Citizens share thoughts about Greene ahead of council's special called meeting
Hard lines were drawn and accusations were plenty during the public comments section of the Lexington City Council’s meeting on Monday, August 22. After an update on the ‘City Centre,’ the public comment section of the meeting was opened.
Tyrone Terry began with his third request to the city as it relates to the mass slave grave in the Lexington City Cemetery. He asked them to donate money for a headstone while noting he’d been promised by the previous administration that his request would be granted. Moving on to his next subject, Terry demanded people to not “tarnish the reputation” of the newly elected members of the council and to let them do their jobs. Later, Zane Matthews echoed his sentiments. He expressed since the new members were elected by the people, he believes they should not be spoken of as incompetent.
Terry continued over his allotted time by sharing the definition of the word rumor. He said it is described as “a current circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truths.” His reasoning was due to the fact he said he heard a rumor “that the mayor and certain councilors intend to fire our city manager. If I was Hillary Clinton, I’d say it’s deplorable to even say this. What you’re doing is throwing stuff on the wall and hoping it sticks.”
After Terry spoke, he was followed by citizens who spoke in support of City Manager Terra Greene, citing her many accomplishments during her tenure along with awards she has received due to her work. Among those who spoke in support of Greene were Julia Dunn, Burr Sullivan, Bill McMurray, John Clowney, and Becky Klass.
Dunn noted she’d shared her concerns about the council’s special called meeting on Thursday, August 25 with the mayor and several councilors. The meeting is related to a personnel matter. Dunn stated “she now has it on good authority that the purpose of such meeting is to terminate our City Manager Terra Greene. As mayor and council you’ve served six weeks; barely enough time to get a feel for the complexities of our city government.”
Additionally, there were citizens who used their time to communicate their negative interactions they’ve had regarding customer service. Among these people speaking in support of the rumored personnel change include Johnnie Mae Holloway.
“I am an educator and I’m on the frontlines with a lot of our parents and families. I want to speak on behalf of the other side you all may not know about. Over the years we’ve had so many complaints - the rudeness, the arrogance, the not explaining these fees on these utility bills. Yep, she may be a good manager. She may bring grants into the city. But that’s only one side. We need somebody that’s accountable for the whole city.”
Tyleata Jones aired her complaints about her experience in getting utilities switched over into her name when she was opening her business. “I reached out to your city manager. I was quoted $7,000 from when it was John Wayne’s 50 years ago. I don’t know if that’s because I’m a minority or a woman. Ms. Greene played on my intelligence.” Jones later encouraged city officials to honor their word. “Give everybody the same resources. Work with everybody. Don’t choose who you want to work with. If you don’t like somebody because of how they look, it’s not right. And if somebody don’t like her because of how she looks, I’m totally with Ms. Dunn. If it’s because of work ethic that’s something different.”
The final public comment was from Terra Watkins. She also did not take a specific side, but stated she is not pleased with how divisive this rumor has been. “A city of unity” is what she describes Lexington as beginning, and she ended her statement by quoting her grandmother who always said “you get more bees with honey.” She called for everyone to be conscious of how we speak to each other and for the city council to make the right decision in this matter.
The council will have a special called meeting on Thursday, August 25 at 12:00pm in the Cue Conference Room at City Hall. Since the meeting will take place in closed session, it isn't open to the public.
*Davidson Local was contacted by Tyleata Jones regarding the original paraphrasing of her comments. Jones stated what was reported isn't what she said. Davidson Local has confirmed there was an error (which has been corrected). The article has been updated.
