For many, the reaction of the elected municipal officials in Sylacauga to concerns about a potential influx of Haitian migrants left much to be desired.
Initially, the Sylacauga City Council declined to listen to citizens' concerns and shut down one of its meetings when attendees attempted to voice their frustration.
The city's mayor offered an evolving narrative on the legality of Haitian migrants, which he had to backtrack.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) criticized those in Sylacauga city government and suggested to listeners those officials needed to be reminded who they answer to.
"That's what's very frustrating — just talking about the debates," he said. "The president and vice president can fix this right now, and Trump called that out. He said, 'If you truly are interested in fixing the problems that we're facing, taking your tail to the capital and fix it right now because you are in power. You can.'"
"I heard from several people from around the state how upset they are," Stadthagen continued. "The council meeting, I think it was Sylacauga that I watched just really disturbed me, you know, because people are upset. They elect us to serve them in public office. They are the people who are in charge, not the people serving. We answer to the people who put us. And for them to be treated the way they were, it was very distasting. I mean, I just couldn't believe it. Everybody is frustrated. A lot of people — they just want to know what can we do? It's a federal issue. The state is going to look and see what we can do. But once again, this is a federal issue."
"I think there is no mistake that they're coming," he added. "It's all organized. They've got EBT cards, working visas. They probably have voter ID cards if I had to guess. I don't know. It's amazing how the federal government is allowing this to take place in the state of Alabama and other states."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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