Re “Anniston councilman arrested, charged in alleged City Hall fistfight” (News article, Sept. 13):
It’s not surprising, a lack of leadership. All I can say is wow.
The story about the altercation between City Council member John Spain and Mayor Gene Robinson was one more incident that exemplifies the ineptitude and immaturity of Anniston’s civic leadership.
As a young professional in this community, I expect my community leaders to act in a manner that is becoming of their roles; perhaps that is too much to ask. The actions and rhetoric from this council and mayor are nothing less than embarrassing to the residents of Anniston. This community has been struck with several tragedies, and instead of the council members coming together, they choose to engage in continued bickering and inaction.
It is no surprise that this community is experiencing so many problems because it is quite apparent that none of the leaders have the vision to create and implement a strategic plan to reform this city. Anniston faces a multitude of problems, from economic stagnation, a problematic education system and an ever-disturbing crime rate. We need true leaders to step forward to replace the incumbent city council and mayor.
How can we expect any substantial change from this council if it can’t even get through a simple council meeting without it devolving into a fistfight? I would not wish this kind of inept leadership on anyone. This city does not deserve this kind of leadership.
This unfortunately is another sad day here in Anniston.
Justin Lord
Talladega
First-rate ‘entertainment’
Though I live in Oxford, I would like to know when the Anniston City Council will have its next meeting. Between Councilman Ben Little suing everyone in sight, Councilman John Spain getting arrested and Mayor Gene Robinson going to the hospital, this is better than any pay-per-view or a wrestling match on TV. I will even bring popcorn.
Scott Mayfield
Oxford
The ‘model’ is broken
Anniston residents, have you had enough of the Anniston City Council’s leadership? Or should that be lack of leadership? Imagine what kind of message it sends to residents of Anniston and beyond when a councilman is arrested for allegedly hitting the mayor after yet another heated council meeting.
It was during this same meeting that another city councilman objected to the naming of the proposed new justice center after an Anniston police officer who was recently murdered in cold blood while on duty. That councilman has brought up charges of police corruption in the Anniston Police Department time and time again.
Within just a few days of that police officer’s death, that councilman even said the distrust between the police department and the community should be squarely blamed on the police. Shortly after the funeral for the fallen officer, the councilman held a press conference/community rally where he made allegations of corruption and racism within the police department.
Is this how Anniston residents really want to be known? Anniston has been called “The Model City,” at least by some, and it looks as if the model may be broken. All the duct tape and Super Glue in the world isn’t going to fix what is wrong.
Anniston’s leaders have just under a year to make a difference. Is it any wonder that new businesses don’t feel the desire to locate or relocate to this city? Is it any wonder why the latest Census shows a decline in Anniston’s population?
So, Anniston residents, what say ye? Will you let the dirty laundry continue to stink, or will you put on a fresh new pair of clean city leaders to take you back to the “Model City” for which you were once known?
Tracy Stephens
Anniston
Star should addess what matters
I was infuriated when I looked at The Star’s front page on Wednesday. There was the large article about one of Anniston’s councilmen and the mayor getting in a fistfight at a City Council meeting, and right under it there was an article on a local man, Aaron Causey, who lost both his legs on Sept. 7 in a blast defending us in Afghanistan. Doesn’t this put things in perspective?
I think The Star should give prominent space to the things that really matter and quit giving the incompetent people running our city front-and-center news space. It’s time to clean house and restructure Anniston leadership before the “boys” ruin what’s left.
Kathy Snider
Anniston
Anniston is not governable
Could The Star please run an article on the process required for a subdivision to be de-annexed from the city of Anniston, or how a city charter can be revoked? I like where I live and do not wish to move, but the fight at the City Council meeting is the last straw.
It is obvious that this city is no longer governable. My neighbors and I no longer wish to be associated with the city.
Patrick Lacher
Anniston
Don’t disparage 14-year-olds
Re “Rumble on Gurnee: Robinson-Spain altercation another sign of a failed council” (Editorial, Sept. 15):
I wish to take exception to The Star’s editorial regarding the Rumble on Gurnee. The Star compared Anniston’s mayor and one of our councilmen to “14-year-olds squabbling in the lunchroom.”
I have known many 14-year-olds over the years. Many of them exhibit reasonable demeanor and emotional maturity.
Please don’t disparage 14-year-olds in future editorials.
David Cummings
Anniston
