Yes, many residents know the officials personally. Did you miss what followed the mass opposition (rare occurrence here) to the parking meters? The council made it clear, public meetings are not for Q&A and residents can’t direct comments towards specific officials. Criticism hurts big egos. This is why we keep seeing “a few disgruntled employees” defense when critics hit this platform. The nepo island inhabitants could try being less sensitive to roasting. I don’t think anyone is going to stop criticizing public officials who are doing a poor job, no matter whose relative or friend it