Editor, The Era-Leader:
The last Franklinton Town meeting was to say the least, a meeting of disputes.
And why, you may ask. Well, in my honest opinion, the mayor and his cohorts are trying to do things and not following the rules:
1. EV Charging stations, again an attempt to pass an ordinance regarding a schedule of fees when these stations are used. Alderman Descant brought up the fact that, since the chargers were purchased using federal monies (ARPA funds) the charging stations must comply with the ADA regulations regarding use by disabled citizens. Alderwoman Crain stated that there were no regulations at this point by the state. It isn't the state that is the concern; it is the federal government and the possibility of civil lawsuits because of the lack of ADA compliance which can be construed as discrimination. The ordinance didn't pass.
2. And again, the merry-go-round of playground equipment for the proposed Recreation Park on Chess Jones Road. To boil it all down, Alderwoman Crain gave the numbers on the amount of money that the town would have to come up with on top of the state money and other monies already received, $179,699.00. With the purchase of the playground equipment, the fund would be exhausted. No mention of costs of preparing the site, costs of any infrastructure, ie. parking lots, lighting and electrical infrastructure, water fountains and infrastructure, restroom facilities, fencing, and liability insurance costs by the town. None of this was mentioned.
Then there was the disagreement among the council members whether the price quoted by Alderwoman Crain was a legal bid. Several aldermen stated that the initial bid was accepted without authorization of the council and therefore void. And since it was voided, new bids would have to be sought and a final bid voted on by the council. With this dispute, there was nothing accomplished concerning the park.
The harsh criticism from some members of the attending public leveled at the some of the council members was quite disturbing. There was even a comparison made that the park was the baby Jesus and a particular alderman was King Herod. View the video of the meeting and draw your own conclusions.
Finally, Mayor Route took exception of my Letters to the Editor:
Mayor Route does not agree with my Letters to the Editor.
Mayor Route says what I write is not the truth.
When I explained that all my information comes from public sources, the newspaper and these videos, I asked him what exactly wasn't true. There was no answer.
Mayor Route can have his opinions as I can have mine.
Mayor Route says he isn't perfect, and I agree. He's had 8 years as a parish councilman and experience as a town alderman. Yet, his administration is marked with controversy and chaos. These are my opinions, Mister Mayor.
Ben M Sarro
Franklinton
