Rusk to dedicate James Long city court building
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Plans to dedicate the James Long Municipal Court Building were made at the Thursday evening Rusk Council meeting. A dedication ceremony will be held in the near future. Time and date will be announced later.

A plaque will be presented to the late Judge James Long's family, who will be recognized at the event.

Judge Long served as municipal judge for approximately 12 years and was Rusk mayor for another eight years. He served the city in various other positions.

In other matters the council discussed the proposed charter amendments with city attorney Larry Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair said he will meet with Forrest Phifer, former city attorney and chairman of the charter committee, this week.

During the discussion time Councilman Kris Morgan said, "I don't think there is any reason to remove the mayor's vote."

Councilman Sam Florian said, "The mayor is the highest office and is recognized as the head of the city's government. Why would you deny that person the right to vote?"

Councilman Don Jones asked, "Do we have the right to deny the citizens the right to decide?"

Mr. Morgan said, "The citizens have already decided for the mayor to vote. They did that about 10 years ago."

Mayor Angela Raiborn said, "I do not have a problem with the mayor not voting."

Mr. Sinclair will present his recommendations to the council at a meeting later this month.

In another matter, the council tabled the expenditure of $15,077 for a lease purchase for a backhoe through Consolidated Financial Resources Inc. This will be considered at the next meeting.

A racial profiling statistic report was approved. The city manager was authorized to sign an interlocal agreement with Cherokee County for restaurant inspections.

A committee to study proposed planning and zoning changes was appointed to include councilman Morgan, Maxine Session, Raymond Vermillion, Buz Netters, Buz Parrish, Mary Madden and Kevin Gentry.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Raiborn, Councilmembers Morgan, Jones, Donald Woodard and Florian; City Manager Mike Murray and City Secretary Fran Wendeborn. Absent was Councilman Walter Session.