Article published Mar 6, 2008

Mayor critic Susan Overfield's trial begins

By RICH ECKE

A confrontation between Great Falls Mayor Dona Stebbins and animal activist Susan Overfield landed Overfield in Municipal Court Thursday for a jury trial.

Overfield is accused of disorderly conduct and assault, both misdemeanors, after a June 19 incident at a City Commission meeting.

At the time, the commission had a three-minute limit on people speaking during a public comment period.

Overfield, who was criticizing the mayor and commission at the time, exceeded the time limit and was hauled away by plain-clothed police officers. She was accused of punching or elbowing one of the officers below the belt.

Her attorney, Kenneth Olson, argued Overfield was trying to exercise her free speech rights against an unfair limit, and he contended his client was defending herself against an unknown assailant.

City prosecutor Chad Parker countered the issue was simply one of misbehavior by Overfield. He disputed Overfield’s contention she did not know the people removing her from the Commission Chambers were police officers.

Municipal Court Judge Nancy Luth said she expected the trial to last all day and possibly conclude late Thursday.

Testimony was being offered Thursday afternoon in the municipal courtroom in the basement of the Civic Center.