Cairo officials do little business as resentment remains strong

~ No votes were held on most items because most council members declined to take part in discussions.

CAIRO, Ill. -- The regular meeting Tuesday of the Cairo City Council was most notable for what members didn't do.

They didn't approve the city payroll. They didn't approve paying the city's bills. And they didn't receive any respect from or give give any respect to Mayor Paul Farris.

On most agenda items, including a change in the operator of the city's cable system, a $142,000 loan to pay employee's health insurance and accepting a $10,307 grant for the police department, no votes were held because five of six members declined to take part in discussions.

When council members brought up items they wanted to discuss, oftentimes Farris wouldn't acknowledge they were speaking.

At the end, the council approved just four votes -- purchasing an $18,000 firetruck with the first payment due in 2007, going into closed session, approving a loan extension and adjourning.

The continuing confrontation didn't have the angry give and take seen at some meetings, but the resentment between the two factions -- a staple of Cairo public life since Farris was elected in 2003 -- remained strong.

"We have a right to be acknowledged," councilwoman Linda Jackson said after the meeting.

"It is the whole package of respecting us," councilman Bobby Whitaker added. "He wants to run the entire city and shift the blame to us. We were elected just like he was."

Whitaker, Jackson, Elbert "Bo" Purchase and Sandra Tarver adamantly oppose Farris, who responded by withholding their paychecks. Councilwoman Carolyn Ponting, the only member willing to cooperate with Farris, once again said she's frustrated by the bickering.

"I am so embarassed for this little town," she said. "Good people are getting the short end of the stick."

In an interview, Farris said he could change his mind and direct the city clerk to issue paychecks. But he doesn't believe it would lead to a more cooperative council.

"Based on their prior voting history and participation in the council, it is not with pay or without pay that makes a difference," he said. "They are not going to vote for different items for the betterment of the community."

rkeller@semissourian.com

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