It seems that every time progress has been made, Anniston officials throw a wrench in the works. Now that the county has the reins of the McClellan property, Robinson’s administration will not let the county accomplish anything, either.
It seems that Robinson and Councilman Ben Little are more concerned with proving who has the most power. If Little has the big ego that Robinson seems to think he has, why would the mayor stoop to his level by swapping insults with him? As mayor, Robinson is supposed to be able to work with people regardless of their different opinions. You find ways to work it out for the betterment of Anniston and Calhoun County.
Little should by no means take this as a sign of support. His bickering has cost his constituents jobs. All the lawsuits and threats of lawsuits have stopped almost all advancements that were in progress for the development of the former Fort McClellan.
What little progress has been made at the McClellan property pales in comparison to what could have been. Thanks to the bickering and legal proceedings, no one can get title insurance to the property if they were interested in locating there. I fear that because of the behavior of Little and the mayor that companies will think long and hard before considering coming to Anniston or Calhoun County.
As for Councilman John Spain, who says he avoids going to City Hall because he does not want to be confronted with an argument, if he can’t handle confrontation, he never should have run for office.
I know these men are not always going to get along or see things the same way. The mark of a man is one who can face adversity and personalities and work his way through them to a resolution. I was in management for more than 20 years and had a very diverse group of people working with me; notice I said with, not for. There were those who did not agree with me and did not mind telling me so. There were those who just plain out did not like me, also.
Even with the difference of opinions and difference in personalities, we always managed to work it out so our mission got accomplished on time. You can’t tell me that the mayor and council can’t do the same thing. If not, it is time for a change.
Please, Mayor Robinson and the council, grow up, stop the personal attacks and get down to business. Not only are these actions hurting Anniston, they are hurting the whole county, as well.
Richard Ferguson lives in DeArmanville.
