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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 commentGood night, Tony
J
Try: new reporter
Missing the point (many of you)
I looked through the article and saw a portion that mention Gary Scheeler going to advertisers of the station plus the show to withdraw their ads. This is where the trouble begins. Councilpeople have to remember the title goes with them at all times. It doesnt disapear from peoples minds just because it was or wasnt invoked.
3wi
I am fed up with all the lies that are being said here. First "smitte" 56401 Mr. Scheeler is the most respectable person you will ever meet. St. Cloud welcomes him with open arms. Let's arrange a meeting with Scheeler and see how much you really know to be shouting out these slanderous remarks. There is not one ounce of truth in you. Oaklawn has no problems with Scheeler. You pick the place to discuss your slanderous remarks with Scheeler and he will be happy to prove they are nothing but lies. We can arrange the meeting right here. Enough is enough.
Private business attacks
On Jan. 18 on the GG show there was discussion about boycotting Scheeler's business on the air around 7:00PM. Anyone that taped it,should be able to pull up the phone call and discussion by Green and the caller. The original tape by the GG show was never posted for that evening? Anybody wonder why? This was again discussed on the GG show and recorded on another evening when more boycotting calls came in by his followers. Oh the truth will come out.
Private business attacks
On Jan. 18 on the GG show there was discussion about boycotting Scheeler's business on the air around 7:00PM. Anyone that taped it,should be able to pull up the phone call and discussion by Green and the caller. The original tape by the GG show was never posted for that evening? Anybody wonder why? This was again discussed on the GG show and recorded on another evening when more boycotting calls came in by his followers. Oh the truth will come out.
Fact
Fact: Guy Green was given free 2 hour air time for his show on 3wi by Jim Pryor the manager this past year because of his poor ratings.
another fact
Fact: Mr. Shaw "attorney at law" for Scheeler sent a letter to 3wi explaining that Mr. Scheeler is all for Free Speech and the 1st amendment back on Jan.30. Stating that slander and defamation that is going on will not be tolerated which has been recorded on the air by 3wi.
Fact
Fact: Mr. Scheeler never asked anyone advertising on 3wi to pull their advertisements from 3wi station.
Fact
Fact Mr. Green never asked Mr. Scheeler to be on his show as he states. When ask by caller Brad on his show if he contacted Mr. Scheeler. Mr. Green said he would never call Mr. Scheeler or would see him. This is after Mr. Green was just telling his audience that Mr. Scheeler was invited by him.
Fair comments
The people who are the focus of this news story should not be commenting on stories that are about them, while posing as other people. We need to keep this fair and honest.
smiley
I'll say this smiley, you've been a busy little beaver posting all your "facts". I have to think you may be personally involved as you seem to know all the "facts".
I will wait and see if and when the "facts" come out.
"Positive Energy"
Where is this "positive energy" that we were promised?
BTW I do like sadiemarriedlady's last comment. The truth is already starting to come out.
Ouster
If you would like to hear the show that Sheeler complained about you can find it on Guy Greens web site. Does not sound that inflammatory to me.
Smiley
Hey "smiley", you continue to put out half truths and deception about what has gone on. I find it very amusing you are willing to keep up the very pattern that got you into this trouble in the first place. I am waiting to see a post from you telling something closer to the truth about how all this went down, or aren't you capable of it? I have a few things to do outside today but I will check back later to see how your confession is coming along.
Smiley, you have not many facts.
The Speakeasy did in FACT invite Mr. Scheeler onto the show, plus anybody else he thought might help him with the sidewalk issue. Next time get your FACTS straight.
The Smiley Mystery is solved!
Right from the horse's own mouth.
Here's the link for more information....
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2013-01-14/brainerd-school-board-safe-r...
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126
POINTS
Smiley 01/17/13 - 11:48 am 5 0
Safe Routes to School Grant/Sidewalks new
I am Gary Scheeler Council person for Ward 3 (N. E.) and Chair person for Safety and Public Works. I will try to answer any questions you might have about the Garfield School Grant. Thank all of you that hold a interest in this Grant application. This Grant from the Federal government is over seen by MNDOT. The Federal Gov. put aside $400 Million for Cities to apply for it. Last year our neighbors to the south received this Grant. That was the Pierz School district. Like a coupon for Folgers coffee this Grant application is just for sidewalks around a School and cannot be redeem for cash or other projects. The City of Brainerd currently receives around $4 Million a year just from the State or Federal government to stay in business. LGA is a term you will hear often. That is around $3.8 Million a year. It use to be a lot higher. We cannot survive without outside help.
My email address is garyscheeler@hotmail.com. Please email me with any questions. If I cannot answer them I will find someone who can.
Flag for review Ignore user
prdemott
Nice work. Thanks for helping to confirm our suspicions.
columbo
Fact: Mr Green never contacted Scheeler to be on the show. He did send a email On Jan 17th. That he read on his show. That is his only contact with Scheeler and that did not have a invite. Are you telling me Scheeler had to listen to the show and wait to hear for a invite? Mr. Green told his audience when Brad called that he never had any contact with Mr. Scheeler. Colombo stay with the facts.
columbo
Fact: Mr Green never contacted Scheeler to be on the show. He did send a email On Jan 17th. That he read on his show. That is his only contact with Scheeler and that did not have a invite. Are you telling me Scheeler had to listen to the show and wait to hear for a invite? Mr. Green told his audience when Brad called that he never had any contact with Mr. Scheeler. Colombo stay with the facts.
columbo
Fact: Mr Green never contacted Scheeler to be on the show. He did send a email On Jan 17th. That he read on his show. That is his only contact with Scheeler and that did not have a invite. Are you telling me Scheeler had to listen to the show and wait to hear for a invite? Mr. Green told his audience when Brad called that he never had any contact with Mr. Scheeler. Colombo stay with the facts.
Fact
Fact There is no secret here Mr. Scheeler is Smiley. Fitting name for a very happy guy!
Fact:
I post things 3 times in a row because I have OCD.
More like.....
Multiple Personality Disorder.
Update :)
Torpedoes #2 and #3 are "away", standby for impact below the water line, don the "political life preservers" :)
I based my response on the
I based my response on the news published in the Dispatch today and 2/5, and in letters to the editor.
"Green said Scheeler canceled advertisements for Scheeler’s business on the station because of views Green expressed on his talk show."
from the 2/5 article:
"Shaw...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... 'Mr. Scheeler has no obligation to advertise with a media entity in which he’s being personally attacked,' Shaw said."
"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...'"
Even if Mr. Scheeler complained to others about being attacked, if he did not do it from his city council seat, and if city business was not held hostage in the process, but rather Mr. Scheeler made a PRIVATE business decision in the best interest of his PRIVATE business, that is his 1st amendment right.
It is also Mr. Green's first amendment right to criticize whomever he wants. It is not his right expect continued financial support from those he criticizes.
If Mr. Scheeler used his city position, then by all means go get him.
You're still off the real mark...
"We were all created...", you are still off the mark of reality and you appear to be basing your "theory" on open forums and "letters to the editor" by people not in the know, and I use "the editor" term loosely. Also putting much stock into comments and responses from a former radio station owner who is having "memory issues" ... that's the NICE way of putting it, is also a slippery slope. The contract had not been canceled, and new ownership had said nothing about the show, it was business as usual. You might want to consider sitting down with people actually involved with the production of the show and not hyperbole and conjecture from Ed Shaw. Remember torpedo #2 is "away"....
Sorry, I meant to post that
Sorry, I meant to post that last comment on the newer thread, not this one. I revised for clarity there. I have not heard any hearsay or gossip, and I only considered Shaw's comments in the paper as rebuttal for Mr. Green's allegations. I based my opinion on the paper's news articles, because they are supposed to be fact-checked.
I wouldn't want to sit down personally with either Green or Scheeler. I have no skin in this game, and no loyalty to either of these individuals. However, I will say that I, and it sounds like plenty of others as well, are sick of the negativity that comes from Green. Maybe he's a nice guy. But he comes off like a whining bully. Again, just basing my opinion what's in the Dispatch.
He storms into a city council meeting with threats and demands to remove a member? I have read letters to the editor from citizens who will sign their names to statements saying they wrote to the station complaining of Green. I haven't read any from business people who will go on record supporting Mr. Green. That says something.
I wish Mr. Green would find a positive cause to devote his energy and resources for. He is not making the city a better place. He is using council meetings as a whetting stone for his ax.
We are created.....
Your research is limtied to the Dispatch? Not very good about getting all the information, much less doing vigorous investigating. Also give everyone break from you four page editorials. The more you talk the less you hear. P.S. I hope you are not Shaw or Scheeler doing this in third person that would be very lame.
Mr. Green
Maybe its just a case of Mr. Green's chickens coming home to roost. What a whiner.