@DannyDGlover and I met with Mason, TN leaders and spoke at their board meeting yesterday. The residents were receptive and appreciative of anything we could do to help. We listened and asked questions. Here a few takeaways and what we’ve learned:
#SaveMasonTN
#SaveMasonTN
The Comptroller has never made attempts to meet with them or offer support prior to 3/3 hostile takeover letter sent.
Comptroller’s letter was mailed to all residents, instead of the city officials, to skew public opinion. Mayor Gooden sent 3/10 rebuttal letter to residents to clarify facts.
According to Vice Mayor Rivers + others, Comptroller walked into the 3/10 town hall meeting with a condescending, belittling attitude towards the people and was not prepared for their push back, business acumen and leadership. He left the meeting “with his tail between his legs.”
Major backstory on all this here: tennesseelookout.com/2022/03/14/thi…
Town of Mason already has a plan to repay their debt. Comptroller is aware of this plan.
The current administration voted to repay $10,100 for 27 months in order to lift the town out of debt. They submitted this plan to the comptroller.
https://twitter.com/DannyDGlover/status/1506081185423896578?s=20&t=8V2dwqBoalzyHJvow08LkQ
Per Comptroller’s letter, they needed to pay $22,145/month which will erase the debt in 12 months. This amount is based on last audit FY2020.
https://twitter.com/DannyDGlover/status/1506081307956322306?s=20&t=8V2dwqBoalzyHJvow08LkQ
Town of Mason has been making payments on time, never missed a payment. City is meeting privately today with Comptroller to reiterate their plan to pay $10k for 27 months. They have no intention of relinquishing their Charter and folding into Tipton Co govt.
Per Vice Mayor, TN Comptroller set a deadline for next Monday 3/28 to decide action on Charter takeover.
The city has legal counsel and is working with a financial consultant to get their affairs in order. Current financial team has completed 5 audits in 3 years to catch up.
Simply put: they are ON IT and always have been since the current Black-led administration took over in 2018. They just need more time, and the Comptroller is moving the goal post up.
Btw, I asked why Vice Mayor is doing all the press and not the Mayor. They all said he is fully in lockstep with the VM; he just isn't as comfortable being in front of the camera.
As far as action and how to support, we're planning a couple of canvassing days this weekend. Volunteers welcome. Stay tuned.
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