Information From City Council Work Session

This is a report from an observer at the City Council Work Session held last week.

About 50 plus people from the predominately black community attended the workshop to express concerns over the recent situation involving Dr. Terry Wynn and Pulaski Police Officer Chad Estes.

Dr. Wynn was stopped by Pulaski Police Officer Estes at approximately 9:30PM on Wednesday 5 May 2010 for speeding. During that stop Dr Wynn drove away and

was followed by Officer Estes to the Hillside Emergency area parking lot where Dr. Wynn was arrested by Officer Estes. The details as to what actually happened at the initial stop and at the hospital are unclear as Dr. Wynn and Officer Estes have given conflicting accounts of their actions. It was out of a growing concern about proper procedures, behaviors and motivations that led to so many attending the work session.

Not in attendance at the meeting were Mayor Spear and City Attorney Hoover.

The group in attendance was very calm, respectful, and concerned. Unlike some rumors now circulating, there was absolutely no threats or violence. They “respectfully and firmly requested” answers about the arrest and treatment of Dr. Wynn. Mrs. Vivian Simms, Mr. Max Trotter and a Mrs. Peterson (I think was her name) from the NAACP was there as well as a couple of Ministers that I didn't know. They were obviously disappointed about this situation and wanted some answers. They asked about diversity training, procedures, and past history with this officer.

Mrs. Harwell, a City Alderman, invited anyone that had something to say, to stand and say it, giving an open forum to discuss their thoughts and raise their questions. This lasted till approximately 6:30PM. After everyone had spoken who wished to they engaged in a prayer in which they asked that justice, answers and healing would be granted... they also prayed for Chief Dickey as well as the officer in question and departed without any negative incident.

Presently there is an ongoing investigation. An attorney from Jackson, named Brandon Gibson, is leading the investigation into this incident. Officer Estes is on Administrative Leave with pay which is the standard procedure for such a situation.

RALLY FOR SCOTT STEWART SATURDAY

On Saturday 22 May from 10AM till 2PM at the Agri-Park on Highway 31 there will be a rally for Scott Stewart. There will be entertainment, door prizes, free food, drinks and great fellowship. Everyone is invited to come take part and hear the exciting fresh plans Scott has for Giles County.

If any other candidates wish to announce special events on this blog please send me an e-mail and I'll be glad to make a special thread or you can simply make the announcement without a dedicated thread. Allen Barrett

Are Short Pants Appropriate For Commissioners But Not Citizens In Commission Meetings?

It seems a taxpaying citizen of the county Mr. Proud was approached by Deputy Reynolds in the County Commission Meeting this morning and was told he could not wear short pants in the Commission Meeting. Perhaps this would not have been much of an issue except for two small problems.

First, the Commissioner Meeting is not a courtroom, it is a room where the County Legislative Body meets. There has not been a County Court for many years in Giles County.

Second, there happened to be two Commissioners in the meeting wearing short pants.

The question was raised if there was a double standard to which Deputy Reynolds responded that he takes care of regular citizens and Sheriff Helton takes care of Commissioners.

Was this an abuse of power to intimidate, a simple misunderstanding of the rules or a lack of training for Courthouse deputies you decide.

Later after a visit to Mrs Vanzant's office it was stated by her that, "there was no prohibition against short pants in her courtroom". Allen Barrett

County Commission Meeting Today

The County Commission met this morning with all commissioners present except for Commissioner Holt who was at the Doctor sick, hope he's feels better by now, and Commissioner A. Faulkner who was absent with no reason given.

Mostly the basic housekeeping procedures were attended to, with such things as approval of Notaries, reappointment of Mark Hayes and Marcus Houston to the Industrial Board for six more years and the addition of two new members to the beer board. District six and seven had no representatives on the Beer Board, today Commissioners L. Faulkner and Campbell were elected.

Resolutions presented

2010-19 For public censure of Robert Steven McGill, a public official. This was explained by the County Attorney as "basically telling him not to do it again". Resolution passed with Commissioners Flacy, Lovell, Brown, J. Harwell, L. Faulkner, Campbell and T. Harwell voting NO.

2010-20 For Public Censure of Robert Steven McGill. This was the actual censure. Resolution passed with Commissioners Flacy, Lovell, Brown, J. Harwell, L. Faulkner, Campbell and T. Harwell voting NO.

2010-21 thru 2010-29 were all passed on 19 to 0. These were adoption of Strategic Economic Development; Affirmation of compliance with Federal Title VI Regulations; naming Highway 31 from Maury County line to Alabama State line the "Purple Heart Trail"; Placed a speed limit of 35 MPH on Pisgah Ridge Road; to adopt a continuing budget and tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 and authorize expenditures of funds from various county offices and department; Adoption of plan to authorize the Jail Administrator to charge inmates a co-pay amount for medical care and to charge a fee for items upon each new admission to jail.

Allen Barrett