Story Published:
Sep 1, 2010 at 8:42 AM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 1, 2010 at 8:42 AM CST
The voters purged the City Council on August 5. It took several flushes of those new low-flush toilets to do it, but the job got done.
Boy, did it get done!
The old adage "A new broom sweeps clean" certainly applied to City government in what's arguably the Upper Cumberland's fastest growing city. The political hacks were purged, and those who were untouchable through the ballot box are jumping ship prior to the new Council being sworn in on September 14.
I had to guffaw several times when I heard that the City Manager had resigned effective September 13, one day before Terry Foutch, Kirk Dyer, Hugh Adams, and Loyd Norris take over with four solid respectable votes.
Councilwoman Ruby Hawkins has been relegated to irrelevant status.
You remember her as one of the three who helped hijack the City Council in April, 2009, and held it hostage for about 16 months. A big stir came when Loyd Norris was removed as Fire Chief when he had a letter from the Municipal Technical Advisory Board saying it was okay for him to serve simultaneously as a City Councilman and Fire Chief.
Another one came when City Manager Freddie Maxwell was terminated as City Manager in June, 2009. He was done dirty big time.
Several other controversies erupted sometime around June, 2009. It was ugly during that time period.
I understand that at least one candidate for City Manager is well qualified as he is in the process of completing his Master's Degree in Business Administration. He will make a good City Manager for Algood.
And while they're about it, I'd suggest that Loyd Norris be reinstated as Fire Chief. I understand that the Fire Department has some problems that have surfaced since his removal some 14 months ago. Loyd's experience as long-time Chief will be very beneficial.
To cap the story: With the swearing in of a new Mayor and two new Councilmen at the September 14 Algood Council meeting and with the resignation of the City Manager effective September 13, the hijacked slate will be wiped clean. The infamous City Council three-vote cabal will be purged. The voters saw to that on August 5, 2010.
Government of, by, and for the people will be restored as a truly representative form of government takes over in Algood.
