It is a privilege and honor to serve as your Mayor. As presiding officer of the Dothan City Commission, I have the unique responsibility for the efficient running of the city’s business meetings. It is this Commissions desire to hear the comments, complaints, and compliments of ALL the residents of the City of Dothan.
Citizens of Dothan have a unique opportunity with their ability to address the Commission under Privileges of the Floor. There is no law or statue that says I have to allow this to take place. A privilege that not all cities afford its citizens. In my six and a half years as your Mayor, I have always allowed people to come and address this Commission. Until recently, we have not had issues with the current process.
In my professional and personal life, I have always tried to be open-minded and fair. Even if I didn’t happen to agree on something, I always treat people with dignity and respect.
As stated numerous times, privileges of the floor are not to be repetitive, profane, boisterous, threatening, offensive, or unruly. This is also not a forum to attack any city employee or any member of a city employee’s family. As has been and will continue to be policy, those who have lawsuits and/or complaints filed against the city with any entity will and have not been afforded the privilege of addressing this commission.
Communication is all we have. Our city's health depends on it. Our progress, our hope, and our ability to move forward hand-in-hand has everything to do with how well we keep the lines of communication open between the citizens in this community and those who have been elected to serve its citizens.
We value your voices. The voices and the lives of every person in this community truly matters. We also value peace and we understand that a clear process is needed in order to maintain peace in our communication with one another.
We will take the next 30-60 days to consult with our City Manager, the National League of Cities, the Alabama League of Municipalities, and legal to establish and publish a coherent and fair policy that will ensure that every citizen who resides in this city will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and needs with this Commission, your Commission.
From today forward (at least for the next 30-60 days) we will take your comments in written form directed to your particular district commissioner. You can complete this form, print and mail, e-mail or hand deliver to the City Admin office Monday-Friday during regular business hours (8am-5pm).
By working together, we can truly make Dothan the best we all know it can be.