By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – West side Bloomington resident Surena Fish didn’t expect to speak at Monday night’s city council meeting, but she said she was so offended by the shirt Council member Jeff Crabill was wearing that she had to speak out.

Crabill’s shirt read, “Keep the immigrants, deport the racists.”

“To me, it is very inflammatory,” said Fish.

“I don’t think he should be allowed to sit at the council chamber desk wearing it.”

Fish attends many council meetings, and serves on the high-profile Public Safety and Community Relations Commission.

Frequent city council critic Gary Lambert argued those who accuse others of racism are generally racist themselves.

“I don’t know Mr. Crabill’s intent was with his shirt. If it was to cause some controversy, congratulations. You succeeded,” Lambert said.

“I don’t know if this council has a code regarding decorum. If you don’t, I would suggest that you adopt one,” Lambert also said.

Crabill, who represents Ward 8 on the southeast side, was asked whether he was trying to make a statement. He said he was “just wearing a shirt.”

Council member Jenn Carrillo praised Crabill on her Facebook page, saying he’s a “real life role model.”

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]