Comments on: Century’s Mayor Accused Of Using City Resources On Private Property

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:54:34 +0000

REGARDING:
“The phrase “separation of church and state” itself does not appear in the United States Constitution. The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.””

This is true. The First Amendment prohibited Congress from favoring or disfavoring any particular religion.

Then the 14th Amendment extended that prohibition down to the very smallest government entity, like the Town of Century. Thus, they can’t do favors for the Second United Pentecostal Presbyterian Church but not for the Fifth United Pentecostal Presbyterian Church. Doing so would be a form of establishment.

Also true that has little to do with what was going on here — even though it would apply if some other church or even non-church asked for similar favors and was turned down. For the most part, this is about using public monies for private gain.

It is interesting that some have no problem with elected officials breaking the law by illegally using public resources to help certain people if their heart was in the right place.

I don’t personally care what Century does. It is very entertaining. Nonetheless, it is unwise to say, “The law should be changed so I will just ignore it.” Then anybody can break any law he dislikes.

David for law-abiding citizens

By: Chelleepea

Chelleepea — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:32:24 +0000

Dear RESIDENT, perhaps the town doing volunteer work should not be illegal. Banks and other businesses put in so many hours in volunteer work in their communities. I don’t see why city hall should be any different since they already are paid to do the city work. Community projects outside of city business that benefits the whole community should be ok…with council approval of course.

By: Century Resident

Century Resident — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 17:42:48 +0000

It just seems like no matter what the mayor does or tries to do some of you are going to find fault. This mayor goes beyond his call to help this community. Please Mr. Hawkins hang in there and keep helping us get our community back to what it use to be. I have so much respect for you and the pride you have taken to help make this place , a place where people will want to come live. Thank you for all you have already did for us.

By: Mangler Malachi

Mangler Malachi — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:34:30 +0000

To Mayor Hawkins: I want to believe you are a good man with a servant’s heart for your community. But golly gee! You need to quit puttin’ your cart in front of the mule! This isn’t the first time your well intentioned ideas have backfired in your face. You need to start learning from your mistakes! Take a minute to read the rulebook before just runnin’ off and doin’ stuff. Get your act together, Henry!

To some of the most vociferous folks of NE.com: Is there something from Mayor Hawkins’ history that causes you to suspect him of corruption? Dangit if y’all don’t need to quit persecuting the Mayor every time he makes a mistake! Hold him accountable? Yes, definitely! But stop stompin’ on him so hard when he goofs up! Sheesh!

By: Joel

Joel — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:27:45 +0000

Looks like what some folk want is for the mayor to be charged, have a trial and see justice served. Sounds great until one tallies all the costs and compares it to the cost of what the mayor did. His actions helped that historic church and the people of Century. What he did may have been wrong but it sure seems silly to waste so much money to punish an action that helped! What happened to common sense?

By: Ex Century Resident

Ex Century Resident — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:44:38 +0000

When good old Freddie was in office he did worse than that I did not see any complaints! I am still wondering how much he put in his pockets from what is suppose to be a splash pad. That is a joke! Stay strong Mayor Hawkins!! Nothing you do will be right as long as the next person can’t see a direct advantage!! Small town with smaller minded people!

By: Keep up the good work

Keep up the good work — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:31:16 +0000

Well at least it was something that was done for someone else, and not like our previous Mayor, who had town employees doing ‘illegal work ‘ at his racetrack in a whole nother state . We’re are gonna give you the benefit of the doubt just like they gave him, that you didn’t know you wasn’t suppose to do that. Forgiven.

By: bigbill1961

bigbill1961 — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 07:01:31 +0000

@chris

The phrase “separation of church and state” itself does not appear in the United States Constitution. The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Whether the mayor was right or wrong has nothing to do with separation of church and state. It has to do with the inappropriate use of funds.

By: mike

mike — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 02:10:05 +0000

Hang in there Henry!

look, do it HOA style, If a resident won’t maintain their property, do it for them, and send them a bill. bill not paid in certain amount of time the property is seized by the city. lotta problems solved and revenue generated for the city.

By: Resident

Resident — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 00:54:36 +0000

>We are a small community. I don’t see a problem with the city doing volunteer /charity work around town that will benefit the community or a neighborhood

The problem is it is illegal.