Rio Rancho Mayor Kevin Jackson's actions before Wednesday's Fourth of July Parade caught many people off guard, but his behavior was not surprising for employees at Jackson's former non-profit, where employees have already taken steps to protect themselves.

According to several witnesses participating in the event, Jackson arrived to take his usual position at the front of the parade. City staff, however, were not prepared for his arrival. According to city spokesman Peter Wells, he had received only one e-mail from the mayor discussing his involvement in that day's activities.

In the email, released Thursday by the city clerk, Jackson wrote, "What time would you advise me to be at the event later on that day?" Wells said he believed Jackson was referring to the fireworks display, not the parade, which was the earlier of the events. Seeing that the Jacksons were not listed on the roster for the parade, witnesses said Kathy Jackson, the mayor's wife, became angered, saying, "You knew that we were coming."

Witnesses reported that Mrs. Jackson dominated the discussion about their exclusion from the roster, with the mayor standing next to her in near silence.

Kevin Jackson went a step beyond words, taking action.

Wells was holding two copies of a Fourth of July proclamation, one signed by Jackson and the other by councilor Mike Williams, the deputy mayor. Wells said Williams signed his two weeks before the event. Jackson, in his lone e-mail to Wells, asked Monday for a copy of the proclamation to sign. Wells said he brought the one Williams signed as a backup copy.

Witnesses said Jackson forcefully grabbed the proclamation from Wells and tore it in half, horizontally across the middle. He then threw the torn document at Wells.

Councilors at the event hoped Jackson's behavior changes for the positive.

"It's not worth making a scene," Williams said, still holding the torn proclamation that bore his signature.

"He is just demonstrating bad behavior, and I hope he changes," councilor Larry Naranjo said.

Williams, who is the council's likely choice to replace Jackson should the position open, said the actions were an affront to him.

"The mayor doesn't communicate with anybody. Nobody knew where he was," Williams said. "I covered that (S.O.B.'s) ass the whole time I've been in office, and this is the respect I get as councilor and deputy mayor."

Williams, who is a retired Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy, said Wells is entitled to file assault charges against the mayor. Wells said very little, answering only direct procedural questions.

If Jackson attended the fireworks display later that night, he kept a low profile and did not draw attention to himself. At that event, Williams addressed the crowd and introduced "The Star-Spangled Banner."

While this type of behavior has been rare for Jackson while in public, New Mexico Family Council-Best Choice, the non-profit Jackson founded, has taken steps to prevent him from acting in a similar fashion.

According to NMFC-BC board president Dale Lumley, the non-profit now keeps its doors locked during business hours, a practice started when Jackson was terminated as its executive director.

"We lock the doors, and the ladies (working near the entrance) are pretty scared to be honest with you," he said.

There is also concern that Jackson might bring a firearm into the office with him, Lumley said.

Jackson was unavailable for comment and attempts to reach him were unsuccessful. A Verizon message noted his personal cell phone number had been "changed, disconnected or is no longer in service." His city cell phone was disconnected after he reported it missing last month. The answering machine at his home is full and cannot accept new messages. A reporter who knocked on his door last Tuesday was followed shortly by police. Jackson did not respond to an e-mail sent to his city and personal addresses.