The June 2nd meeting concerning the hydroelectric ordinance began as a meeting to inform the attendees about the Square on Carter Street. I took about 30 minutes before the people were allowed to have their thoughts or questions about the ordinance and use of monies derived from the royalties, which was the purpose of the meeting.

I want to thank all the citizens of Vidalia who attended the important hydroelectric meeting. I especially thank Patricia Murray Lane for her excellent presentation and all the other interested people who asked questions.

I was appalled that only one of the six elected officials had the “backbone” to answer the question: ”Were you aware that the ordinance required two public meetings?” I am proud of you, Mr. Betts, for your straightforward answer. Our elected officials only had to say yes or no. I believe some of them were in office when the ordinance was written and enacted. The mayor evaded the question by answering we had clean audits. Clean audits do not exempt you from the requirements of the ordinance.

I realize the next meeting will be a joint meeting with the regular board meeting.  I am asking the mayor and staff to have answers of how the hydro monies have been spent during the years we have not had the proper public meetings.

I am asking that they have the following information available at the next meeting.

4In the past four years, how much money did the town receive, per year, from hydroelectric royalties?

4In the past four years, how much hydroelectric money was spent on the following projects: Convention Center and the salaries (Receipts and Expenditures for 2013 and 2014); port and salaries; recreation complex and salaries; ITT center and salaries; municipal complex including fire and police; economic development office and salaries; feasibility study, engineering costs and consultants for the “Square on Carter St.”

I am ashamed that the Honorable John Kennedy and the Bond Commission had to remind you of your responsibilities to the people you serve.

I am proud of our town and know many have worked hard to make it the wonderful town that it is. I was not happy with the remarks from Mr. Leyen’s concerning the “tin buildings” on Carter Street. I am sure many business owners were not happy with his remark.

I do feel that you have not been fair to the people who elected you. If you do not follow the hydroelectric ordinance, how many more ordinances are you “not in compliance with?”

This should be a wake-up call for each of you to own up to the non-compliance with this ordinance and any others. I also ask that you make all your projects and budgets very transparent to the people you serve. Answer the questions asked to you honestly and without any “back talk” to the person(s) who request the information. Each of you serve us, you are answerable to us, the voters.

I ask every resident of Vidalia to make an effort to attend the second meeting concerning the use of hydroelectric funds at 6 p.m. on June 9 at Vidalia Municipal Complex.

Corinne Randazzo

Vidalia