By Staff
Actions taken by the Red Bay City Council Monday night in drafting a letter of suspension for Red Bay Police Chief Pat Creel were at best a feeble attempt to get some attention and at worst a blatant violation of the state's open meeting law.
An attorney with the Alabama League of Municipalities and a spokesperson with the Alabama Attorney General's office, who were each contacted by this newspaper, said a suspension or leave of absence with pay must be voted on by the city council.
Since there was no formal vote, the letter is little more than a waste of everyone's time and a waste of taxpayer's money. Councilman Bobby Nelson and councilwomen Ann Wilkins and Patsy Hammock all signed the letter. Red Bay Mayor Jeff Reid and councilman Ricky Holland not only refused to sign the letter, they say they had no prior knowledge of its existence. This reeks of collusion between the three council members. The fact that no reason was given in the letter for Creel's suspension is laughable. Not only is that ridiculous, it leaves the city open for litigation, sending more taxpayer's dollars down the toilet. The citizens of Red Bay, the city employees, Mayor Reid and Councilman Holland all deserve better than this.