SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Springfield Alderman Shawn Gregory spoke up for the first time following a heated council meeting April 7.
Mayor Misty Buscher abruptly ended the meeting after Gregory got into a shouting match with former police chief Michael Walton.
Walton had spoken during public comment and criticized some of the aldermen because he believed they didn't support the police.
"I want to offer an apology for interrupting last week's meeting. Certainly, I've been here for some time, 200-plus meetings outside the meeting we have here, and I know it's important on how we communicate," Gregory said.
Gregory added that since last week's meeting, he has received several racist emails.
He said that while he regrets losing his temper at the meeting, he will continue to speak up for his community.
"The picture is painted [so] that everything is fine, but it's not fine. We really have a lot of work to do with racial tensions in this city," Gregory said.
The Springfield City Council approved an ordinance codifying rules and procedures for the flow of council on Tuesday night.
It also specifies rules for public comment, including a five-minute time limit and a ban on profane or vulgar language.
The rule requires a final vote on April 21.
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