Disappointed but not surprised

By Staff
Dear Editor:
I was surprised to read a letter in the May 22 issue of the Madison County Record regarding the Madison City Council meeting on May 13.
The letter, signed by Jackie Lanphere, quoted me as saying I wanted the flagpoles moved from Hughes Road to city parks, and since the trees growing in the median are now tall enough to interfere with the flags flying, we should take a chainsaw to the trees.
The reason why I am surprised is that Jackie was not in attendance at the meeting, nor has she been to city hall to read a copy of the minutes of that meeting – according to employees in the city clerk's office.
And, while there are valid reasons for moving the flagpoles due to an expense of more than $20,000 to properly light and maintain them, it is true that some trees have now grown taller than the flagpoles.
However, I was not the council member who jokingly said "we can take a chainsaw to the trees."
That comment was made in jest, because the council member who said it knew I had sought the private funding for the Hughes Road landscaping and felt great personal pride in the project.
All of this would have been apparent to Jackie if she were in attendance at the meeting.
I feel Jackie may be on a personal vendetta with me due to a long-standing disagreement with a family member of mine. Knowing Jackie as I do, I am disappointed, but not surprised, that she would fabricate statements to serve her own personal ends.
Sincerely,
Ray Stubblefield
Madison City Council District 3