What happened at the Oak Park Village Board Finance Committee meeting on Feb. 22 has been a source of much speculation and discussion over the past week. I would like to share what happened on that day.
Just before the meeting, Donna Gayden (our interim CFO) told us a story about a police officer shooting the mayor in Long Beach, New York, where she served previously. I leaned over to Trustee Lucia Robinson, who was sitting between me and President Vicki Scaman, and said “I wonder if our chief knows.” The Finance Committee meeting started shortly thereafter. Ten minutes into the meeting President Scaman called for a recess referring to my remark. She then decided to adjourn the meeting and told me that she expected an apology. Surprised and taken aback, I followed her out of the council chambers asking, “Vicki, can we talk?” She waved me off with a “No” and walked away.
That is what happened on Feb. 22.
I have again reached out to President Scaman to clarify the misunderstanding and to offer my apology for the mental and emotional distress that my remark caused her. I look forward to hearing back and working with her to figure out the best way forward.
Ravi Parakkat
Oak Park village trustee