physically blocked him, he said.”Every citizen has a right to attend an open meeting,” he said, “It’s a free country and they weretaking away a freedom.”
PSB spokeswoman, Christina Montoyatold ABC-7it was a misunderstanding and saidJanacek has shown up unannounced at some of their other sites that werenot open to the public.
According to Montoya, security guards were told to notify management when he shows up.
As a result of the incident, people attending public PSB meeting will no longer be required to sign-in at the lobby. “We want to show more of a welcoming attitude. We want people to know that we want them to come and unfortunately it had to happen because of this, but we are changing it and nobody should ever have to go through this again,” said Montoya.
Janacek says he’s working with the district attorney’s office and plans to file criminal charges. Montoya says the PSB is sending hima letter of apology.
———————
Written for KVIA.com by News/Web Producer Joe Villasana
