ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Mayor Tony Kennon expressed his frustration with the attendance at Wednesday’s regularly scheduled Town Hall Meeting.

Vowing to hold the weekly meetings until the oil spill situation is under control, local officials have seen the numbers continue to drop during the past several weeks.

Wednesday’s meeting began on a solemn note with the mayor briefing local citizens regarding the death of charter boat captain William Allen “Rookie” Kruse.

Following a moment of silence in remembrance of Kruse, and some words by friends in the industry, Kennon addressed the size of the crowd. It appeared that the death of a local citizen, coupled by the much smaller turnout than from weeks before, had the mayor frustrated.

“I wanted this to be a more positive meeting, but I am having a hard time getting my attitude in that mode this morning.”

Kennon said while things were accelerating on some fronts, there were still issues to deal with, especially when it comes to the claims process.

“I’m tired of beating my head against the wall. I don’t know what else to do. People are still coming to my office, crying, about to lose everything.”

Admitting that his comments would probably not get him elected to anything, Kennon spoke to the crowd in a heart-felt effort to keep the fight alive.

“I’m going to tell you right now folks, I’m fighting. I’m fighting for you. But if our community is not going to fight for themselves, I’m going back to 40 hours a week and to seeing my family. I’m not going to do this by myself.”

Kennon’s comments were met by a huge round of applause from the residents that were present in the meeting.

“The reason we come here every Wednesday is not to get a check and it’s not to get every question answered. We come here together as a community to maintain that sense of camaraderie, that support for each other, that relationship to help each other through the week.”

Kennon went so far as to ask for the attendance of all of the local clergy.

“I want to know where all the preachers are. Every single preacher in the community ought to be here today, searching out who they can help and support and comfort.

“Please put the word out, if you are not going to fight for yourself, I’m going on vacation.