Speak Out

The Anniston City Council needs positive change and not more of the same old politics experienced in recent years. The controversy, discord and fighting must stop.

Anniston's government has become the laughing stock of Calhoun County because of the public actions of some council members. A new mayor and at least two new council members will soon take office. They will need the advice, knowledge and experience of City Manager George Monk to help bring in the new mayor and council members.

The first progressive move needed is to maintain Monk. The attempts of some current council members to dismiss him smacks of personal dislike; nothing has been divulged to the public indicating it is about his performance, expertise or ability to effectively manage the city.

The public bickering, poor image and political antics of the past have been hindering progress in Anniston. Council members are policy makers in the city manager-council form of government, and by law they cannot involve themselves in the management of the city and its employees. That is the province of the city manager. Council members may be removed from office if they ignore that fact.

Anniston's strength lies in its employees and the city manager. It is time for the elected officials to recognize that they need to be as professional in their actions as the city manager and city employees have been and continue to be.

Charles W. Chandler
Anniston

Stars of Hill Crest

Kudos to Hill Crest Baptist Church. While Hill Crest has always had a wonderful and talented staff, I believe it has recently added two new staff members whose performances have exceeded every member's expectations. These two members are Minister of Music Jay Parrack and Youth Minister Cody Hale.

I have been in attendance at Hill Crest since the inaugural performance of both of these gentlemen, and they have been spectacular. Jay has been in the gospel music field for a number of years, having sung with several gospel music groups, including Gold City of Gadsden. He does a phenomenal job with the Hill Crest Choir.

Cody is 22 years old and has the maturity, biblical knowledge and comportment of a senior pastor. He does an unbelievable job ministering to the youth of Hill Crest.

I feel so blessed to be a member of Hill Crest and to be led to worship each Sunday by such men of God.

Hursh Cullefer
Anniston

C.A.S.T. comes through

C.A.S.T., the Community Actors Studio Theatre, has done it again!

"The Sound of Music" will certainly rank among the best of a noteworthy series.

The cast was outstanding with the children "stealing the show."

Rob Mabry
Anniston