Councilmembers-at-Large Jackie B. Clarkson and Stacy S. Head issued this statement:
The Council’s recent breakdown in communications and cooperation is disappointing. As the at-large councilmembers, we have made every effort to work out any differences among our group. All councilmembers have agreed to support Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and Jon Johnson’s ballot initiative to change the city charter regarding at-large elections, and we have assured Councilwoman Hedge-Morrell that committee assignments will not change with an interim councilmember in District B.
Ultimately, it appears that the real issue is about council integrity and autonomy. Standing on different sides of an issue is an expected and necessary component of a democratic body and should not result in the cessation of city business. We urge our colleagues to return to the council tomorrow for our regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. so that we are able to establish a quorum and resolve unfinished matters.
We look forward to putting this awkward and trying situation behind us, but until then, we will continue to serve all citizens to the best of our abilities.
Councilwoman Head added: “As the former District B representative, I made my nomination and I stand by Mr. Errol George. I hope that a vote will occur tomorrow as we will not meet again as a body until June 7.”
