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Today we received two publishing requests almost simultaneously. One was to say "something good" about Sheffield and the other was to relate an opinion that wasn't so good.
First the good: A 14 year veteran of the Sheffield Police Department has been promoted to captain. Chris Tate is pictured below. We hope all our readers will congratulate Capt. Tate:
Now the not so good. The following essay is from Sheffield citizen Mark Daily. He asked that he be credited as the author:
Let's address the unpleasant matter first. Have you recently driven through Barton? Perhaps the odor has improved, but the county's waste problem continues to worsen. In my line of work, when projects veer off course to this extent, we hold regular meetings and ensure accountability updates. Has anyone received any substantial updates regarding the landfill situation? I'm referring to real updates, not recycled trivial information.
Speaking of projects, when I draft contracts, I usually incorporate performance clauses. In the case of our illustrious road to nowhere, also known as Inspiration Landing, when will we invoke the penalty phase? Money is flowing out, but nothing is coming in. The most recent statement from city hall attempted to justify demolishing the old recycling business building as a catalyst for progress at the landing. The taxpayers footed the bill for its removal.
Yet, we are now back to complete silence. At some point, taxpayers deserve either action or accountability. City leadership should publicly disclose contracts and cash flow without needing a formal request for information. Eventually, the citizens of Sheffield will have to hold their leaders accountable if they can't ensure the same for these so-called out-of-town investors and speculators.
It's peculiar that I can't even drive along our main road in Sheffield without risking damage to my vehicle, while a beautifully paved road sits waiting for nature to overtake it with grass. If we were in need of a picturesque road to travel, we should have considered investing in our existing infrastructure. If we wish to attribute our missteps to past leadership, so be it. However, the current administration must eventually take charge and guide us towards success. It could begin with a public announcement detailing the true state of affairs.
*****
This beautiful girl is Kate. Her breed info simply says that she's a "dog." Who woulda thunk it? She's around one year old and seeking her new home. You can see Kate at the shelter on Roberson Road just off Chisholm in Florence:
