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Tornquist blows his stack, teams with Bookmeyer to trample on free speech

At-large City Council member Scott Tornquist shows NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt what he really thinks about listening to citizens express themselves.

MASON CITY – City Council member Scott Tornquist just couldn’t take another word Tuesday night.

Tornquist stormed out of Tuesday night’s city council meeting in the middle of the public forum before the meeting was adjourned after at least three run-ins with citizens that evening.

Tornquist, who has had run-ins with citizens in the past, earlier in the evening exclaimed “I’m done!” as he traded words with citizens over the Mercy development agreement (see video).

Prior to that outburst, Tornquist told NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt that he would “throw your ass out” after Marquardt told Tornquist and Mayor Eric Bookmeyer to have respect for citizens (see video).  Tornquist, backed by Bookmeyer, loudly interrupted Mason City citizen Sandra Servantez when she mentioned the Park Inn Hotel as she described the “chaos” the Mason City Human Rights Commission is currently embroiled in due to Bookmeyer’s appointments to that board.

Later, a man who was approaching the podium to speak at the public listening post said in a loud voice “Mr. Tornquist, you are in error!” He was referring to Tornquist’s earlier rant on the proximity of homes to Mercy’s property.

NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt sought an answer from Mayor Eric Bookmeyer

After Marquardt’s remark to Bookmeyer and Tornquist about having respect for citizens, Bookmeyer told Marquardt that he did “not expect to hear another word out of you this evening” and asked if that was understood.  There were two police officers in attendance Tuesday night.

Later, when Marquardt exercised his democratic right to address the council during the public listening post, Bookmeyer deemed Marquardt’s remarks about witnessing Bookmeyer being thrown out of the Other Place bar a “personal attack” and Tornquist then grabbed his coat and briefcase and headed for the exit.

“You can talk all night if you want,” Tornquist said as he walked out the door.

Watch video:

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