(March 1, 2003) -- 4th district Council office field rep John McNaughton, acting in the presence of his boss, Councilman Dennis Carroll, videotaped the February 27 meeting of the Stearns Park Neighborhood Association.

The meeting, open to the public and held in Stearns Park facilities, featured as its main speaker LBHUSH2 president Rae Gabelich. Ms. Gabelich has criticized City Hall policies that have resulted in increased Airport flights and expanded Airport facilities.

Field rep McNaughton and Councilman Carroll occasionally attend meetings of the Stearns Park group...but for this meeting Mr. McNaughton brought a camcorder and set up a tripod in the back of the room. The equipment was not concealed.

Stearns Park Neighborhood Association president Traci Wilson-Kleekamp told LBReport.com she objected to the videotaping and so informed Mr. McNaughton and Councilman Carroll to no avail. She told LBReport.com that in her opinion, the videotaping amounted to visible surveillance. "I think it has a chilling effect on people," she said.

Ms. Wilson-Kleekamp said Councilman Carroll's office had once before videotaped a public meeting of her neighborhood group, likewise without seeking permission, the last time an Airport related issue was on the meeting agenda.

Efforts by LBReport.com to reach Councilman Carroll and Mr. McNaughton were unsuccessful; our calls to them were not returned.

Developing.