Civility in Meetings Addressed Amid Resident Push for Accountability

West Hollywood’s City Council unanimously approved an ad hoc subcommittee on May 19, 2025, to review the Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials, responding to a reported decline in respectful public meetings. The move, part of a broader civility push, aligns with the city’s equity efforts, like protections for diverse families (Item F.9), and addresses resident calls for accountability.

City Manager David Wilson, Communications Director Joshua Schare, and Assistant to the City Manager Christine Safriet outlined strategies to restore decorum. A Shared Responsibility for Respect statement, to appear on agendas, urges “polite, professional” interactions. Safriet read it aloud: “During public meetings, the city endeavors for all to treat others with respect, a core value. Our collective commitment to civility requires intention, cooperation, courtesy, consideration, kindness, and compassion.” A draft Administrative Regulation sets four priorities: reinforcing decorum rules, public postings, violation documentation, and respect promotion. A June 2025 toolkit, developed by a working group of managers, will aid staff in de-escalating disruptions with scenarios, response tips, and guidelines on maintaining professionalism, with semi-annual Code training planned.

George Nickle, a 20-year resident, alleged that Councilmember John M. Erickson’s “unhinged diatribe” and lies at a March 3 meeting created a “chilling effect,” deterring public participation. “Residents… will think twice,” he wrote, demanding public complaint disclosures and immediate City Attorney action, claiming unpunished “abusive behavior” undermines trust. Nickle, a gay resident who survived bullying, called West Hollywood a “sanctuary” needing protection from such behavior.

Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers and Vice Mayor John Heilman, volunteering for the subcommittee, stressed training to manage tensions, drawing from Byers’ preparation as mayor, which included learning to handle public outbursts. Byers praised the toolkit’s potential for commissions, citing Santa Monica’s decorum signage. Heilman, reflecting on past contentious meetings, supported Byers’ focus on proactive measures. Councilmember Lauren Meister proposed adding oath of office language to the Code, emphasizing its weight. Councilmember John M. Erickson raised staff harassment concerns, citing instances of “grotesque” personal attacks, questioning legal duties for minor grievances (e.g., phone use). City Attorney Lauren Langer clarified context-driven responses, favoring informal counseling.

Councilmember Danny Hang endorsed the toolkit’s wide application. The 5–0 vote tasks Byers and Heilman with Code updates, building on 2022 revisions. Schare noted a “trend of less respect,” impacting staff and residents, while Director of Administrative Services Janet Jimenez and City Clerk Melissa Crowder stressed empathy’s role in governance, ensuring all voices are heard.

Nickle’s push for consequences echoes broader demands for transparency, seen in ethics reforms (F.2/F.8). As national polarization, fueled by political divides and social media, strains local discourse in cities like West Hollywood, the city’s proactive strategies—training, clear rules, and a respect statement—aim to rebuild trust, ensuring safe, inclusive dialogue that reinforces its legacy of community-driven governance, from domestic partnerships to nondiscrimination laws.