Harvey, Illinois Alderman Colby Chapman Detained During City Meeting; Community Calls for Probe into Mayor Christopher Clark’s Administration

The city of Harvey, Illinois, experienced a stir on Monday night at the City Council meeting, which was temporarily paused following applause during a public comment session.

Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark warned, multiple times, that if any disruptions happened, he would clear the room.

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Residents claim they have continuously been silenced by the mayor’s office, a claim also being made by 2nd Ward Alderwoman Colby Chapman.

“I witness a troubling pattern in our governance, a pattern of silencing voices and shielding decision from public view,” Chapman said.

Chapman was arrested during a council meeting two weeks ago, she said, while trying to speak on behalf of a resident.

The city council voted to censure her and remove her from the meeting, as seen on video.

“The officers were actually trying to grab her merchandise, and that’s when she got combative and decided to hit one of the officers,” Clark said.

Chapman claimed she did not hit the officer. She was charged with battery of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

Since that meeting, residents have come to her defense while also airing out their own issues against the mayor.

“Throughout our city, residents are encountering increased fees on water bills, municipal gas, property taxes, housing inspections, and business licenses, among others,” mentioned Chapman.

Many in the crowd called for federal oversight and an investigation into the mayor’s administration.

“The bottom line here is if she disagrees with any of these matters, she’s welcome to see us in court if that’s necessary. As for calls for state and federal oversight, I’ve already initiated that,” stated Clark.

Clark said what happened during the April 28 meeting was an enforcement of the council’s rules.

“It hampers our ability to conduct business and take care of the business and also it gives us a bad look as far as the world is concerned to make them think that we don’t have the ability to govern ourselves, which we do,” Clark said.

“My passion for the issues facing our residents sometimes pushes me beyond procedural boundaries, but my intent has always been to speak for those who are voiceless,” Chapman said.

Residents claimed that during Monday night’s meeting break, they were locked out of the room. Many of them said this is only the beginning of their fight.