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Century Councilman Smith Rants NorthEscambia.com Is ‘Racist’, ‘Biased, Lackluster’ And Should Stop Covering Century
May 7, 2020
In an apparent response to a NorthEscambia.com story about the public’s right to attend council meetings as guaranteed by Florida’s Sunshine Law, Century council member James Smith lashed out his week at NorthEscambia.com ’s publisher as being “racist” and “biased” while suggesting that a “lackluster” NorthEscambia.com stop covering the town council if the newspaper can’t “uplift Century”.
At a public town council meeting held this week by teleconference, Smith launched a six minute uninterrupted rant.
“What Will is doing when he is trying to degrade someone’s character, I’ve got a very big problem with that,” Smith said, wrongly using the nickname “Will” for NorthEscambia.com publisher William Reynolds.
“For you, Will, to go and print that councilmen are trying to keep secrets that’s the most ignorant thing that you could do,” Smith said.
During an April council meeting, Smith and council member Luis Gomez complained that NorthEscambia.com attended a virtual teleconference regular council meeting without audibly announcing the newspaper’s presence. In an editor’s note on the story, we stated, “…we fail to understand why a council member would care if the media was listening to a meeting. Unless there’s something they want to keep secret.” [Read the story here.]
“You’re extreme biased, and, and, and, and to a big huge extent, it plays a big part of you being a racist,” Smith said, adding that “we’ are trying to get Century going in the right direction without secrets”.
“You are now trying to stir up trouble with saying someone has secrets. Councilman Smith have no reason and no agenda to have any secrets whatsoever. My main concern is for the well being of Century,” he said, “which I guarantee you won’t print.”
NorthEscambia.com is the only daily media that covers Century government on a regular basis. Coverage of Century has ranged from many positive stories to an over abundance of negative stories that simply could not be responsibly ignored in order to “uplift Century”.
Negative stories during Smith’s term on the council have included a grand jury report that found gross mismanagement in the town, over a million dollars lost in utility operations, missing natural gas, about $3 million improperly borrowed from accounts with a 750-year payback plan, and a state of financial emergency. Other stories have included the revelation that residents were receiving inaccurate natural gas bills including free gas for some, a lawsuit by a creditor over a $19K unpaid bill, an audit finding multi-million dollar deficits with signs of financial emergency, a failing wastewater treatment plant, a property tax increase vote that violated state law, a lack of funds to make payroll, state and federal taxes that were paid months late, and admitted Sunshine Law violations at a council meeting.
But Smith apparently does not agree those stories should have been covered. This week, he said, “If you are not going to do the right thing and to try report and help us uplift Century and at least let the people know that they have councilmen, councilwomen that are actually in the seat to try to improve Century, then I suggest that you don’t be a part of it at all.”
Smith then began to discuss his 2018 campaign, complaining that NorthEscambia.com didn’t interview him. The newspaper did not interview Smith or his opponent; we did contact each candidate via text message and email using the contact information they provided to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Smith’s opponent responded, but he did not. Smith won the election 277 votes to 230. He attended his swearing in ceremony in January 2019, but was a no-show at several subsequent council meetings.
“I will reiterate, I feel that you are an extreme racist, and you are extremely biased,” he said to “Will”.
He then addressed the reporter for a small weekly printed newspaper in Flomaton. “Mrs. Gretchen if you are there, headline it that I believe Will is a racist and he’s extremely biased. A lot of people in our community know and understand this, but you trying to get people to, to look at our council in, in a bad light and that’s not what you suppose to be doing. You are suppose to be. Go ahead and report the truth. Make sure you let all of our citizens and residents know that we’re trying to work hard to try to make it better.”
Listen to Smith’s entire six minute rant by clicking here.
Pictured top: James Smith at a December 16, 2019, council meeting during which he voted against hiring Interim City Manager Vernon Prather, proclaiming that, “All the sudden he’s now wanting to be our savior. No thanks, I don’t need you.”. Pictured below: Smith’s swearing in during January 2019. He was a no-show at several subsequent council meetings. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
83 Responses to “Century Councilman Smith Rants NorthEscambia.com Is ‘Racist’, ‘Biased, Lackluster’ And Should Stop Covering Century”
Well well well. First of all, thank you NortEscambia.com for ALWAYS keeping us in the know around our County. Your outlet is the ONLY trusted and reliable news source in our area. I’ve driven through the town of Century for over 30+ years going back and forth to work and it saddens me that the ones in charge do not care about the image one sees as traveling through our northern town in this county. I’ve often wondered why the City of Century will not clean this place up and bring in businesses to improve their infrastructure. The people who live in this town should be mad at the lack of care exhibited by their leadership. I mulled over the fact of even voicing my opinion about this …didn’t want to give Smith anymore attention because I feel as if that’s the only thing he cares about…he sure doesn’t care about the town and it’s great people. If he has nothing to hide then why is he so against having NorthEscambia present at the meetings? Must be scared that what is really going on up there will be exposed by this great and honest news reporting agency. I agree with the others that are saying let Escambia county take back this town and help those people who live their. End of my giving Smith anymore of the attention he is wanting by being this way. Sad sad sad
Century has not done anything right in many years, so how can anything nice be reported. The nicest thing that could happen to Century is for the city to be dissolved before it goes any further in debt.
When they start lashing out, you know you re over the target!!
More power to the press!!! I was hoping our national governments behavior towards the press would not trickle down but here we are.
I must say, that statement hit me as well. I wonder what he teaches; Ebonics?
It’s way past time to shut this circus down, there is absolutely nothing that the Century town council can do that the county can’t do better. It is a waste of everyone’s time, money and effort. Dissolve the city of Century, it should have been done 20 years ago.
Mr. SMITH “At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.” Quote from Billy Madison.
racist? May I suggest that you find a mirror to look at when your pointing fingers councilman. My goodness what a shame. Exhausting I tell ya! Exhausting!
If Mr. Smith is so educated, and claims to be a teacher at the 3 min 19 seconds part of his rant claiming that Willam misspells all the time and has errors all the time but he don’t read his blog. Just how would you know if you misspells anything or make errors on it unless you do read it. I’m sorry Mr. Smith but sometimes the truth hurts and all William does is report the truth.
If Mr. Smith needs a Century success story then here it is… northescambia.com!
Tell me how there’s a better story than William?
Lol wow , he was actually at a meeting lol ok.
This is the reason racism exists to the effect that it does. People like James here claiming racism when theres clearly not an issue of race. Stop being a victim James. Make a change. And personally if I was William, id sue you for slander. Your supposed to be a professional.
I honestly dont believe that the combined equipment of Tex Edwards could uplift Century. What will uplift Century is for intelligent, competent citizens to run for every seat, everytime it comes up for election. Until then i fear that the town will continue in its downward spiral.
If it wasn’t for NorthEscambia.com, us citizens wouldn’t know anything that went on in our area. There are a lot more important things going on in our area that interest us more than what goes on in Century’s meetings! Keep up the good work NorthEscambia.com! We need to hear your voice!
Comments like this hurt every legitimate real victim of racism. Racisim is real and calling the truth racist is a disservice to everyone who has experienced discrimination in there life. Keep digging William.
I believe William may have hurt James’ feelings by not putting all the misdeeds in a good light. We would all like to be seen in the best possible light. The problem is that William seems to have shown them in the best possible light — and it just still wasn’t very pretty.
James is right that there were problems before he took office. They probably can’t be fixed overnight. Still, until an attempt is seen, it won’t look very good. (Much like my reflection.)
Meanwhile, I keep hearing an echo of our glorious leader complaining that the reason he didn’t have emergency medical supplies, including coronavirus test kits, is that President Obama didn’t leave them for us three years before. Also there seems to be an echo in the way he tells reporters they should praise him rather than ask questions.
Come on, James. You’re better than that — you’d have to be. Don’t blame others, just do your best.
David for better public servants
Hey, Jim, read this bible verse, Proverbs 17:28. Study it, memorize it and learn to live by it.
Well….James Smith…. you have managed to make yourself sound like a complete IDIOT! In my many years of life experience….I have learned that people who get the loudest with their complaints while pointing blame elsewhere are trying to deflect and mislead others from what they are doing wrong. How in the world did you manage to even get elected? Perhaps the folks of Century will remember how stupid you just made yourself look over this “racist’ card you pulled and replace you with a better spoken, better equipped leader. You sir…Mr. Smith are NOT a leader!
Keep up the great work William Reynolds….apparently you are finding some dirty secrets up there and hitting on some nerves! That’s when you know you are doing a fine job of reporting.I love the way the tone of this story was nice yet shoved it in this James “idiot” Smith’s face.
Say nice things about Century = you’re the best reporter ever.
Tell the real truth about Century = you’re racist
Nice thought process.
I suppose at the next council meeting he will deny he ever said any of this.
All news outlets have their own opinions and agendas on what they report , what they consider newsworthy, and they choose what to print – they set forth the rules for responses of public opinion – this guy has a personal problem with NE.com , as far as the stories about Century that have been printed well he’s not making the crap up – the town is rife with problems -
Northescambia.com is the only source I will believe. Sorry Mr.Smith that race card is not going to work. I am African-Americans and Northescambia.com reporting is fair and balanced.
It was really worth reading the comments about this story,and I have to agree with most! Good coverage……..North Escambia!
James Smith is not a racist. He is just upset and concerned over the effects of climate change on the town of Century. Besides, I would be upset to if there was a 300 year loan, personal loans to council members without documentation and reporters named “Will” and not William.
James Smith, all of Century’s problems will be solved if you just bring “green jobs” to Century.
Finally, do not reopen Century for the next year. You never know what might happen-wait until everyone else has reopened. Better yet, keep the city closed until the next election cycle…maybe that will cut down on the corruption.
Why when all intelligent arguments fail to achieve the desired response,by “Public Representative” such as Mr. Smith, to pull the race card? Facts are facts….regardless of your race. What the citizens should demand is a complete audit of the books. Like everything else in the world. FOLLOW THE MONEY and see who it is benefiting.
How many times do we get to hear the word – racist – when it seems as if the people uttering are the ones who are actually racist. I sincerely hope this is not the case. Century has been found to hide a lot of stuff. As to NorthEscambia.com I have only found truthful, factual reporting. Thank you Mr. Reynolds! I believe that James Smith owes Mr Reynolds/NorthEscambia.com a six minute uninterrupted public apology!
Century council people and Mayor you are degrading yourselves the media is not doing it you are. If you do not want to be seen as incompetent boobs DO YOUR JOBS!!!!!!
Also things aren’t “racist” just because you don’t get your way. This type of behavior makes it easier for actual racism to exist. It lets people ignore real racism under the guise of “everyone says that” or “the racism card”.
According to James Smith I must be nobody because I read northescambia.com everyday. I shouldn’t have to say this since James Smith is so highly educated, but it is his job to uplift Century. It is Mr. Reynolds job to report what the council does.
After all these years, why is the Town of Century still incorporated. The purpose of being a legitimate city is to have better service. However, Century has horrible city services and not many offered really. Most of the services are contracted to the county. Again, why do they even need to be a city. It would run smoother without Century being incorporated.
Mr. Reynolds (William), Please keep up your excellent work at providing our local news. Yours’ is the first place I go to with my morning coffee and all through the day to check for any updated news. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
I guess reading comprehension is not one of Mr. Smith’s strong points… the “I don’t know why a councilman would have a problem with a news outlet listening to a council meeting unless they want to hide something,” is not saying he’s hiding something. It’s just asking an honest, obvious question of “what other reason could there be for that?”
Also, he should have read the old adage, “Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel.” Or in this case, “bandwidth by the gigabit.”
Will is just reporting the facts and that is how the news should be shared with the residents. Please keep reporting the facts Will. You are just pointing out all of the shady things that have been going on in Century by the city council. When all of those things go brought out for everyone to see the councilmen and councilwomen got caught.
NorthEscambia has become our trusted news outlet for the county. The stories are clear and just the facts with no obvious slant like so many news agencies looking to shock and catch our attention. You constantly include the community, schools, church, and family’s good new that is important to us and helps us smile in these troubling times. We are so much more than the political bickering and bad news. If something is happening that we need to find out about we can be sure the story is posted here. Keep up the good work and we will continue to read and follow you for the latest news happening in our neck of the county.
Ha Ha what a joke!!
This person has too much time on his hands. Century should be eliminated from the county.
Mr. Reynolds (proper name), Apparently you have touched a nerve. Keep up the good work.
We see you Jussie Smollett, err, I mean James Smith.
I’ve been following Northescambia.com for what seems like a decade. I’ve absolutely never caught even a hint of racism or bias. I would like NorthEscambia.com to ask a follow up question of James Smith so he can explain exactly what he has seen on NorthEscambia.com that was racist?
The NorthEscambia website is printed in black and white. How can he accuse it of the “R” word?
How does reporting the facts about a situation make you a racist? Only when someone else doesn’t like what you say. Somehow, the term racist has become a major slur over the past few years, so calling someone that, even if it isn’t true, is supposed to hurt. Dumb move, councilman.
The only racist I’ve seen in this whole bit of news is YOU Councilman Smith. If that’s the only word that comes to mind maybe you should strengthen your vocabulary. Maybe you have something to hide and that’s the reason you don’t want news outlets around. If you’re going to be representing the public ,get used to it and walk a chalk line or you’ll be the next news the media will be reporting about.
Sounds like James Smith is the racist!
I’ve heard that when someone points their finger at another, there are three more fingers pointed back at that someone. So, if Councilman Smith points his finger at NorthEscambia.com and says “Racist”, he has three more fingers pointing back at him.
Dude missed his chance. When he played the “Race Card” he really needed to follow it up with the “Fake News” card. Maybe he’ll at least get a “Draw 4″ card he can play next.
Seriously though, he’s really wanting NorthEscambia.com to just sugar coat everything? The goal is to report the facts and nothing but the facts. Start from within Mr. Smith. You want positive stories to be printed then make the changes needed so that the news coming out of this local government is positive.
Lol he seriously tried to drop the race card? Wow! Definitely look deeper into this guy now. He apparently has a LOT to hide. Anytime anyone plays a race card you know they’re hiding something. Keep peeling back those layers!
I don’t feel William is a racist. He is just reporting the news as he sees it. The reason he prints so much bad stuff about Century is because there are a lot of bad things happening in Century.
As for Mr Smith, Thank you for stepping up and trying to make a difference in the town that you are a part of. I do understand the frustration you feel.
Being a resident of Century, not Century proper but living in the mailing area of Century I feel like Century is part of who I am and I get upset when I see these article but William is just printing what is there and to call him a racist is in my opinion racist in itself.
Mr. Smith again thank you for stepping up and working to be a part of the solution and not just another person that sits back and complains but does nothing. But to call William and this news outlet racist was way out of line and that kind of accusations only hurts the name of Century and the people who live here.
The Century mailing area stretches from The Santa Rosa line on the East to highway 97 on the West and covers 71.66 sq miles. The actions of the few in the town are seen as a reflection on us all, and we all would love to see the problems in Century go away for the sake of all our communities.
So Mr. Smith please continue to do your part in working to improve the town but in the future please refrain from the name calling. The media ca be your friend or they can be your antagonist. Remember the tongue is like a two edged sword but the pen is mightier than the sword.
Proverbs 12:18; “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is healing.”
Be wise Mr. Smith, and may the prayers of the good people of our community support you.
Let me say this, I am black and Mr. Smith does not represent anyone but himself
Mr. Smith has other issues he needs to address, and its not about Century issues
Mr. Smith, stop using black citizens for your agenda
We are not your agenda nor our race.
Stand on your own, not on us.
The only time a Council meeting should move to executive session is to discuss personnel matters. Otherwise, meetings are open to EVERYONE. Come on people of Century, get his guy out of office. He’s done nothing for the town. His ignorance is shocking.
Century Councilman Smith you talk about racist,you want to “uplift Century”, then start doing the right thing, you your job. Get the meters fixed, quit loaning money, make pay roll first, ETC… You afraid that every one will see how racist you are or how inept you are??????????????????????????????????????
Anddddd there it is!! The race card!! What he really meant is that, “Will”, is a racist because he won’t let them do the illegal and bad things they are doing in the darkness. They don’t want people to know that they are corrupt in everything they do and don’t care about Century.
This from a man who didn’t show up for several meetings in a row. A man who barely speaks at all during meetings but all the sudden he has gotten a back bone?
Mr. Smith, you should be ashamed of yourself for pulling the race card first of all. Stating he is a racist just makes you look like a fool. It kills me that the world has made it acceptable to attack somebody based on the fact that they have a differing opinion than you do or are saying something you disagree with. The man has a job to do and you and your merry band of misfits are his job. If you want northescambia.com to write positive things about Century then arm him with good things to write about. I’m dating myself but as Joe Friday would say, “just the facts ma’am. Just the facts.”
I’m sorry, but it seems that your race card has been declined.
Do you have any other form of argument to continue with?
The charge of racism is levied when one has run out of legitimate arguments, or as in this case, had none to begin with. It doesn’t require proof, just saying it is supposed to be enough.
I have been reading the stores on Century for a few years now that this website posts. I have found them to be accurate and without the taint of racism charged. I know William will keep up the great job.
I like reading about Century
Its better than watching the Jerry Springer show
Question for Smith…
Are you Hawkins son…???
The reason the audience asks is you played the race card just like he did…
and now we hear one of the problems with the town of century, a racist calling out someone doing the community a service that is needed. this guy who called himself highly educated and a school teacher showed his incompetence to put together a coherent sentence much less sit on a city council seat. i hope he didn’t teach english.
Someone should explain slanderous, and libel, defamation of character to this guy. There really should be some sort of requirements to meet to get these positions.
What skill set did he bring to the table for him to get elected?
If Century wants to be uplifted then stop electing people who have no background or understanding on government.
Race Card is what got him elected.
Just saying for a “small town” news source they sure are used a lot by the big guys for repeating the news, sometimes word for word. They even get credit for it most of the time, Keep up the Good Work. Mr. Smith should see Northescambia doesn’t give Escambia County Commissioners a break neither when their actions need looking at.
“Help us uplift Century.”?!? That lazy a** dude wants someone to lift Century for them. While they “lift” all the money they can.
I hate seeing folks in any position of power that try to make others look bad so they may look better.
Cut ‘em all, Jack!!
There’s a lot of heat in a political kitchen and if a politician can’t stand it they might be in the wrong profession.
It’s hard to imagine how critical reporting, in and of itself, is racist. It’s a tired old trick of
some politicians to play the race card to deflect from political heat they may be taking.
If the councilman mentioned wanted to highlight efforts he’s taken to uplift Century could he not use social media or have a townhall meeting? If he doesn’t like NE he could seek out other media outlets to interview him. Yet to say someone is racist because they are critical of the city council, without more, is simply character assassination.
Yeap you know his argument is WEAK when he has to throw out the race card.
Having no value in the situation it takes away from the facts and pushes a agenda based on said race. Weak minded to the point of needing to lash out over what is likely HIS problem …
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
William, please keep on doing what you’re doing!
Sounds like James Smith is projecting his own shortcomings onto his perceived enemies.
The only reason Mr Prather did not step in sooner is because he was still a much valued employee of the city of Gulf Breeze… with over 30 years experience with water, sewer, and Gas Utilities. He certainly couldn’t work for two cities at the same time now could he Mr Smith? Century is lucky, no, blessed, to have a man of such intelligence and high moral standards working for them.. as usual, the worst racists are always first and the loudest to accuse others of their own shortcomings.
Ya know, put aside this Smith guy’s yadda-yadda here, WHY hasn’t the State of Florida and the IRS moved to Fully and Completely Investigate the Town Council of Century and if needed file warrants and take them to Trial?
Whole thing is ridiculous and these accusations are the “standard” blah-blah.
NorthEscambia, et al, you keep up the Good Work of Investigating and Reporting the news and the Truth.
Agree, WHY would it matter to an open and honest governmental body if participants and listeners announced their presence? If what is going on is above board then there should be no concern about who is hearing the discussions.
Sounds like he can’t stand the truth!
Lol , no surprise he pulls the good ol race card .. How about trying to own up to the terrible job century / you are doing instead of blaming others. You are a direct reflection of what century has become
“Wil”, do you think that they will go away quietly if you ignore them?
The smeller is the fellow. First one to show the race card is the racist. It’s amazing how many people keep racism going by constantly bringing it up instead of letting it quietly go away.
KA-POW!!!! That sound “the card” makes when you play it.
“Will” Smith wanna be, idiot council member. How does that saying go?
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain
Always use the “racist” card! So sick of that excuse….if you’ve got nothing to hide, why would you be concerned about the coverage. North Escambia does an excellent job with local coverage, much better than the Journal. I’m sure Mr. Smith is non racist himself. Keep up the great work North Escambia!
It amazes me that the first words that come out of their mouth is blame on someone else and it is usually the words RACIST. The word has lost all meaning with the overuse and the deflection it causes now usually makes me think there is something that person is trying to hide.
Mr. Smith, Look in a mirror if you want to see a racist.
The Race Card may be worn and tattered but it is still effective when played in order to obfuscate the facts.
oh yes, the go to race card. It never goes unplayed.
Tired of the RACE CARD use these days. I don’t live in Century, but do read these articles. I’d have never known he was black until he starts snot bubblin’ about his skin color. Now if this news outlet would have said only white people are allowed to attend these meetings, I’d think differently and I would call them out.
Ahhh, the proverbial ‘R’ word; used with the ‘B’ word!
Used when there is no legitimate argument left.
Pretty much nullified everything else he said.
Stay on them, ‘Will’, you’re striking close, apparently. ‘Most flak is over the target’.
as i’ve said b4, the whole mess should be scrapped and the county needs to take over the governing of the area. all these people can then get real jobs, with the exception of Vernon Prather, who has done a great job.
Keep exposing them! It’s always the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
“why can’t you just lie and mislead the public in my favor? What kind of journalist are you?”
Typical Century. Too busy complaining and looking for another grant or handout to see what’s really going on and how bad off they really are.
If Century is hiding something, if smith is hiding something. How much worse can it be that what we already know about.
Wow…the list of what’s wrong with Century just goes on and on and on. Is he living in an imaginary world? Century is the laughing stock of Escambia County, and now this Smith guy is defending millions mismanaged, not paying the IRS, not paying a bill and getting sued and all that stuff? What a great job he has done.
I’m glad North Escambia keeps the screws on Century. Imagine what they would do that we would never know about!
And can’t what he said get him sued?