Back 
A Brainerd resident called for a city council member to be removed from his seat at Monday’s Brainerd City Council meeting.
Guy Green suggested Ward 3 council member Gary Scheeler used his position to get Green removed from his radio broadcast, “The Speakeasy,” a political talk show on 3WI Radio.
Not true, said Scheeler’s attorney, Ed Shaw. “It (cancellation) had nothing to do with Mr. Scheeler.”
Green said Scheeler canceled advertisements for Scheeler’s business on the station because of views Green expressed on his talk show. Further, Green said Scheeler put pressure on 3WI Radio management against the program, according to a written statement Green read before the council Monday. Green said Scheeler went to other businesses that also advertised on the show, urging them to “put pressure on management against (the) program” as well. That was enough for management to terminate “The Speakeasy,” Green wrote.
Shaw, however, said Scheeler never demanded the program be taken off the air. Instead, he stopped the 90-second advertisements for his business a couple of weeks ago because he didn’t want to continue advertising on a station that attacked him by calling him names and criticizing his business, Shaw said.
“Mr. Scheeler has no obligation to advertise with a media entity in which he’s being personally attacked,” Shaw said.
“Being on the city council, you subject yourself to criticism,” Shaw continued. “But you shouldn’t have your business and livelihood threatened ... Mr. Green is not the victim, he is the aggressor. He took the program beyond decency and civilized discourse.”
Green called Scheeler’s actions possibly criminal in his letter to the council, alleging Scheeler aimed to “destroy the business of a constituent in retaliation to political criticism, while also endangering the business of another citizen who has a contract with that constituent.”
When asked to detail the allegations, Green said through an email statement, “I am prepared to discuss those actions in the appropriate venue, which is, of course, the hearing I requested last night.”
Scheeler was absent from Monday’s city council meeting on a previously planned trip. He declined to comment until he returned, deferring questions to Shaw.
Green’s program was removed from the radio station a couple of weeks ago, which Green said is against his contract with the station because he wasn’t given a 10-day notice.
“The spirit of the contract was done no favors in the final weeks, either,” he wrote. “Also, advising me of 'what I had to do to save my program' did no justice to the provisions giving me complete editorial control of the content. They are on record saying that I did nothing wrong, so I, and I hope the listeners and your readers, must wonder just who did.”
Jim Pryor of 3WI Radio said Green hasn’t had a contract with the radio station for nine months. Pryor declined to comment further.
There will be no hearing or any movement to potentially remove Scheeler from the council, said Brainerd Mayor James Wallin on Tuesday.
Instead, Wallin said Green’s comments at the council meeting were “abusive” and said at an inappropriate time and place.
“(Green) is bitter,” Wallin said. “He was bitter because of not having his radio show. In reality, Gary (Scheeler) did what he wanted to do as a businessman... Gary (Scheeler) is very conscientious and is as fine of a gentleman as you can imagine,” he said.
When asked what his reaction would be if no hearing was scheduled, Green responded, “The City Charter clearly states that the hearing 'shall take place' and that it be able to call witnesses. My request for a hearing was officially made last night before the public. Again, however, the Charter is held in rather malleable regard by the powers that be. I’ll tell The Dispatch what I will do if no hearing is set, if you will tell me what you will do. I know that you did nothing when The Speakeasy was ransacked by an elected official. I must wonder if more than a 'tweet' will be heard in the event of another non-event at the corner of Laurel and Hardy.”
JESSICA LARSEN, staff writer, may be reached at 855-5859 or jessica.larsen@brainerddispatch.com.
Comments (89)
Add commentAttorney Fast Eddy Shaw
Attorney Fast Eddy Shaw lectures about "decency and civilized discourse".
609.77 FALSE INFORMATION TO NEWS MEDIA.
Whoever, with intent that it be published or disseminated and that it defame another person, communicates to any newspaper, magazine or other news media, any statement, knowing it to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor
Mayor Wallin should just say no comment.
The good old mayor sure weighed in today. With his wonderful insight into the character of one Gary Scheeler. He does nothing but blast a citizen as "bitter" and abusive. Perhaps the mayor replicated his own charge?
Agree or Disagree.....
Agree or disagree with the views expressed on The Speakeasy radio show, we should all be very concerned when an elected official (Gary Scheeler) leverages a private business to stop the speech of those who disagree with his policies as a Brainerd city council member. Furthermore, Mr. Wallin certainly won’t last long if he continues to defend the actions of Scheeler........
Mayor Wallin, you are putting
Mayor Wallin, you are putting a man on a pedestal that has a strong fear of heights, extremely poor balance, and in hurricane winds. Be very careful who you protect or try to deceive, because the truth will come out.
Fast Eddy
Fast Eddy, I like that. Although I could think of better adjectives to describe him.
Democracy
"Green said Scheeler canceled advertisements for Scheeler’s business on the station because of views Green expressed on his talk show. Further, Green said Scheeler put pressure on 3WI Radio management against the program, according to a written statement Green read before the council Monday. Green said Scheeler went to other businesses that also advertised on the show, urging them to “put pressure on management against (the) program” as well."
...sounds like democratic and grassroots action to me. (pressure = discussion).
If Green feels Scheeler doesn't have a right to withdraw his advertising, it shows the height of his arrogance and the depth of his distaste for individual rights and democratic action. Perhaps he only favors democratic action when it's convenient.
So what do you geniuses propose...
Forcing Scheeler to advertise with that station?
I would think you would be all for a person being able to do what he wants to do with his money. Especially a business.
As was stated, he is well within his rights to take his advertising elsewhere. He is also within his rights to have an opinion about this abrasive nonsense called a radio show.
It is one thing to ask difficult questions in the media, but quite another to attack with half-truths and sketchy accusations.
Need Help
I've lived in Brainerd since 1989 and have never heard the Speakeasy show myself. I would consider myself a Conservative Right Winger and I think Scheeler did the correct thing if both of the following conditions apply. Was Scheeler criticized for his political positions only? If so that is to be expected and not a reason to pull ad money in itself. Did he try to criticize the actual business Scheeler runs? If that is the case then he would be foolish not to pull his money out of that show. When you attack your sponsor you will lose said sponsor. and he will tell his friends what happened. I may be missing the point but I can't figure out how forcing GS to sponsor a hostile show makes sense.
Nice photo.........
So, could you please identify the person in the photo?
Nice photo.........
So, could you please identify the person in the photo?
We had a world-class radio show, and now it's gone...
....because of left-wing censorship. If a conservative doesn't like a show they don't listen to it. If a leftist doesn't like a show they demand that it be taken off the air.
So explain this someone.
"Jim Pryor of 3WI Radio said Green hasn’t had a contract with the radio station for nine months. Pryor declined to comment further."
World-class!
Indianjack, world-class? What world do you live in? Must be quite small?
I think a business can
I think a business can withdraw their advertising of course, depending if they had a contract. But Mr. Sheeler went a step to far by trying to influence another advertiser to pull his advertising.
As a council member, that is morally wrong and it certainly smells like bullying and trying to influence others.
I don't know what was said about Sheeler but, if you are a council member then, your actions are more important than if you are a regular citizen. Responsibility. Respect.
I think the mayor should have said "no comment".
I doubt if he know the whole story, I know I don't.
I like how this article
I like how this article ended. Let Guy Green's own bullying comments prove the case against him. He is indeed aggressor not victim, well said Fast Eddy!
Purposed-Correction
3Wiii radio is owned by an organization called Red Rock Radio. They own 23 stations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Their offices are in Fargo, ND. 3WIII was sold by the Pryors and the deal was closed on November 1st, 2012. I hope this helps.
Here's the deal, tired of liberalbs
It's completely in character with many in the band of ultra right wing folks in this area. Certainly exactly the type of behavior we see from many who take part in these web boards.
Take a principle, like a businesses right to advertise with who they want, and to pull their money from an advertiser who is doing them harm.
One would think this would be something a conservative, right thinking person would support 100%.
But no--in this case, supposed harm occurred to an extreme right winger--and as is the case so often, all typical conservative thoughts get tossed out the window. Any action--even those generally supported by a conservative mindset--is attacked as illegal (when it's not), liberal or communistic (when it's actually a conservative position) etc.
Why in this case, we even have a conservative telling the GOVERNMENT they need to trump up some regulation!
There are true conservatives who stick with their principles around--but as is the case with the republican party in recent years, they are beaten down and refused a voice, as any true conservative action or mindset these false conservatives deem wrong is attacked.
Jan 30 Lon Schmidt show:
Lon Schmidt said on his show that Guy Green was told to tone it down. And he also said that Guy "crossed the line".
Speaking of censorship: I listened to Guy call for the firing of his grandson's teacher, because Guy didnt approve of a book assignment. He called a community meeting to confront the teacher and administrator. What happened with that? These are not the actions of a respectful and responsible citizen either.
I think Guy and Tony listened to too much Rush and Glenn and their language and anger doesn't play well in northern Minnesota.
I told you so
Prior to the election last fall, I made comments on this website on how Mr. Scheeler treats his employees. This alone should have given you a heads up on what he would do if elected. I tried to make a purchase over two years ago at his place of business. He stuck his nose in between me and the salesperson and I backed out of the sale. It took me two years to decide that the product line was better than his conduct so I went back in and bought the product. Thousands of dollars. I have since bought several more products at his business. Shame on me. I have to admit, now, I made a mistake. Yes, Charlie is not perfect. I have talked to many of the employees at his business and absolutely no one likes this character. They all speak under their breath about him. Anyone who hires an attorney with such haste, has to be 75% wrong already. Did he have a guilt complex. I say, follow the city guidelines for removal and start the process. In the meantime, I feel Mr. Green has the grounds to pursue this on his own also. As for Mr. Wallin, you stuck your shoe in your mouth when it wasn't in your best interest nor was it in the best interest of the city taxpayers. You have made your bed. Now you will have to sleep in it. There will be more elections. Hopefully the rest of the council members will mind their own business.
Nothing new here
In Brainerd there is a long history of trying to shut down local talk shows. I'm surprised that Pryor has/had the guts to do local talk at all. In the 70s the big talk was flouride and KVBR had the "Town Talk" show on every day and the topic always went back to the flouride issue. Several 'prominent' people...mostly dentists (one in particular) tried to shut down the show. The main method of choice was attempting to organize a boycott of station advertisers. Then again in the early 90s the main topic always revolved around Crow Wing County government. The County Board, sheriff race between Ball and Ross, Social Service spending and removal of kids from their parents, and the always fun Jack Graham in the County Attorney office. Someone in the county social service office started a petition to boycott advertisers and mailed copies to businesses by using county postage.
I've never heard any of the local shows mentioned, but I do know what usually happens on these type shows. Usually the show is hijacked by the same half dozen daily callers who set the tone..every show. Green sounds like a "flame thrower" type host who uses the platform to push his agenda. Pryor has EVERY right to have him off the air. He probably should have known what Green was all about and never put him on. Period. Sheeler has EVERY right not to advertise. Now, if anyone were to use their position as a city official to organize a boycott then a line is crossed. Other than that..this is a non issue.
Didn't take too long...
While I'm certainly not on GG's Christmas card list, and an occasional listener his show, I find his show to be somewhat controversial. People may not like the "bully-pulpit" style or sometime "playground" antics that surround the show, BUT, Mr. Green brings a heart-felt and enthusiastic view point to his listeners. Like it or not, he's an eloquent speaker and well informed of his issues.
HOWEVER, it certainly didnt take long for controversy to follow Mr. Scheeler into the "hallowed halls" of downtown Brainerd. Elected officials must realize they are going to be criticized, it comes with the job. It appears to be somewhat retaliatory of Mr. Scheeler to go local businesses and air his concerns.
I hope the City Council takes GG's request seriously and allow both parties to get this figured out.
Popcorn and soda anyone, this is gonna make for a great show.
"Lets get ready to rumble"
Something smells here and it is not the treatment plant at the Mill.
One need not to look too far to identify who sides with whom and conclude why the battle lines have been drawn.
Once again Brainerd politics will make the "big city" news and it will not be about a over the top county attorney or about chemical free drinking water.
Go at it boys, do it N.E. style!
Green's Show "Widely Popular"?
I'll admit, I never listened to a show of his, but if it was as widely popular and world class as some have said... trust me, it would still be on. It appeared to be a typical niche show that had some loyal and loving followers, but with Sheeler dropping just 90 seconds worth of ads, the station should easily have been able to sell off the spots to other advertisers- maybe at a higher rate if it was actually popular...
If you think that Sheeler has the stroke to make all the advertisers pull their ads and just get the show cancelled, that's plain silly.
Sidenote: if Green is so fussy that he didn't get 10 days notice, maybe he should have pressed to get a new deal rather than work without one for 9 months.
local issues
The bottom line for Scheeler is if he intimidated or tried to intimidate other advertisers. If so, will they be willing to come forward now that they are in the midst of it. I hope so as that is crossing the line as a public official.
It looks like there is a public Gary and a private Gary.
I just hate that when anyone goes after advertisers when they have a beef with a certain radio jock be it local or national.
I like when people immediately have to bring in Rush and Glen Beck to anything that has anything to do with radio.
No comparison whatsoever folks.
Maybe now people can see why there are few editorials about local issues in this paper.
EiEiO
Well said, finally an intelligent comment. Sounds like Green is just an old windbag? Don't like Scheeler, or his methods, but not sure he has done anything wrong? Vendetta?
Hey Purposed
I think you're right. It's probably out of date. Thanks.
GREEN NOT A TRUE HOST
Elected official or not dosnt Gary have the right to talk to people advertisers or not about the ouyragious lies that Guy was saying on his show.He talked to people face to face and not over th air.If Guy was just voicing his opinion instead of so many total lies the station would not have pulled his so called show.
What's the back-story here?
According to another BDD news story in 2010, Green moved to Brainerd from St. Paul in 2008 to be close to family. After living in the City for only a couple years, in 2010, he jumped in the race for Mayor against Wallin and lost by 200+ votes in a 4-way race. Is this grand-standing all part of Green's schtick -- his public posturing (using City meetings and the local paper) for another run against Wallin next year? (Granted, that's harder to do if he's not on the radio, or if he isn't manufacturing controversy at City Hall?) Why is this anything other than an unemployed Tea Party radio personality feeling bitter over his prospects and pointing fingers, rather than taking personal responsibility for a failed business venture?
"We have to set business leaders and the people free to deal with their own problems where they can and not have the city try to be the fixer of everything," (Guy) Green said. "Sometimes the best way government can help is to stay out of the way and not put a regulatory structure where it oughtn't to be." (BDD, Aug. 7, 2010)
Maybe the City shouldn't try to be the "fixer" of this thing, and leave it to the concerned private-sector business, where it belongs. Green has no contract, and his advertisers didn't want to "buy" his product. Case closed. I hope the City ignores Green's little hissy fit, and that the BDD doesn't continue to raise the complaints of a disgruntled former shock jock to the level of serious news when the Council rightly kicks this side-show to the curb.
Intimidation?
I never heard the radio show that day and I bet many of you also didn't hear it. However, IF Scheeler did try to intimidate any advertisers not on the show but, on the
station then that sounds like that could be a problem.
People complain about the good ole guys in this city and county governments and now someone tried to point out issues and upset the good ole boy wagon and now we are at
this point..
If you don't see something wrong with a city council member going to advertisers and trying to get them to reconsider, then you are part of the problem.
I don't know Guy and listened to his show maybe 1-5 times all together. When I listened he had some fairly good national guests on which I thought was interesting. I don't remember hearing any local stuff when I listened so, I can't comment on something I didn't hear. Which is why I say IF Scheeler did try to intimidate.
Sadie,
Rush and Glenn and also Ed Schultz are all on that radio station. It indicates a trend and a marketing decision. They attract folks who thrive on that type of host.