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 Ed Craig (T-G file photo) [Click to enlarge] |
Instead, Craig's continued position with the city could be a topic of discussion at tonight's study session of the council, which meets at 6 p.m. in the courtroom at Shelbyville Police Department.
A letter was hand-delivered to Craig on Monday morning signed by council members Lee Roy Cunningham, Al Stephenson, Thomas Landers and Jean Pruitt.
The letter stated that as members of the council, "we have the responsibility and authority to hire and terminate city managers."
"Since we are vested with that authority, it is our duty to inform you that your services as Shelbyville City Manager are no longer required, effective immediately," the letter said.
Any pay that is owed to Craig "will be reviewed by the Shelbyville City Council members," the letter continues.
"At this time, we ask that you return all keys, records, and any other materials belonging to the City of Shelbyville. We also ask that you remove all personal property from the premises immediately."
Legal meeting
However, soon after the letter was delivered to Craig, city attorney Ginger Shofner called an attorney/client meeting with the members of the council, informing them that the letter was invalid.
She said she was unaware of the actions of the four council members until after the fact.
Shofner spoke with the council members who signed the letter, who told her they thought they followed the correct procedure after speaking to a representative of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS).
But that wasn't the case.
"The city council can not take action without a meeting," Shofner explained to the Times-Gazette. "Any action would have to take place during a meeting that had been publicly announced."
According to Tennessee's Sunshine Law, passed in 1974 by the state General Assembly, meetings of city, county and state government bodies are required to be open to the public and adequate public notice must be given for such a meeting.
Shofner said "the action as far as the letter is invalid and I will be writing Mr. Craig a letter saying that it is invalid and that he still has his position."
The letter to Craig states that "you will continue to carry out the duties of the office of City Manager as if no such action had taken place, including appearing at the regularly scheduled study session tomorrow night."
'Dissatisfied'
Following the attorney/client meeting, two of the council members who signed the letter spoke briefly with the T-G.
Stephenson explained they had asked Craig to resign Monday morning "and he said no, so then we presented him with the letter."
When asked why the members wanted Craig to resign, Stephenson said "because we are dissatisfied with his job."
After being asked to be more specific about the reasons, Stephenson refused to elaborate "at this time."
"It takes four members of the city council to release a city manager from his job," Stephenson said. "And four has signed it."
Stephenson said the action will take place at a public meeting and that until then, Craig is still an employee of the city of Shelbyville.
Cunningham said "we're trying to change the city managership ...and we've got to have a public hearing because he (Craig) has a contract."
Craig had no comment for the T-G after receiving the invalid letter that informed him of his dismissal Monday morning.
Mayor Wallace Cartwright and other members of the city council had no comment on the letter after leaving the attorney/client meeting.
Craig was appointed as city manager in October 2000. This isn't the first time his job has been on the line.
After being sworn in to the city council, one of the first actions Stephenson took as a councilman was to attempt to terminate Craig's contract as city manager.
At the end of the Aug. 16, 2007, meeting of the council, Stephenson made a motion that Craig be given 90 days notice that his contract would not be renewed.
When asked why such a motion was made, Stephenson replied at the time that he had heard from citizens all through the election earlier that year that Craig had been allegedly rude and dismissive to them.
Stephenson also claimed that 98 percent of city employees were unhappy with Craig's management style.
The motion to remove Craig came to a vote and was defeated 4-2, with Stephenson and Cunningham voting to remove Craig, while Kay Rose, Randy Vernon, Jo Ann Holland and the late Fred Harrison voted to keep Craig on the job.
Following the defeat of that vote, Vernon moved that Craig's contract be renewed for two and half years.
That motion was passed 4-2 with Rose, Vernon, Holland and Harrison voting yes and Stephenson and Cunningham voting no.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
Neither Al Stephenson nor Leroy Cunningham is qualified to determine whether a city manager is doing his job or not. These two hillbillies have been a bane to Shelbyville way too long. It amazes me how these clowns get elected.
I agree totally with gottago. The two who do need to go are Al Stephenson and Leroy Cunningham. I have seen first hand what both of them are all about. It's time to get some people in City government who actually have a sense of responsibility and actually are good for Bedford County. These two people do need to go!
I would ask who was against the Depot St building debacle ?
You know, the one that has so far cost the taxpayers of Shelbyville over $300,000.00 and should have only cost legal fees for proper filings.
Lee Roy was certainly one of them !
Just look at the spending that has been done by Mr Craig,he spent $200000 on the demolition of a building that other contractors said would only cost $40000... he needs to go...
Even though I know both of these two gentlemen personally I must agree with "Gottago" that Leroy Cunningham and Al Stephenson are not qualified to be public officials and neither of them should have been elected. Their vendetta against a truly professional and competent City Manager like Ed Craig is both incomprehensible and reprehensible! I am not saying that Leroy and Al are jerks but I do think they both exhibit jerklike behavior. I would say "Shame on them!" but I doubt they can even SPELL "Shame" much less FEEL it. Blue Dog
I don't personal know any of the men involved in this matter. During my one and only meeting with Mr. Craig I did notice him being very rude to Mr. Saddler of the Shelbyville Record Shop. Mr. Craig had a look of contempt on his face and would not look at Randy while he was being addressed, as well as other little gestures and sighs. Maybe it was nothing, but his action didn't set well with me. I'm not saying he had to agree, just at least pretend to care what Randy was saying.
Ed Craig has been providing a service to our city that not many others can for nine years now. Sure he's made a few mistakes in those nine years, and if we look back and examine every instance of spending I'm sure we can find places where money could have been saved. In fact, if you look back on the fiscal history of any city, even Chicago or New York, there are places where money could have been saved. The bottom line is that Ed Craig keeps Shelbyville moving, progressing forward, and dealing with needs of everyone from individual citizens to the fire and police departments. Not many people are as qualified as him for the job. How many people in our city government have doctorate degrees? A lifetime of history in managerial work? Think about that.
"I am not saying that Leroy and Al are jerks but I do think they both exhibit jerklike behavior."
I believe that both Cunnigham and Stephenson ARE jerks. They are undereducated, under-qualified, and exhibit the intolerant, red neck behaviors that honestly gives Shelbyville a bad name. Al has been on a vendetta to fire Ed since the day he took office, and pulling strings behind the scenes ever since. He goes around like a little rat trying to stir up trouble on a daily basis. The man is a plague to our community.
"Their vendetta against a truly professional and competent City Manager like Ed Craig."
Not from what I saw and heard.
You are entitled to your own opinion. My opinion is atleast when I addressed a problem to Leroy and Al, they helped me and Mr. Craig did everything in his power to humiliate me instead of helping me.
Got the t-shirt haha, great...
Mr. Craig is a VERY arrogant person. Shelbyville seriously needs a whole new group that are qualified to be there. I'm not sure HOW they got those positions, but something needs to be done fast. Shelbyville needs help.
Shelbyville, Tennessee....what a hilariously embarrassing ordeal for the people of our city. What a shame. All we lack is the input of John Norton for the complete dog and pony show.
What a shame! Once again the "Al and Leroy Show" is allowed to make Shelbyville a laughing stock.
Too bad other council members, Landers and Pruitt, have been wrongly influenced by these two. Ed Craig may not be Mr. Personality, but he is a smart man who has done an excellent job for Shelbyville. I shudder to think what type of person these four council members will propose to hire! Horrors!
Don't know why Mr. Craig would want to work for this council.
Sounds like Al and Leroy are trying to get rid of all that is good for Bedford County in order to put their own little crew in. I think the people of Shelbyville need to start looking and listening to what is really going on here.I don't know how people were dumb enough to vote these two in in the first place. I just think they have been trouble from the very beginning.LOOK OUT BEDFORD COUNTY.
Yu peepul voted fer these gys - luuks lak yu got whut yu deeserved!
Why is it everytime I look in a blog, article or etc. There is Leroy and Al's name stuck in it? I think these guys will never be happy with a darn thing in Shelbyville! Well except for Drama and starting trouble and pointing fingers..Which this seems to be what they do EVERYTIME! I know Ed Craig personally and know he is a fine man, Sure we all make some mistakes in a Job, organization. Last time I checked none of us are perfect. But I do believe he has done great things for the City of Shelbyville! Oh and by the way. I am still waiting on the Industrial Park!
Again, here we go with your "hillbilly" name calling! GROW UP you ignorant, stupid, pieces of dog ****!!! I am so sick of the crap you write about my father. Again I would like to say to you with your fictitious names on here because you are too big of a WEINER to step up and let people know who you are- all the proof is up there for you to read and see how much Ed Craig has COST the city. If you are intelligent enough to READ, take your tail up there and read it!! So MR/MRS/MS gottago, granny1917, justlisten, and evil monkey when are you going to get your head out of your pansy cracks and post your REAL names on here so we know who you are? And I guess I am going to have to answer your stupid senseless little questions again for you! These 2 men got on the council because the people in Shelbyville voted them in that position and do NOT share your opinion of them! GO VOTE next election, or are you too dumb to know where to go and how to do it?!?!? They also do not have a personal vendetta against Ed Craig! Some of the people in Shelbyville have came to them and told them that Mr. Craig needed to GO! And to my knowledge a "truly professional person" does not act arrogant and look down his nose at people, or say loud profanity in city buildings when they get mad!!! He probably wouldn't acknowledge you if you walked by him. And Mr. Blue Dog, yes they do know how to spell shame! Where were you when Mr. Craig needed shaming, gosh knows he has done plenty to be shameful for! Both Cunningham and Stephenson ARE just as qualified for their positions as all the other council members! Seems to me like YOU all are the dumb, ignorant, redneck, backwoods, hillbilly clowns that don't know your butts from a hole in the ground about the FACTS! SO check your facts you morons, then state your opinions after you KNOW what is going on! Some places don't even have city managers and in Shelbyville's case, it is a BIG WASTE of money! Do a background on Ed Craig and his past jobs and qualifications, then check his salary and see if he is "worth it"! And in closing, I would SO love for you to man up and put your real names out there for everyone to see! Or are you writing things in here because someone else put you up to it?!?!?!? Hhhhmmmmm......
well i know without a doubt with Mr. Landers and Jean and al and Leroy.. all together there is one question WHY do all them want to fire ed? he must have done something wrong for all four of them to join together to fire Mr. Ed.. Right did any one ask the simple question? so he might be trying to cover something up? do you think? or hide something? there go to be more to the story than we heard so for!!! so looks like someone need to just get over it....!!!!!!
that a girl Tammy tell them like it is.....
It seems that Lee Roy and Al have continuously tried to stir up a mess of some sort, especially since they got into politics. I agree, who keeps putting these guys back on the council???
Tammy,
I have no idea who you are, I see you are as uneducated and uncouth as your father. Apples rarely fall far from trees.
As for me and my voting, I do not live in Shelbyville or Bedford Co. As a matter of fact, the po-dunk attitudes and world views of a loud few are just the beginning of why we moved away.
If Shelbyville is to grow and thrive, educated professionals and progressive minded citizens need to be on these councils.
Amen Mrs. Wilson!! I don't know the "in & out" of this whole situation but I do know that by all of "Shelbyville's Finest" putting their hillbilly twist on this story it really does remind my of why I moved away!! Listen up and wake up....go to the poles and vote if your not happy with the current leaders....better yet since gottago and evil monkey have such strong opinions on EVERYTHING....and are so quick to be "Anti-Anything" then put your damn big boy (or girl) pants on and run for these positions yourselves!! I don't know much about Mr. Craig but I do know that he spent over $10,000 on new trees(all 6 of them) for the public square and gave the job to an "outside" company without even going over the bids from the local companies (that so desperately needed the work)and in my opinion that stupidity is enough to oust him....oh and before you chime in on that one please look it up and know the facts!! That's just one of many times that the taxpayer has been "bent-over" for.
if we can't stand for it! why do we vote for them!
Justlisten....are you the son or daughter of parents that your proud of and would defend no matter what(right or wrong)?? Well I would hope so and if so then shut up!! Mrs. Wilson has every right to defend the man that brought her into this world and with love raised her. I would probally guess that after a comment like that the one you just made.....your family that raised you are sad at the angry adult you have become.......
WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO THE FINAL VOTE WHERE IS GOOD OLE YES MAN WALLY CARTWRIGHT THE MAYOR GOING TO STAND?
Play nice guys, we are all here to engage in a discussion on this story. I myself would like to see more than ' ... Stephenson refused to elaborate "at this time." ' Please don't confuse my previous statement with Mr. Stephenson's comments from 2007. I find it highly unlikely that Mr. Stephenson talked to 98% of the city employees regarding opinions of Mr. Craig.
One would think that if this is the second time Mr. Stephenson has attempted to remove Mr. Craig from his position then he would want to voice his reasoning with a little more detail. I find that the statements equivalent to a no comment are usually spoken by individuals whom either do not wish to be held accountable for their views publicly and/or don't really have a great deal of reasonable cause to back up there actions. Before someone say's he doesn't have to explain himself, it is a public office, elected by the people for the people.
I personally find it troubling that four council members would take it upon themselves to draft this letter. If I were a city council member who did not have an opportunity to be heard by my constituents, I would be more than upset with them.
Tammy S Wilson,
Sorry, but who is your father? You never elaborated, is it Ed Craig? Al Stephenson? or Lee Roy Cunningham?
Boss Hog,
Thanks for your support.
Evil Monkey,
I believe her father is Lee Roy Cunningham..
Tammy
You are exactly right. All I can say if the BCB ever needed any help from the city Lee Roy was there. I remember we did a upgrade on the ball fields that had not had anything done to them in over 20yr and Lee Roy was there with a paint brush in his hand helping not BS'ing. I know Lee Roy and Thomas Landers and these are the kind of people that we need on the city council.
Yes eagleeyes Lee Roy was there and has been the biggest supporter of the kids in this county! While others(i.e. Mr.Craig) "built skate-board parks" for the few that would use them, there were over 40 baseball teams of boys and girls that needed and wanted for!! Here we have over 500 kids and parents that needed a safe and upgraded place to play ball ....but what Mr. Craig pushed for over and over was a concrete ramp so his kid wouldn't be "bored" and driving him crazy!! What more can you expect from a city manager who's been in this position for every reason except the RIGHT one!!
Why does she think I said anything about Lee Roy? I talked with him on the phone a couple of months ago and he was very helpful to me.
i am on the historical committee and so is lee Roy, we voted in foavor of putting three properties in the historic district ion Belmont and everyone was in favor we disscussed it and it was unanimous. However when it went tothe citycouncil for approval He was the only vote for NO! He gave no reason just a no vote. Why did he say nothing in the prelimanary meetings? Did someone pay him to change his vote? Was his change in vote politically motivated? I believe he and Mr. Stephenson are lobbyist and are seeking compensation for their chaos, When Mr. Stephenson lost his office to the former mayor he took a personal interest in sabotaging the Shelbyville government whith controversies to benefit him and his personal freinds.
Yep, same old typical Shelbyville political baffoonery. Keep voting straight down party lines without researching the person for whom you cast your vote. Let me know how that works out for you idiots when we read about political circus acts that closely resemble this one 10 years from now. This type crap has been going on here for 35 years or longer already.
"If nothing changes...nothing changes."
The people of Shelbyville voted Al & Leroy in.
So get ready....it's only just begun!!!
Should have known better!!!!!!!!!
"It's bigger than the both of us!" This familiar cliche might be instructional to the Honorable Leroy Cunningham and the Honorable Al Stephenson in their ongoing crusade to separate Mr. Ed Craig from his employment with the City of Shelbyville as Manager. Their quest may be "bigger than the both" of them! Al and Leroy, the only set of twins on the Council, have never fully embraced Craig's leadership. However, firing an individual is a process built on a consistent history of poor performance, and not an emotion-fueled opportunity. Professional managers know this, and generally try to avoid public executions and assassinations. Furthermore, those who would critique the performance of an executive manager should be familiar with something so basic as the Sunshine Law. One also needs to be familiar with the consequential effects of firing someone. People who are fired are rarely grateful, and they tend to invoke resources to maintain their self-interests.
Now, about Ed's tendence to be plain spoken! He may be; however, it is a byproduct of position. Communication becomes more direct as one climbs the hierarchical ladder.
Another tenet of professional management is known as "standards of performance." This means a set of criteria which are indices to the success of an employee. If these criteria are met, one is doing one's job; if these criteria are not met, one is not doing one's job. This may be a bit of knowledge as obscure as the Sunshine Law to some of the proponents of firing Ed Craig.
Yes, I have known Ed Craig for many years, and yes, I think he is a professionally competent manager. I believe there are other issues in municipal Shelbyville to address besides firing the city manager.
..
Again to "gottago"-
Yes the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and I am dang proud of that, so THANK YOU dumb *** for that compliment! I am PROUD to be Lee Roy's daughter and am in NO WAY ashamed of it! As far as you and your pansy butt, I would love to know exactly who you are, so why don't you ever state your REAL name when you leave your stupid ignorant comments? You should know exactly who I am and how to get in touch with me, I certainly have made it clear to everyone! So are you too much of a weiner to let me know exaclty who YOU are?!?! I guess you are a " couthed and well educated NERDY GEEK that is scared of getting his or her face slapped if you come out in public!!And further more if you don't live here anymore....HALLELUAH..GLAD YOUR GONE!! So why don't you worry about where you live now and stop talking about my daddy and what he does? It doesn't effect you anyway! I would hate to know that this is all you have to do with your life!? And exactly what kind of education do you think the council needs? Are you referring to the 2 that sit up there and nod their heads and vote yes to everything Ed wants done? You don't seem to know half of what you keep rattling on about, because if you did, you would know that Kay Rose retired from the Times Gazette, and JoAnn Holland use to be a dang used car dealer right along side of MY FATHER!! So if you think these 2 ladies are "educated" then you're a bigger idiot than I thought! Everyone likes them because they sit up there and smile and keep their mouths shut! How is that working FOR the city people?!?!? My father is and always has been a straight up person and if someone didn't like it ,tough! He doesn't act one way in front of some and a different way in front of others! If he tells someone he is going to do something then he does it. So say what you like about me and my family because I am done wasting my time on you and your ignorant ***!! And again, I can be found in the Shelbyville phone book, so look me up with your well educated self, get in you little vehicle, drive to Shelbyville, and BRING IT ON WEINER BOY!!!
And once again to all of you complainers.....GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTTS AND GO VOTE AND GET THEM OUT IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT THEY ARE DOING!!
Apparently more people than you few thought the city needed them back in those positions or they wouldn't have gotten in them to begin with!! SO SHUT UP, go find more people with your opinions, and take them to the polls with you at the next election!!
Wow. When I get homesick for Shelbyville, all I have to do is read some comments like these and I feel better.
Does anyone think the old phrase "You catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar" just might apply here?
Who is Weiner boy?
I believe she is talking about "gotta go"
Again, here we go with your "hillbilly" name calling! GROW UP you ignorant, stupid, pieces of dog ****!!!
- Posted by Tammy S. Wilson on Tue, Sep 29, 2009, at 5:21 PM
Whew! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
Sharon22,
I haven't seen you in awhile, How have things been?
Possibly a gelding. ;D
Or, if he is young enough, Castrati!
Sharon22-&-Midnight Rider
As far as the "old saying goes", and "the pot calling the kettle black", you can only be nice for so long, and take so much crap from this idiot! For God sakes, he doesn't even live here anymore, but he wants to sit back in another city and call my father names! He needs to tend to his own life and the town he lives in now! How long would you all be nice if someone,(that was too much of a coward to state their real name) kept talking crap about your mother, father, or child? Yeah, I hate to admit I have stooped to his/her level, but a person can only take so much! And I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS MORON!!! I am sincerely sorry if I offended the two of you with my comments to "gottago", and my apology is not meant to be sarcastic, so please don't take it that way.
Tammy,
I have tried to contact you for 5 hours, I left my number with your father. He stated he would call you and talk with you about contacting me. Curious what seems to be the problem?
WOW, All that came from one of our council members daughter!
Evil Monkey-
Had to go back and read your comment, sorry I misunderstood the first time I read it. I see now what you were saying. You can understand how I was feeling when I was reading all the other garbage that was said about my father. And I am not home yet, still in Murfreesboro, but I will be home later this evening if you still wish to call me I will be glad to talk to you.
Disgusted-
Yes wow all that came from one of your council members daughters because she has sit back and listened to all of this crap as long as she is going to!
I am a grown woman and will say EXACTLY what I feel, everyone else on here does! Think about how mad all of this would make you!
NOBODY is going to stop me from defending my daddy!
Ms. Wilson,
I am not afraid of you and simply will not stoop to your level. You have simply demonstrated by your tirade that you have no class.
Consider this: While Shelbyville, Tn (or any town for that matter) can not compare to the national stage, what would the nation think if Chelsea Clinton(or the Bush twins, for that matter) behaved in the way you have? Or if Mark Sanford's children became uncorked over his recent criticisms.
Being a politician, even on a local level, exposes the individual to certain scrutinies and sometimes judgements that families may find offensive. In case reading is not your strong suit, I simply stated that A and L were not qualified to lead, especially a town that needs to reinvent in the wake of 12% unemployment and a horse show that has outlived its usefulness. The behavior of those two is clownish with this ridiculous attempt at removing Craig who according to many in similiar posituions has not done badly. 'Hillbilly' may have been a stretch though since Shelbyville hardly qualifies as hill country, but the term is still often used to describe rural minded individuals with a limited world view. This limited world view of Leroy's can most clearly be illustrated in his recent opinions of the rec center in town, which is a viable resource for health, fitness, and leisure for many townfolk.
And as for my business of commenting in life in Bedford Co, I have family there and a business interest or two in town and have every reason to follow and comment on what goes on there.
Oh and 'talking crap' are we suddenly on the playground?
Sorry, typo at 'Posituions', Should be 'positions'. Happens to the best of us.
I do believe that Tammy S. Wilson does mean business folks! But I have to agree, If were my dad/mom, I sure would be on the defense
Consider this: While Shelbyville, Tn (or any town for that matter) can not compare to the national stage, what would the nation think if Chelsea Clinton(or the Bush twins, for that matter) behaved in the way you have? Or if Mark Sanford's children became uncorked over his recent criticisms.
gottago
EXACTLY!
me and my wife asked ed at a party one night why he keeps allowing so many car lots and car washes open in town and why he cant get any good eating establishments here in town...he didnt stay long, what a shame
i wonder what it would take to get rid of the county mayor, and the finance committee as well as some of the county commissioners?
I'll just tell ya, if one of my kids couldn't defend me in a more dignified manner I would prefer they not defend me!
So what is the real reason for all of this? Does it have anything to do with the "computer" use and Mr. Craig's lack of moral ethics in disciplining that individual? There is always more to the story and always less of the story that the public ever knows. Dig around Shelbville. You will be appalled at what you find.
So what is the real reason for all of this? Does it have anything to do with the "computer" use and Mr. Craig's lack of moral ethics in disciplining that individual? There is always more to the story and always less of the story that the public ever knows. Dig around Shelbville. You will be appalled at what you find.
-- Posted by irememberwhen on Wed, Sep 30, 2009, at 7:01 PM
You are correct, the real story is there.
yes doesn't this all fall back to what happen on a computer that Ed tried to hide... the story is going to come out one day before long.. and its going to look bad isn't it? there are going to be a bunch of slow marching sad singing people around here then.. wait and see...
Alot of mistakes have been made during this process.
Nobody is perfect, I think once we get to full disclosure with this mess then we may be better able to comment about it and have a more meaningful discussion.
The thing that is most disturbing to me at this time is the lack of willingness for the council members to make a stand and express their viewpoints regarding this situation in public.
There are things being hidden at this time.
I am of the opinion that a deal was brokered within the previous week between the parties and that they are struggling to maintain that deal.
Procrastination is never a good thing, the longer you put off something and don't take ownership of it the worse it gets.
I believe that somebody should have owned this situation about 4 weeks ago, and since that did not occur at that time the city is having to deal with this train wreck.
So, what was the mischief on the computer? *Just asking, there seems to be some computer comments and truth will come out comments tonight..
Mt. Juliet politics...all over again...so sad....
Mrs Wilson,
You're not doing yourself or your father any favors by reducing yourself to public name-calling and personal physical threats. Honestly, if anybody sounds ignorant and uneducated here, it's you.
I think most of us love our parents, but when a person makes the decision to become a public figure, like a politician, they have to have a thick skin. Not everybody is going to agree with your father or even like him. That is no reason for any sane, reasonable, grown woman to resort to calling people "dog ****" in a public forum.
Like it or not, you've left a bad taste in this voter's mouth. I'll never hear your father's name again without remembering how ridiculously immature you acted here.
If you ask me, the only person here who owes your father an apology is YOU.
Nobody'sFool, I have to agree fully with you and I have known Lee Roy for all my life. But to me Lee Roy will always be a used car salesman and personally there is not a used car salesman in the world I would trust no matter how much I liked him.
This wouldn't be steming from a incident with the codes enforcer would it? Just wondering...You hear things in this town... Things that make you go hmmmmm!
The computer incident involves an employee of the city who was asked to resign recently. He had no more of a connection to Al, Leroy, or Ed than he did to any other of the city's hundreds of employees. He exhibited personal misconduct on the internet while at work and was let go. Being that he is an otherwise respectable, hard working man with a family, the details of this infraction were not broadcast to the public. It in no way connects to the mess under discussion here. I hope that clears things up.
Hi back EM, I've missed you on here also. I'm just working quite a bit and don't have much time to spend on here. How are you doing?
Certainly one is going to defend one's father. And although I do regret Leroy's and Al's disaffection for Ed Craig, I have maintained cordial ties with both of these guys. I bought a used car from Leroy once, and it lasted for years. It finally burned up on Ash Wednesday because I messed with the carburetor. I am no carburetor expert. And I would buy one today from him. Al also introduced me to some of his family who visited him several years ago, which I thought was a nice gesture on his part.
I never agreed with Leroy's and Al's politics, and probably never will. But that does not mean that I have to personally disrespect them.
And certainly Leroy's daughter would take up for her daddy. However, her remarks about Kay Rose and JoAnn Holland could have been phrased differently.I do have to "take up" for JoAnn Holland and Kay Rose. They are worthwhile ladies and folks "put up with them" because they are nice to folks, they devote time to civic and charitable events, and never personally abuse folks who "are on the other side of the fence." I cherish my friendships with JoAnn and Kay.
Here's something to make ALL of you go hmmmmmmmm.....
Has anyone stopped to think that just maybe the city is staying quite for the protection of all the families involved? Yes, all of these people you are gossiping about have families.
I am not taking sides, I'm just saying please think before you attack!!
There is SOME reason they are NOT telling. That reason could be for the protection of the city, or it could just be that they really don't have a reason or that the council people aren't sure WHAT they are doing? The fact is we DO NOT know yet, everything that we are all saying is completely hearsay.
We will ALL just have to wait until next Thursday.
I know we can all get our points across without cursing & name calling.
So, all of this assuming is getting none of us nowhere fast. It's moving all of us further from the truth, because that is what gossip creates!!
To all of you that I have "put a bad taste in your mouth" and think I have "no class".....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA After talking to someone for over an hour yesterday about all of this I have learned that most of you don't matter anyway. What does matter is I love my daddy, and I really don't care who thinks what about what I have said! As far as hurting him in the next election, I hope he doesn't even run for office so you all will have someone else to make fun of and mean remarks about!
As far as this comment -gottago & disgusted
Consider this: While Shelbyville, Tn (or any town for that matter) can not compare to the national stage, what would the nation think if Chelsea Clinton(or the Bush twins, for that matter) behaved in the way you have? Or if Mark Sanford's children became uncorked over his recent criticisms.
_-I really do NOT care!!!
Thanks for the 1 decent person that called me yesterday at home and opened my eyes to some that leave comments on here. I am learning to laugh it all off! You are a hoot!! And I appreciate you being big enough to call and actually tell me your "real" name!!
So good day to all of you people who don't like me and what I've said, or what my father has done. At least when you started hounding me and calling me names you gave my daddy a break!! Thanks for that!!
Is this soap on 2,4,or5 OR maybe one of the higher cable channels? Cause its certainly starting to sound to sound like one!
As far as Wally Cartwright goes he ran his race for mayor telling the citizens that if he got elected he would support the firing of Ed Craig but as soon as he took the oath of office he turned yellow belly and would not do as he said.. he is a liar and cannot be trusted..he is a disgrace to Shelbyville. if you dont have the gonads to hold the office then dont run.This office has wasted way to much money and Cartwrights famous words are " I dont know anything about it" and this is one time he tells the truth.he doesnt know his a$$ from a hole in the ground.
Thanks for the 1 decent person that called me yesterday at home and opened my eyes to some that leave comments on here. I am learning to laugh it all off! You are a hoot!! And I appreciate you being big enough to call and actually tell me your "real" name!!
So good day to all of you people who don't like me and what I've said, or what my father has done. At least when you started hounding me and calling me names you gave my daddy a break!! Thanks for that!!
-- Posted by Tammy S. Wilson on Thu, Oct 1, 2009, at 12:18 PM
Regardless of what you or EM think of anyone who has posted here, these people do matter, they matter because they are voters. Everyone of these people who have posted here are tax payers and have every right to state their views whether you agree with them or not.
Your father's position is a tax payer paid position just like Craig's is and all the other council members. I think sometimes they tend to forget who they really work for!!
Dianatn,
Funny how you are construing that as a negative thing, in fact it was not. My conversation with her was to let her pretty much the same thing you just stated.
EN I am not construing anything Tammy's exact words were:
After talking to someone for over an hour yesterday about all of this I have learned that most of you don't matter anyway.
This is why we need the third party .GO VOTE THEM OUT. Better yet don't shop at their tire shops ect..
Anyone hear Jerry Springer laughing in the background? The politicians here are no better than the redneck trailer park trash that appear on his show now.
Jerry Springer was a politician, that's where he got the idea for his show :)
And don't go and get disgusted Disgusted.
If the shoe don't fit, just don't wear it. :)))
-- Posted by Boss Hog on Wed, Sep 30, 2009, at 4:07 PM
I wont stoop to your or Ms. Wilsons level!
Why on earth would you be surprised that most people aren't willing to share their real names with you, when you're coming across as a stark raving lunatic?
I don't know you or your father. I was simply trying to bring to your attention that your outbursts may be doing him more harm than good, politically. Clearly you don't care, so go right ahead. You're ultimately only hurting the person you claim to be defending and not the people you're lashing out at here. I think once you calm down, you'll realize that I'm right. Or maybe you won't.
It honestly makes no difference to me, either way.
This situation is just a bag of maggots.
"Regardless of what you or EM think of anyone who has posted here, these people do matter, they matter because they are voters. Everyone of these people who have posted here are tax payers and have every right to state their views whether you agree with them or not.
Your father's position is a tax payer paid position just like Craig's is and all the other council members. I think sometimes they tend to forget who they really work for!!"
-- Posted by Dianatn on Thu, Oct 1, 2009, at 2:10 PM
YOU TELL 'EM DIANA...VERY WELL PUT. I think come voting time we matter a whole lot, lol!
"Mrs Wilson,
You're not doing yourself or your father any favors by reducing yourself to public name-calling and personal physical threats. Honestly, if anybody sounds ignorant and uneducated here, it's you.
I think most of us love our parents, but when a person makes the decision to become a public figure, like a politician, they have to have a thick skin. Not everybody is going to agree with your father or even like him. That is no reason for any sane, reasonable, grown woman to resort to calling people "dog ****" in a public forum.
Like it or not, you've left a bad taste in this voter's mouth. I'll never hear your father's name again without remembering how ridiculously immature you acted here.
If you ask me, the only person here who owes your father an apology is YOU."
-- Posted by Nobody'sFool on Wed, Sep 30, 2009, at 10:37 PM
Nobody'sFool--
How very true. I have no issues with Lee Roy Cunningham, or any of the council members, but after reading the hateful, undignified, malicious tone rendered here by Ms. Wilson, I am afraid my opinion may sway in the wrong direction come voting time.
Ms. Wilson--
Don't misunderstand; I think it was classless for your father to be referred to as a "jerk", "hillbilly", and "clown". Certainly the commenter(s) could have used less derogative terms to express their dissatisfaction, and you have every right to be upset and defensive. But keep in mind that they are only exercising their rights to express an opinion, and while it borders on slander, the words are mild in comparison.
Yet for you to lash out with complete profanity and hostility in the manner in which you did was not only deplorable, but highly offensive, even to those of us who do use our real names and do not hide behind "cutesy titles." You came across as a "bar brazing hoodlum," and I am certain that you are not that type of person.
You need to remember that your actions affect your father's campaigns, and you have actually succeeded in accomplishing the complete opposite of what you intended. The poison dispensed in your tongue lashing was a much stronger choice of words--both profane and vulgar--whereas jerk, clown, and hillbilly are tame in comparison. Let's remember this is an open forum and there are those who do not wish to read profanity.
You have a right to be upset, but combat the neigh Sayers in a less malicious manner. Calling them out to brawl with you is childish. Support your father by presenting facts about his career, focusing on the positives he's presented to this town. Stand by him, but do it with grace and civility. You will prove yourself to be the far better person in doing so and will do your father proud in the process.
I pray that your family will find peace soon over this situation and best of luck to your father.
shawna,
The reason Tammy shouldn't be upset with MOST of the people on here is 1) some don't live in this county and 2) MOST don't even live in Lee Roy's district so their "votes" mean very little. So Tammy really should not be upset with what people are saying about her father.
I really don't even know why you are bringing this up again.
Is this soap on 2,4,or5 OR maybe one of the higher cable channels? Cause its certainly starting to sound to sound like one!
-- Posted by nana x 5 on Thu, Oct 1, 2009, at 12:54 PM
Maybe Shelbyville can become one of those "Reality Shows" and start paying off some of it's Depts. Anyone have some good names for the show?
How about:
"Nothing But The Good-Ole Boys"
"This Is How It is in S'ville"
"Idiots Gone Wild"
"Americas Funniest City"
"Big City Life in Small Town"
"Easy City for Noncitizen"
"No Cheetos Aloud"
"Southern City at It's Best"
"There's No Place Like Home"
"Ask The Citizens Of Shelbyville"
"Does Our Opinion Even Count?"
"Spending Is Our Specialty"
"Desperate Men of Bedford County"
Any others?
Or how about the book
"How To Be a Big Fish in a Little Pond"
written under the former title of
"Too many Chiefs and Not enough Indians"
Where to start let see the way the city treats the people that work for the city. The fire Department goes to work for 24 hours yet they receive pay for 16 so does that mean they do not have to get up and respond to emergency during the time they are not being paid. The fair labor and standards act states that employers who work 24 hours should be paid for the 24. Never mind the fact that they give up 24 hours of every 3 days and have to be away from their family, they are now told that they must take all 16 hours of leave now they are told that they cannot have another firefighter to come stand in to cover for them if they need to go to a child's baseball game. Is this the way you treat our heroes. Why does this happen because the city manger lets it happen. Tammy Wilson you are 100 % right
"shawna,
The reason Tammy shouldn't be upset with MOST of the people on here is 1) some don't live in this county and 2) MOST don't even live in Lee Roy's district so their "votes" mean very little. So Tammy really should not be upset with what people are saying about her father.
I really don't even know why you are bringing this up again."
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Sat, Oct 3, 2009, at 1:50 PM
Firt of all, this is an ongoing continuation of commentary. Someone had just commented five hours before my post. Are you saying I have less entitlement to express my opinion than you or others? It's true that I don't sit at my PC and spend every waking hour trying to bash others who do not share my viewpoint, like some on here, but I am equally entitled to my say...and I DO live in this county.
Let me ask, why then are you bringing it back up when you had already had your say early on? At least I tried to be fair and reasonable with Ms. Wilson, rather than harsh and malicious like most.
And yes, even though I do not agree with how she chose to express herself, Ms. Wilson does have a right to be upset when others are name calling, brow bashing, and/or making fun of someone she loves, regardless of whether they live here or not. Their commentary is read by voters WHO DO LIVE HERE.
If you were drinking at a bar in a neiboring state and someone said something derogative about your "mama," would you not punch their lights out just because they don't live in your hometown??? You get my point (or did I use too many prodigious words for you)?
But thank you for stirring the pot again.
typo correction: "neighboring"
shawna,
1) Tammy last posted on Thursday in an attempt to drop the issue.
2) If someone calls me or my mother a name, there is two choices, 1) Allow them to "get" to me, or 2) Ignore them. What purpose would there be to even acknowledge them. Seems petty to me. So no, I would not punch their lights out, it isn't worth it.
3) And again, MOST of these people should not matter to Tammy as they have no effect on votes for Mr. Cunningham. Let's be realistic.
Actually EM, I wouldn't punch their lights out either (I'm actually a very passive person in life). And the only reason I logged back in right now was in fact to apologize to you for the tone of my response. I am in alot of pain at the moment and I'm afraid I displaced it into my comment.
I understand where Tammy was coming from, even though I wouldn't do it myself, but I still think she went "way overboard" and was out of line in her rantings.
As for whether they matter or not, well I think any politician would agree that negative attacks and slander do matter. An outsider can influence an insider, especially if you're not aware they are an outsider. But that's just my opinion...nothing more.
Anyway, it's a moot point.
I am sorry you are in pain, my mother suffers from it as well.
Oh I agree with you on her actions, but I think all of us have more than once in our life. My hope was to give some compassion.
"Where to start let see the way the city treats the people that work for the city. The fire Department goes to work for 24 hours yet they receive pay for 16 so does that mean they do not have to get up and respond to emergency during the time they are not being paid. The fair labor and standards act states that employers who work 24 hours should be paid for the 24. Never mind the fact that they give up 24 hours of every 3 days and have to be away from their family, they are now told that they must take all 16 hours of leave now they are told that they cannot have another firefighter to come stand in to cover for them if they need to go to a child's baseball game. Is this the way you treat our heroes. Why does this happen because the city manger lets it happen. Tammy Wilson you are 100 % right"
The best thing about this string of comments is the glaring difference in the spelling and grammar of those who support Ed and those who support Al and Leroy.
You go get um Tammy gurl you and youre daddy are rite abowt that jerk city maneger he aint paying the peepol of our city enuff and we demand justiss?
what in the world does the shelbyville fire deptment have to do with this story? boy some are you all are way off base!!!!!!!
Thanks EM. I am sorry to hear about your mother. Please pass the word to her about our new online support group. It's just starting out, but I hope to eventually grow it into something that will make a difference in the lives of others, such as organized volunteer groups to do housecleaning, drive to doctor appointments, pick up groceries, or just sit with those in need of company who are in too much pain to get out. Wish me luck...
shawna,
My mother already knows about the support group, she reads this paper each evening. Let me know if you need anything. 931-639-3603
How country can we get ?
Thanks so much EM. I am trying to organize a group of volunteers, so I will hang on to your number and give you call in the future (if that's ok). It's my hope to get at least 10-20 volunteers lined up that I can call on to do some light handyman work, light housecleaning, run errands, or keep company at doctor appts., etc. for those who are incapacitated due to illness (and not limited to FMS).
Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but I'd like to think we still have some brotherly love left in this world, even in these difficult times. Boy, did I take us way off topic...sorry, but thanks again.
I always have a few hours to set aside.
Someone asked what the fire department had to do with the topic at hand. I was trying to prove that the city manger takes advantage of his employees and skirts the law. If this is how he treats his employees the just think how he treats the public. If it is ok to not pay attention to the law in one area it must be ok to pick and choice the rest.
I love the way I tried to close this issue and everyone keeps dragging me back out. If it makes you all feel better about yourselves, please continue on. I have NO idea how I got drug into the firehall situation? I said nothing about fireman not being able to swap shifts, nor did I say anything about Ed Craig not paying the city employees enough. And as far as I know, my spelling was all correct. But you all just carry on if you must. And thank you shawna.jones, I have had time to sit back and calm down, which is why I am not raving like a lunatic about getting brought back out on the chopping block again. All I have to say about getting talked about now is............hahahaha....oh well. Thanks for you and EM to help me laugh it all off.
Have a nice day everyone-
Sorry Tammy, I didn't mean to rub salt in a wound...but it looks like your dad called it, now that Ed Craig got the "boot." I guess things worked out after all. And glad you're taking time to laugh at life. Take care!!