Fredonians fight on

The Fredonia community plans to take its fight over the town’s charter to the circuit court.

Residents made the decision Monday night after the Chambers County Commission failed to act at its meeting on a resolution made by Commissioner Danny Kendrick to set aside last month’s forfeiture order and allow the town to have a chance to reinstate its charter.

It was the second time Kendrick made a motion on behalf of his constituents in Fredonia. Both times his efforts failed to get a second and therefore wasn’t discussed by the commission. About 40 residents attended the meeting. Six spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

When the six-member board sat in silence for a minute, waiting for a second to the motion, residents became enraged. Kendrick put his head in his hand. He said after the meeting, “my heart just fell out.” Residents started standing up as they waited. Many voiced their displeasure with the commission’s lack of action. Commissioners remained silent.

Commission Chairman Jack Bunn banged the gavel and the meeting proceeded. The majority of the residents left the room.

The residents from the meeting reconvened at the Fredonia Community Clubhouse to decide what to do next, if anything. Group leader Jack Cumbee, who is known for the passion he has for Fredonia, appeared before them dejected and somber, his voice hoarse from spending much time talking on the phone. He questioned if they should fight anymore. Some residents agreed, others did not.

“We’ve got to protect our way of life,” said Lori Taylor.

After debating options and possibilities for more than an hour, residents agreed to fight. The deadline to appeal the commission’s decision to forfeit the charter is Monday. When asked who was willing to offer the cash to retain attorney Kent Lauderdale so he could move forward with the appeal, one by one, hands flew into the air. By the end, the group had collected $2,000.

The group also decided to meet next week to plan fundraisers.

| 737-2534