At an August meeting, the Gastonia city council approved two motions, including one to change council rules about speaking during public comment and one that allows the council to move on from a discussion when the majority agrees to do so.

Some members said the new rules will help meetings run more smoothly, others believe the move will limit their rights.

Specifically, the new rules will stop councilmembers from leaving the dais to speak as residents during the public comment period and allow the group to move on from an ongoing conversation if the majority agrees to do so.

Opinions

After a tumultuous couple of months featuring lengthy meetings, cussing matches and disagreements, the council is not entirely in agreement about the root of the problem.

Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp, who

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