On January 23, a group of Pelahatchie citizens gathered on the steps of City Hall, carrying signs and proclaiming, "Enough is enough: It is time." Several cars drove around town, sporting posters encouraging voters to select a new administration in the upcoming municipal election, in which all five aldermen positions and the mayor position will be up for grabs. Citizens who were participating in the rally said that they want respect to return to the City Hall boardroom, the Board members to talk to members of the community and have a conversation on the issues, and the mayor’s salary to be reinstated.
Four years ago, Ryshonda Beechem was elected as Pelahatchie’s mayor by a twelve-vote margin in a three-way race between three independents - Beechem, Megan Hall and Shannon Boyce. In the race, which had a sixty-six percent.
Turnout, James Harrell also beat Chris Courtney by fifty-seven votes for Ward Alderman, a seat left vacant by Megan Hall’s run for mayor. Eddie Jones narrowly won the Alderman-At-Large post by three votes against Patsy Watson. Michael Adams (Ward 1 Alderman), Frank Boyd (Ward 2 Alderman) and Margie Warren (Ward 3 Alderman) were unopposed.
From their first Board of Alderman meeting in July of 2017, relations between the Board and the Mayor have been tense.
In February of 2018, the Board of Aldermen voted to cut the Mayor’s salary by seventy-five percent, from $1,000 to $250, and their own salaries by fifty-percent, from $500 to $250.
In recent months, citizens complained that the relationships on the Board and with the mayor have deteriorated further, and they say the entire town is suffering.
The qualifying period for 2021 Pelahatchie municipal elections has begun and will run through Friday, February 5, 2021, at 5 p.m. Those interested in running for office may turn in their paperwork at City Hall.
The Town of Pelahatchie is governed by the Mayor and five elected Aldermen. City elections are held every four years for the positions, and four of the five aldermen are elected from separate wards, with the remaining position being Alderman-at-Large.
Comment
Comments