You Mean Someone's Unhappy in Russellville?

 

There's a difference between profligate actions by city councils and just plain idiotic actions. We recently mentioned that over the years, the Russellville Police Department has received the most complaints from our readers. When it comes to simply idiotic and personally motivated political actions, Russellville is also the hands down winner. If you're wondering about purely profligate spending, Florence has always been in first place, but at least that city has always gotten some value for its dollar. Has Russellville? Here's what one reader has to say:

Recently one of the School Board members was replaced by the City Council. Th former member of the board is a respected member of the community and very successful business owner. He has served the Board for many years. However, as of this week, he was replaced by Radford Hester - a 76(?) year old retired educator (Franklin County School Superintendant) from the 70s) that only recently moved to Russellville and rented an apartment. Rumor has it that his appointment was a quid-pro-quo for another appointment. It may not be illegal but it sure doesn't sit well on the stomach.

ALSO -- it would appear that the general manager of the Electric Department was given an $85,000 Yukon (fully loaded)* as his Department vehicle. Again - not illegal, but with everything going on in today's world - it just doesn't sit well.

ALSO -- the Council approved ANOTHER 80/20 grant for MORE sidewalk work downtown -- In my opinion, this only serves to benefit the Mayor who has been purchasing up buildings downtown...

BUT -- the worst thing going on is the Council Member and SPAN Program director Jamie Harris -- He drives around town all day and (from my understanding) solicits money and food from local business and restaurants for lunch for the SPAN students because they do not like school food. He is also regularly at City Council events during SPAN hours. Also, the SPAN program now meets in the basement of the First United Methodist Church -- RENT free!!! Where is the money the program was budgeted for rent??? For utilities?? For Internet access??

There is so much strange things going on it has to be worth a second look.

* 83,720.00 + tax/title (we checked)

We look forward to hearing from Russellville readers who may have other insights into these actions/problems...