Political turmoil has once again erupted in the tiny Cherokee-Pickens town of Nelson.
The latest episode in years of conflicts emerged this week with the news Councilmen Duane Cronic and Jonathan Bishop suddenly resigned their posts last Friday, sparking debate about what politics could be behind the moves.
On Wednesday, Cronic sent a scathing email to Councilman Jackie Jarrett and newly elected Mayor Larry Ray, criticizing both the officials and hailing Cronic’s accomplishments in office. In the email obtained by the Tribune, Cronic also asked to meet Jarrett face to face so they could discuss Cronic’s grievances in person. Cronic has since apologized profusely for the email.
Nelson’s political conflicts through the years have mostly been over what authority the city council, the mayor or city manager should have, as well as general infighting in the government of the tiny town of about 1,300 residents. The problems date back to at least 1999, when Pickens County sheriff’s deputies forced then-Mayor Dennis Lance to close down the city after almost all its officials resigned. Nelson’s last two mayors also resigned after having troubles with the council.
When asked by the Tribune this week, Cronic originally said he resigned because he had completed the goals he set out to when he ran for the council in 2011. Those goals included strengthening the city’s police department and getting Nelson on steadier financial footing.
By Thursday, after the email to Jarret surfaced, Cronic said he quit the council partly because of the direction the city was heading after the election in November, which brought in the new mayor and ousted former Councilwoman Edith Portillo. Portillo was a frequent ally of Cronic.
However, in spite of the politics involved, Cronic did say he felt he had been an asset to the city. Portillo also said Cronic had made contributions as a council member.
Bishop this week said his resignation didn’t have anything to do with politics. Instead, he said he hung it up, because he’s planning on moving to the Canton area to be closer to work.
via Cherokee Tribune – Nelson facing political woes A blistering email and two resignations spark debate.
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