by Frank Eriksen
the voice of Boulder
(from all things boulder)
Sept. 22, 2010 Boulder The seasons are turning and so are the stomach’s of Boulder’s City Council. The City has a agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Boulder citizen and local activist Seth Brigham to the tune of $10,000. Or 10 grrrrr in today’s hip jargon.

In case you missed it or don’t know Seth – he stripped down to his undies (boxers not briefs, thank heaven) during a recent City Council meeting and was promptly asked to leave the room. When Seth refused – he was arrested. Since no charges were filed, (taste or lack thereof is still not a crime) Seth filed some charges of his own. He sued the City, claiming his civil rights were violated. Whether they were or weren’t is a mute point now that the City decided is was cheaper to hand him ten grand rather than fight his suit in court.

So here are my talking points on this matter.

Doesn’t the City employ a full time attorney to handle this sort of thing?
Why didn’t City Council just say – we were wrong – you were right – were sorry – undress anytime you want?
Aren’t taxpayers owed an explanation of how it was worth $10,000 rather than admit any “wrong doing”?
Can a well meaning, although disruptive, citizen be banned from Council meetings?
Since every City Council meeting is broadcast “live” on city-owned Boulder Channel 8 – why aren’t we distributing this ultimate “Reality Show” on MTV and making a fortune in ad revenues?
Boulder has an endless supply of interesting, albeit sometimes wacky, cast members to easily fill the 4-6 hour time slot and Seth is way cooler and far more entertaining than Snookie or The Situation will ever be. I think I’m on to something here… Or, maybe I’ve just had too much coffee.