Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The second meeting of the Massey Commission – which Sangamon County formed after one of its sheriff’s deputies in July killed a Black woman who had called 9-1-1 – included the recommendations for the ability to recall a sheriff and to form a mental health board in the county.

It also included unhappy citizens.

Ken Pacha, who has become a frequent critic of county and city government, noted only three people signed up to speak Monday. “The Ferguson commission that this is based off of had over 2,000 members of public comment,” he said. “At the pace we are going, we will be here for years to reach those numbers.

“Quite frankly, it’s deeply frustrating to watch these kind of organizational slow-crawls at a glacial pace.”

And Gail Simpson, a former Springfield alderwoman, called plans to name a pedestrian bridge for Massey “an insult,” adding, “It’s a bridge to nowhere.”

The deputy, Sean Grayson, has been fired, indicted, and jailed, awaiting a murder trial.

“Sonya Massey should have been met with support and non-judgement,” said Molly McLay, a Springfield area native who is now a counselor in Urbana. “Law enforcement should be supported to see that everybody they work with is fully human. Crisis situations should be responded to by mental health professionals who understand crisis and trauma well.”

The commission meets again Dec. 16.