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Black Eyes, Duct Tape Make Up Grand Junction City Council Audience

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4)- The Grand Junction City Council voted to send a message to a recently-elected councilman: stay away.

Richard Brainard was released from jail last week after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

During Wednesday evening's city council meeting members of the community mocked Brainard with fake black eyes and bandages and duct tape over their mouths. They want him to resign his elected position before he's even sworn in.

Richard-Brainard
Richard Brainard (credit: Grand Junction Police)

Brainard said he has no plans to step down.

The city council voted to send him a letter asking for his resignation.

Many who voted for Brainard have pulled their support.

"Domestic violence is wrong. His not resigning is wrong. What he's doing to this community is wrong by not resigning," said voter Sally Matchett.

"If he can cross the edge with a person he loves and that he's supposed to protect, what is he going to do to the first assertive female that challenges him?" domestic abuse victim Mare Charlesworth said.

One councilman said he won't ask Brainard to step down because he hasn't been convicted of the charges.

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