A Beloit business owner is calling for the resignation of a Beloit city council member over a Facebook post about rumors of COVID-19 at his restaurant.
Greg Hatley, who owns Hatley’s Pub and 615 Club, spoke during the public comment portion of Monday night’s city council meeting and directly called for the resignation of council member Sherry Blakeley, who attended the meeting remotely by telephone.
He referenced a July 12 Facebook post on Blakeley’s personal account which read: “Does anyone know what’s going with the 615 Club restaurant? I’ve heard rumors that staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.”
He also referenced his conservative Republican political views, which he believes is part of why Blakeley “attacked” his business in the post.
Hatley confirmed that an employee at the restaurant tested positive at the end of June and said he took all the necessary steps to sanitize the business before reopening.
Council president Regina Dunkin said they do not allow personal attacks during public comments, and they try to limit speakers to three minutes. Hatley spoke for nearly 11 minutes with multiple interruptions after he started mentioning Blakeley by name.
Dunkin cut him off after he specifically called for Blakeley’s resignation. As he left the council chambers, he yelled back into the room “You guys are a joke.”
At the conclusion of the council meeting, Dunkin emphasized the need for respect during public comments apologized to Blakeley.
