NEWS | City councilor avoids censure, offers public apology

Biddeford City Councilor David Kurtz — who often relies upon a somewhat dramatic speaking style — offered a public apology on Tuesday for his angry outburst last week

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Seven days after losing his composure and using profanity during a special city council meeting on July 21, Biddeford City Councilor David Kurtz offered a public apology and said there was “no excuse” for his behavior and angry outburst.

Kurtz lost control of his emotions during the July 21 meeting that had only one purpose: to allow community members and local leaders the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns about the July 13 shooting of Johan Sebastian Guerrero near the intersection of Hill and Pool streets.

**WARD FIVE CITY COUNCILOR DAVID KURTZ** said there was “no excuse” for his use of profanity during a July 21 special meeting. | *Seaver photo*

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Several members of the public spoke during the two-hour meeting, but none of them used profanity while sharing sometimes emotional and angry testimony about the shooting and the city’s reaction to the incident.

Mayor Liam LaFountain opened the July 21 meeting with a somber proclamation about the shooting incident, and several councilors shared their own – often emotional and somber – perspectives.

Councilors Patricia Boston and Roger Beaupre wiped away tears as they listened to the public and their fellow councilors, but Kurtz was unable to contain his anger during the two-hour meeting.

Kurtz reminded the audience that he is Jewish, and talked about what he described as pervasive sense of community fear. “If you don’t think Jews are talking about this, you are f—king crazy,” he said, his voice rising.

On Tuesday, Kurtz acknowledged that his outburst was a clear violation of council rules and public decorum. “Please don’t follow my example,” he said, looking toward the audience.

Although there were reports that the council was considering “censuring” Kurtz for his remarks, Mayor Liam LaFountain offered Kurtz the opportunity to make an apology at the very beginning of Tuesday’s meeting.

Kurtz is one of the council’s newest members, first elected in November to represent Ward Five, the city’s downtown area.

Over the last few months, Kurtz has raised eyebrows and quiet criticism for his penchant to use drama and showmanship during council meetings.

Kurtz often alternates the tone of his voice, inserts humor with dramatic pauses; often relying upon self-deprecation while discussing ordinary agenda items, a pattern he repeated on Tuesday during council discussion on some rather benign issues.

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