Councilman Russo: Deer Culling 'Misstatements' Won't be Tolerated at Safety Meetings

Ward 7 Councilman William Russo had a message Wednesday night for opponents of deer culling: Speak the truth or don't bother speaking at safety committee meetings.

Russo said that during the , there were several statements that were untrue or intended to inflame the issue. Some of the issues raised in January included allegations of improper deer carcass disposal and one man's comments about a recent Twinsburg graduate who was killed by a hunter, a story city officials said they could not corroborate.

"The committee is not going to tolerate that at future meetings," Russo said. "I think people tend to get up in front of a committee or a council and feel they have the ability to make any comments they choose. That cannot be tolerated. People viewing these meetings take these as truth."

Russo also said that during public comment at safety committee meetings, residents will not be allowed to raise the issue of deer contraception because he said deer contraception is illegal according to the Ohio Administrative Code except during a scientific study.

"It is not allowed in the state of Ohio, so that will not be a topic of discussion at future meetings," Russo said. "Anyone who chooses to go down that path will be asked to sit down."

But the other members of the committee, councilmen Ed Kraus and Rick Bell, said they believe residents should have the opportunity to speak freely during a public forum, but they acknowledged that there were several statements in January that were inaccurate or exaggerations.

"People are allowed to give their views and opinions," Kraus said. "Luckily, from my experience, our public really does a good job of deciphering the truths from the untruths. That’s my only caution: It is a public forum, so obviously people have the right to exercise their free speech."

Bell said: "If we ask people to tell us what’s on their mind, I have no problems making sure they have an open forum and be allowed to say what they want to say. Several comments were clearly exaggerated or not from correct factual basis, but I never have a problem hearing from the residents and what they have to say."

Russo clarified that he was only talking about comments at the safety committee meeting. He said residents have a right to say whatever they want during a city council meeting. 

He also said most residents who spoke in January were "concise and stuck to the facts" but there were some trying to "inflame the situation with misstatements."

Kraus said that anyone can misstate things from time to time – even council members.

"It happens from the dais and it can happen from anywhere," he said.

Russo said he will take his colleagues' comments under consideration.