After a glare that probably froze an occasional student of bygone days failed to silence the mutters of dissent in the gallery, Mayor Dale McBain ejected two more citizens from Council Chambers.

This, just 4 weeks after clearing the gallery at a council meeting that is required by law to be held in public, and a mere 2 weeks after refusing to apologize for the overreaction and adopting a draconian decorum resolution.

A city council chamber is typically the one place where the public can address their concerns and opinions to their elected officials.

Now, in the City of Moose Jaw, expressing one's opinion by simple applause or an innocuous button or placard is grounds for ejection from the proceedings. As are making video recordings, taking photographs or even having a bottle of pop or cup of coffee.

The latest restriction on individuals addressing concerns to council is who will even be allowed to speak.

City Clerk Myron Gulka-Tiechko acknowledged new rules were being applied to petitioners wishing to address council although he seemed unclear as to what those new rules were. Mr. Gulka-Tiechko denied that a transcript of the petitioner's comments had been requested in advance, but went on to explain that a transcript would be necessary to ensure commentary was in order. Until now, decisions of order was at the discretion of the chair.

Mr. Gulka-Tiechko opted not to answer Councilor Swanson's query as to who developed the new rules.