Editor:

I was one of many people who attended the May 10 City Council meeting in support of Mayor Tim Kant’s responsibility for managing and running the city. The City Council has grossly interfered with his ability to do so. Now Police Chief Bill Press is questioning the mayor’s authority.

I am totally amazed that simple issues get on the council’s meeting agenda. These issues should be handled by the mayor. The current issue as to whether the Fairhope police should escort funeral processions or not, is only one of many examples of this overkill and micro-management the council has taken. If business in the private sector operated in this fashion, it would be a disaster.

It’s about time the council and police chief understands that Mayor Kant is the chief executive of the city; he is the boss. The police chief reports to the mayor, and if he doesn’t do what he is told, it’s insubordination and disciplinary action can be taken, and he could be fired.

There is so much animosity and hatred toward the mayor from most of the council members, it’s embarrassing. And the council members can’t get along with each other. It’s not only embarrassing but a disgrace or the city to have a council that micro-manages, operates, makes decisions and behaves the way they do.

Over the years, the image of the city of Fairhope has evolved in the minds of many people all over the world as being very progressive, well-managed, fiscally responsible, aggressive in problem resolution and results oriented. Now, this is not so. These fine attributes are fading and fading fast.

Did Mayor Nix, during his 28 years as mayor and four years on the council have these types of problems? Everyone knows the answer is no. Mayor Nix had the respect of the council and he respected them. They worked through problems together as a team, compromised and resolved issues before going on the council meeting agenda or becoming a “runaway situation.”

If the police chief can’t follow the mayor’s direction, he should be dealt with and the Fairhope residents should vote the council out. We need council members that are team players, decision makers, have business and management experience and have the ability to get along with one another and respect others.

We need to fix things and rebuild our image. The people of Fairhope and Alabama deserve more than we’re getting. We need to protect the quality of life and our investment in the city that all of us enjoy.

Point Clear