Dear editor:

As I sat in the planning and zoning meeting in Cody for the proposed temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was quite impressed with all who presented public comment. For the most part, all were respectful and simply stated to the board their opinions and concerns either in support or not of the proposed temple. There was one glaring exception: Jack Hatfield.

As I read the article in the June 22 issue of the Tribune regarding Jack Hatfield and his removal from the podium, I was disgusted. Of all people who should understand and honor the rules of decorum, Mr. Hatfield should have been the most respectful of all of the people there. He spends his time in courtrooms where decorum is a must. He understands.

The rules were very clearly stated before the public comment began. Mr. Hatfield showed a blatant disregard for the rules and made an utter fool of himself and, although he was not representing the country attorney’s office at the time, he made a fool of the office because that is what everyone recognized him as. He is a very high profile public official and should conduct himself as such whether representing the office or not.

I further think he makes a fool of himself and the county attorney’s office by threatening to file suit against the City of Cody. His right to speak was honored until he broke the rules that were set prior to the public comment period in which people were instructed to address only the chair and the board.  

I believe he should shut his mouth and respect the people who were leading the meeting and stop making a fool of himself and the office. If anyone is owed an apology, it is Carson Rowley. He did a fantastic job and was only enforcing the rules set prior to the public comment period. Mr. Hatfield should be ashamed and embarrassed of his conduct and lack of decorum.

Stop being a sore loser and take accountability for your childish behavior.

Heath Streeter

Powell