Councilman Jim Wood says,

"Council doesn't pay attention to petitions"

.

According to Chris Bonney in his Virginian-Pilot opinion-editorial, that is a direct quote attributed to Virginia Beach City Council member James Wood.

Follow up:

To avoid semantic incoherency, a petition (noun) is a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit.

This is not the first, nor will it be the last, the rancorous Lynnhaven representative has spewed his hateful disdain for those he supposedly serves.

Fortunately, Wood is wrong. He does not speak for other City Council members and should be publicly censured for his snide remarks.

Wood needs to remember that it is a petition which in fact put his name on the ballot to become elected. Memories of those who got their way for a LED billboard are short, but those who have to endure it sight on a daily basis are long. Sticking a knive into someone's back is one thing, but twisting it with a remark that belittles their well-intended efforts is exceptionally cruel.

It would be smart for any political hopeful, especially those now on council seeking higher office, to distance themselves from Wood's willful misinterpretations.