Ferris voters take back the city

As election results began to come in Saturday, an acquaintance was heard to say he had been praying for God to direct the hearts of voters to once and for all seat a righteous government for Ferris.

God must have been listening.

The citizens of Ferris resignedly voiced their opinions at the polls last weekend by exercising their most powerful voice – voting to end the reign of council members who have allowed a stain on the city’s reputation.

“We ain’t going to take it anymore,” was the attitude of most who stormed the library to vote.

Residents were seen high-fiving and flashing thumbs up at each other all across the city Sunday after majority leader Councilman Bobby Lindsey was defeated by African-American candidate Tommy Scott, Councilwoman Sherie Chapman regained her seat, and local businessman Michael Martinez defeated Cindy Cousins Aspin to win the seat vacated by Rick Barrett.

In the past several years, residents have flooded city council meetings, pleading for the council to, “clean up the city,” and demanding the aldermen respect the wishes of the constituents who elected them when it came to water and infrastructure issues, economic development, while preserving the charm and history of Ferris, and cleaning up the sexual harassment and immorality at city hall.

Their cries had fallen on deaf ears with the majority vote of Lindsey, Clayton Hunter and Jay Walsh overriding the votes of Chapman and Barrett.

But now, if the seat-winning newly-elected council members keep their campaign promises, the tide has turned. The wishes of residents will be honored, and Ferris will return back – to the future.

Unlike last year’s election filled with questionable voter’s addresses, this year’s election was characterized by an over-the-top spewing of unbelievably hateful and ugly remarks permeating social media.

Len Baxley, a local businessman who was especially frustrated with Ferris’ treatment of the city’s dogs and animal shelter, established the Political Action Committee “Citizens Free Ferris,” to free Ferris from the “cancer that had permeated city hall,” by procuring and promoting righteous candidates to run for city council.

The PAC group, almost entirely funded by Baxley, was successful – to begin chemotherapy for the city. As with any cancer, it will take time, but residents should be so proud they took back control.

There IS one lesson to be learned here, though, and it is for you – the citizens – to remain vigilant and monitor everything your city officials do, and let your voice be heard.

There are so many questionable and terrible things that happened in city government for the last several years. But, you – the citizens won.

Congratulations Ferris – way to go!