Public Comment: County Leaders Get Praise and Scorn

Fayette County Commissioners Court listened to an earful at their meeting last Thursday – both praise and scorn – from a pair of citizens.

Two people signed up to speak during the public comment period at the meeting. Up first was Round Top Alderman Karen Duddlesten. In her remarks, Duddlesten referenced the conflict between the County and Town of Round Top over ownership of the Round Top Precinct Courthouse and Town Square.

The Town of Round Top filed a lawsuit against the County over the dispute last Thursday. The Commissioners Court were served with lawsuit papers just before the meeting started last Thursday. (Read more about the lawsuit in the story …) “I’ve listened to a few tell outright lies at commissioners meetings and write letters to the newspaper about our mayor and town council,” Duddlesten said. “And unfortunately, for some unknown reason, the commissioners have chosen to believe them rather than speaking to any of us on the council or the mayor about what’s really going on. The residents of Round Top elected our mayor, but because she’s honest and capable and loves our town.

Duddlesten said she and the Council have been “slowly working through issues left by previous administrations.”

“The only negative comments we get are from people who don’t live or vote within the one square mile, while our residents have been happy overall with our attention to business affecting the town,” she said. “All I ask is that we be treated fairly and with accurate facts rather than lies.”

Next to speak was Larry Jackson, chairman of the Fayette County Semiquincentennial Commission. Jackson thanked County leaders for assisting with the July 4th Celebration on the Square.

“I just wanted to come this morning and thank you so very much for all of the help that the County has given in the celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” Jackson said. “This has been a wonderful year. You created a commission on behalf of Fayette County back in November of last year to celebrate our 250th anniversary all year long. We’re at the halfway mark. We’ve passed the 4th of July, and we had a wonderful celebration, thanks especially to the County’s efforts. We really appreciated your assistance in that, and we think we had a wonderful celebration.”

Jackson also wanted to remind everyone about the Commission’s Liberty Tree project. The Commission has secured 250 oak and pecan trees to be planted around the County in October. Any resident in Fayette County can sign up for a tree at no cost until they run out. Applications are available at the Fayette County Judge’s Office in the Courthouse and at the Fayette County Record Office, located at 127 S. Washington St. in La Grange.

The trees will be available for pickup at the Fayette County Extension Office on Saturday, Oct 3.