KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, city council members Kevin O'Neill and Brandon Ellington kept their distance during Thursday's council meeting.
But they failed to keep their tempers.
O'Neill, who is the 1st District At-Large council member, proposed that KCMO council members waive salary increases and donate them to the city's general fund.
He said it was a small gesture and that his fellow council members didn't have to make the donation, but O'Neill said it was a way to help out as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on the city's finances.
Ellington, the 3rd District At-Large council member, rose after O'Neill finished his proposal and made it clear he would oppose such an idea, calling it superficial.
O'Neill's temper flashed over the description of his proposal as superficial, but Ellington didn't back down.
"I have the floor gentlemen," Ellington said. "I have the floor gentleman, and you're going to give me my respect."
He also sugested O'Neill could be drug from the council chambers, leading O'Neill to angrily order Ellington not to threaten him.
Ellington also pointed out the salary donation from each council member would amount to about $200.
O'Neill's proposal will be sent for consideration to the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee.
