County official calls out Greenfield mayor over cancelled Pride display

 

GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An exchange of emails between elected officials offers new insight into the disagreement over a decision to cancel an LGBTQ Pride celebration that was set to take place this weekend.

The Pride event was scheduled for Sunday as part of the Greenfield Farmers Market. Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke confirms the display was cancelled, citing his concerns over public safety.

When explaining his belief the display could jeopardize people's safety, Neitzke referenced an assault last week on Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Peter Burgelis, who is openly gay.

Wauwatosa police said a man punched Burgelis in the mouth on June 12 after a dispute over a parking spot. Burgelis told CBS 58 the attacker called him a homophobic slur before throwing a sucker punch that broke his jaw.

Burgelis said he didn't know if his sexual orientation prompted the assault, but noted he wears a rainbow-colored bracelet.

Neitzke said he was unavailable for an interview Thursday. In a statement, he wrote the current climate around LGBTQ rights and activities caused he and "staff" to worry about possible altercations.

"Things like “pride” and “rainbows” have taken on deep, divisive political overtones," Neitzke said.

Burgelis on Wednesday issued a statement blasting the cancellation.

"The Mayor’s action to cancel the LGBTQ+ Pride tent at the Greenfield Farmers Market is not motivated by a threat to protect his residents," the statement read. "But rather another divisive action that further divides our communities."

"Whether the mayor un-cancels or not, I’m confident that there will be many more rainbows at the farmers market this Sunday than he expected," Burgelis' statement concluded. "I’ll be there for strawberries!” 

Burgelis and Neitzke both confirm they had a conversation about the cancellation Wednesday. Neitzke forwarded an email exchange the two then had Wednesday night.

"As I stated to you, I think numerous times, my primary concern is always the safety of citizens and guests to our city and the events that it holds," Neitzke wrote in an email that was sent at 6:48 p.m. 

"I think it is absolutely wonderful that the LGBTQ community intends to attend our Market in force on Sunday to show their colors and Pride!" Neitzke added. "Our hours are 10-2, and I think you’ll find some great strawberries."

Burgelis responded at 7:39 p.m. 

"Your decision has public consequences for your residents no matter your private values," Burgelis wrote. "I spoke of the impacts of your decision and how it is received by the public."

Burgelis said in an interview he took issue with Neitzke referencing his assault and accused the mayor of using LGBTQ acceptance as a "political sportsball."

Burgelis maintained he was not trying to organize LGBTQ turnout at the farmers market Sunday, but said he anticipates he won't be alone because there is frustration in the LGBTQ community over the cancellation.

"Given the attention that the mayor's put on this, I suspect there are going to be a whole lot of rainbows at the farmer's market on Sunday," Burgelis said.

In the final email Neitzke provided from the exchange, which was sent at 9:37 p.m., the mayor made it clear he stood by the cancellation.

"If my decision and your decisions result in a celebratory, safe Farmers Market for everybody in every community, then it is a success," Neitzke wrote. "That’s what it should be."

Burgelis had also asked what time Neitzke would be at the farmers market Sunday. Neitzke was noncommittal in his response.

"We’ll see about Sunday," the mayor wrote. "I don’t want to take your strawberries, especially this time of year when they are the best."