Gores Board of Trustees voted to appoint Randy Foley as Ward 5 Trustee during a special meeting held on Feb. 6.
Mayor Robin Henry made a motion to not convene into executive session to discuss the vacant seat, which was formerly held by Gideon Miller, and move onto the next agenda item, according to meeting minutes.
Henry stated that two people had reached out expressing interest in the Ward 5 Trustee position, Foley and Scott May.
During public speaking, Solomon Miller said there was a misinterpretation in a section of executive session, and it should therefore be removed and skipped over.
“What was so important that you guys even put it on there that you guys needed to discuss privately about a board member that is a public servant?” Miller asked. “We are seeing patterns in executive decisions. You guys work for us. We ask that you kindly get up from your seats if you cant respect the wishes of the town.”
Shannon Kelly also addressed the trustees.
“The board has the ability to hold this town together. How did this happen? What qualifications does one have to have to run?” Kelly asked. “Give that person an exact direction to go in. Does that person live in the rural or city? Why did it take so long, going forward what things are put in place for running for office? When are we going to get a map?”
Ron Stokes, who said he spent 34 years as a government employee, spoke about trustee actions and concerns.
“We have to take an oath, we have to follow laws, rules and ethics, that is what I want to see happen. Miller ran in good faith and was elected in good faith. He sat here for nine months in good faith; something smells fishy’’ Stokes told those present.
“He doesn’t think this is about where his address is. He said, “Mayor you made a post in April of 2021 about thinking of your faces when I am making decisions that affect all of us, these are those faces.’
“In seven combat stations I have seen small towns go to crap, and things are starting to go to that. I don’t know why we have 10 or 12 cops here, that senses paranoia on someone. I asked someone if it were normal to have so many cops here, and was told no, maybe four or five.
“I want what is right for this town. I’m not on the city side or Miller’s side. Last month was a mess, emotions got the better of people. Tonight is a pivotal point, I ask that the board step back and think about the steps going forward. We don’t just have to slam somebody in here tonight. The voters have already spoken.”
Foley told the trustees about residing at and the annexation of 500 Rogers Drive. He spoke about his property annexation in 1992, stating the house was built in 1996. He brought copies of his property taxes, annexation, driver’s license, and utilities bills to show that he lives at the location. He said he mainly just wanted to ease any concerns that were floating around.
Rennie Ohl also spoke about residing at and the annexation of 500 Rogers Drive, stating he was also a resident of Ward 5.
“I appreciate Mr. Foley sharing the legal description of where he lives. He assumes it is a coincidence that he is sharing that before the board goes into executive session, it’s about not just living there but consistently living there for six months prior,” Ohl said.
“The board is giving someone an opportunity to swear an oath to that. The spirit of the law is that we want a vested interest in the ward, Mr. Miller vetted this information before running. He was voted in by the community and was removed by a technicality. He would not have run, spent the money.
“He is confused that now the board is going to appoint someone else. He does not understand. He just asked that when the board goes into executive session to appoint whoever is appointed that due diligence be done. He likes that when two weeks ago he slid down the dirt part of the road that has not been fixed for three years, he saw this guy’s eyeballs because he did the very same thing that he did.
“He is a representation of Haven Heights Hill, he knows that Ward 5 is bigger than just Haven Heights, the board knows that they are spending a lot of money on their vehicles due to the condition of the road. We were promised the road will be taken care of but now that people got in the office there is no money for it.”
Vice mayor Larry Pack stated that since Foley ran in the election he should be appointed; while trustee Matt Holland stated both men had called him over the weekend.
Trustee Joni Couch stated she was also contacted by both men but agreed with Pack, since Foley had ran in the election he should be appointed.
Henry then made a motion to appoint Foley as Ward 5 Trustee, which was seconded by Pack, with all other trustees voting in favor of naming Foley the new Ward 5 Trustee.
This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.
