Wednesday, March 13, 2002
|
Wednesday, March 13, 2002 |
|
Tyrone leaders answer critics By JOHN
THOMPSON
A recent batch of criticism has left Tyrone's town leaders fighting mad. During last week's council meeting, Mayor Sheryl Lee took an unusual step of reading a statement to address some of the town's critics. The town has come under criticism in The Citizen for not defying a judge's order to discuss the town's recent mediation efforts on tax equity issues. Lee also came under fire in the paper last week from a letter writer in a conflict-of-interest charge. Lee works for Fayette County and the letter writer said it appeared that a conflict arose when she voted on the county and cities' jail agreement. "There have been questions concerning some of our actions and integrity, but the citizens know what we stand for," Lee said. The mayor said she and the City Council have lived in the town for more than 100 combined years, and they are the most accessible city government in the area. She also dismissed claims the town was "developer friendly." "We have held fast to the land use plan, which has resulted in us being sued by developers," she said. Lee said her position as a county employee sometimes puts her in uncomfortable positions, but said anytime that any discussion has to be done with the county, Councilman Ronnie Cannon represents her. "There are just a lot of gross misstatements of facts," she said. Cannon also let loose on the town's critics. "I really don't care what they think," he said. Cannon caught flak in recent letters to The Citizen for his portrayal of County Commission Chairman Greg Dunn as a liar. "Some people have said I've disgraced the town. If I could tell you how these mediation talks went, you would see how the town is disgraced," he said. Cannon said the Tyrone Town Council has always stood for open government, and "I work my tail off" for all the citizens. He added the council "hung tough" on the jail agreement and is always looking after the best interests of the town.
|
||