BARTON ADDRESSES STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD AT CITY COMMISSION ON TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT

Barton, with Grandson Jack at City Commission Podium

(Photo by Commissioner Jessica Tetreau)

Pastor Brad Burke, President Trump's most ardent defender in the city, described it as the "largest crowd ever to witness a city commission meeting," as Jim Barton, editor of the Brownsville Observer, spoke in the commission chambers Thursday about the practical application of the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Interrupted several times by thunderous and gratuitous applause, Barton was barely able to squeeze his talking points into the three minutes allotted by the city for citizen participation.

As Barton exited chambers with the large crowd still on its feet, he and Pastor Burke exchanged a high five while City Manager Noel Bernal said succinctly "you made some good points sir."

A nervous fire marshal breathed a distinct sigh of relief as a throng, estimated by Burke to be in the hundreds, made their collective way to the staircase.(Barton and his grandson used the employee elevator to avoid the intrusive mob as Grandson Jack pushed the correct button to descend.)

In the elevator Barton asked Jack if he would care to speak at the upcoming City Commission meeting on Tuesday.

"What would I talk about?" asked Jack.