V is for VETO
The long-awaited, long-delayed conclusion to the seemingly never ending board meeting was finally took place today. The first agenda item was a vote to enter into executive session. When the aldermen emerged from the back room, it was revealed that Gibson, Crider, Hale and Johnson voted to terminate Deputy Clerk, Betty Speights and Public Works Employee, Harry Wilkes. The vote was vetoed by Mayor Miriam Holder. This was the signal of the remainder of the votes that took place this afternoon. Gibson, Crider, Hale and Johnson voted in favor of all the cuts that were placed on the agenda; Alderman Quincy Rogers did not vote for the cuts and he explained to the audience his reason for not voting for the cuts. Alderman Rogers said that the cuts were not across the board, and that the City of Lumberton will not be able to meet the $1.2 million dollar budget they submitted by making cuts to the salaries of the city employees. Mayor Holder also stated that there is an Attorney General's opinion about the cutting of the aldermen salaries. She stated that the salary must be set to zero dollars, and those wishing to waive their salaries must submit a letter stating their intent to have their salaries cut to zero. This will protect the City of Lumberton. In case you didn't remember, during the last adminstration, the aldermen cut their salaries to $1.00 and when they money accrued, they went back and voted to give receive their salaries and they received retro pay for all the months they didn't receive a salary. So, we shall see how many aldermen submit their letters to end their salaries.
For some reason, there is a push to get Betty Speights out of the office. She has completed more training and certification classes in one year than Susan Guidry completed in her four years of employment. Has Betty Speights uncovered some secrets within the walls of city hall and they are attempting to get rid of her to keep her quiet? Whatever the case may be, it is time for the citizens of Lumberton to take a stand and demand representation from the one serving as your alderman. Our voices are not being represented in the votes that are cast during the board meeting. I don't know what steps it's going to take to correct these issues, but something needs to be done and it needs to be done now.
Well as we all know that the almighty VETO can be over turned. By a vote of 4 of the Alderpersons.. It is time that they ALL stand up and get these personal feeling out of office and work to save out city
ReplyDeleteIt really makes no business sense to cut a bunch of people's salaries in a manner that won't even help the budget that much. It is so lame and weak to do this and force people to resign because the those in charge don't have the guts to actually fire people. Nut up and make the hard decisions. It makes much more sense to reduce the workforce. Get rid of those who aren't really needed, aren't doing their jobs, or who are just milking the system until retirement. Continue to pay those doing their jobs a decent salary. Times are hard, duties will have to be split up among the remaining employees, but they will prefer that to the bad blood that arbitrary salary cuts will cause.
ReplyDeleteProtest they asses. Everytime one of them speak, let's do them like Alderman Johnson did Mayor Holder and interrupt. Not to break the law, but do something to get their attention and let them know we are tired of all this mess. Can we bring signs or ribbons or something to the meeting. Why not do like the Amish, shun them. When they act fools up there, can we stand up and turn our backs or something? Especially when they are direspecting the mayor.
ReplyDeleteThis city caused my daddy to go to prison for unpaid fines that was paided and now the board is running from his demands to repay him from the time he was away. My dad name is Frank Daniels.
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