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CAT Tracks for August 25, 2011
ALWAYS THE HARD WAY |
In Cairo...
...whether it be the school district or city government, we never, ever do things the easy way. Despite protestations of "NO MONEY"...we always seek the expensive solution!
If memory serves me correctly, only two people showed interest in this position when it was up for election. The winner has been removed by a judge. The same judge ordered his opponent seated.
Whether the judge had "the authority" to do such a thing, does it really benefit the taxpayers of Cairo to fight an expensive legal battle?
In my humble opinion...
Seat Mr. Nelson and then write a letter to the Attorney General expressing your concerns about the manner in which it was done...and move on.
It's the 44-cent solution...
From the WSIL TV Channel 3 Website...
Dispute Over Vacant Cairo City Council Seat Continues
By Stephanie Tyrpak
Story Created: Aug 23, 2011 CDT
CAIRO - Few words were spoken during the public session of Tuesday's City Council Meeting in Cairo. The council accepted Stephen Crume's letter of resignation.
But behind closed doors of the executive session, a much bigger issue was up for discussion. Who should fill the council's now empty seat?
"We're doing what we deem to be in the best interest of the citizens of Cairo, along with Mr. Nelson - as well as Mr. Crume," said Mayor Tyrone Coleman.
Former council member Lorenzo Nelson brought Crume's 1991 felony charges to court, after the period of time to file an objection had already passed. But on August 17th, A judge ruled Crume ineligible for office and awarded Nelson his seat.
"That he would be ousted immediately, that I would be reinstated immediatly, but that didn't happen tonight," said Nelson.
"I think that the judge went beyond his scope," said Mayor Coleman. "I think he had the authority to vacate that seat, but not to appoint someone back in that seat."
Mayor Coleman and the city council met in private to decide what legal action they will take next. Nelson attended the meeting, waiting to see if they would bring him back onto the council.
"It was prolonged, and delayed, and hush-hush you know," said Nelson. "I just - I didn't think it was gonna happen."
The city council adjourned, releasing few details of the litigation they plan to pursue. Nelson left without the Ward 3 seat.
"We'll decide by the future ruling I'm sure," said Mayor Coleman.
"Just hope things work out," said Nelson.
Nelson said he will be talking to his attorney on Wednesday. He's hoping to find out why the city council did not take action on the court ruling during the meeting.
(Story Updated: Aug 23, 2011 at 10:23 PM CDT )
