Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Although three Abbeville City Councilman voted for the termination of the City Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Jerry Smith, the main conversation in the community is about the vote of Councilman Wayne Landry. I also have some concerns because his entire district is part of my School Board District F. The parents in City Councilman District D and VP School Board District F are supporters of the parks and recreation in this community. They and their children deserve better.
All of the info that I read and was told by parents in and out of districts D and F that Mr. Jerry Smith was doing an exceptional job. His evaluation proved that point. My concern is why Mr. Smith was terminated despite his favorable evaluation.
Since most of the talk was about Councilman Landry, he should be man enough to step forward and tell the community the reason for his vote. Of course, this does not excuse the other two councilmen.
I was also told that Councilman Wayne Landry was asked to meet with some concerned citizens in the community and he refused to do so If this is true this is not the kind of attitude a councilman or any elected official should display to the community in which they serve. None of us is perfect and we all make mistakes, but it takes a grown person to admit his or her mistake. There is no shame in admitting this because mistakes can be corrected.
Councilman Landry has made many comments about violence in this community. Most of the violence has taken place in District D and District F. Voting to terminate positive recreational activities for our children sends a bad message in the community. Why would he vote to take away positive activities that would help to keep our children focused and engaged in a positive manner? That question needs to be answered. The parents and children were looking forward to having a fun filled educational and recreational summer that would have continued throughout the year and into the next year.
How could the people of Abbeville say that they want a thriving community when we allow negative decisions to determine our future leaders who are children in this community. We certainly cannot make Abbeville a perfect city but together we can strive to make it a better city. Together small ants can conquer an elephant.
I hope that Councilman Landry will read this article as something positive. This is by no means an attempt to embarrass or humiliate him, but he should meet and communicate with his constituents in order to negate the negative comments circulating throughout the community. Positive communication will help to solve if not all but some of those negative comments. If the communication is honest and above board progress can be made.
I also ant to thank the concerned citizens who had the courage to voice their opinion concerning this matter.

Thank you,
Mr. Charles Campbell
VPSB Member
District F