John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
Next Tuesday, July 14, the Madison City Commission will meet on a hot topic that's been on the minds of many since it first arose: what are we going to do with the Confederate monument in Four Freedoms Park? To many Madison County citizens, the question remains, however – What about putting it on the ballot?
Tommy Hardee, Madison County Supervisor of Elections, says it will take a vote from the city commission to bring the matter to residents within the city limits in November. This is not to say however that the commissioners could make a decision or not make a decision to remove the monument which sits on city property.
The five Madison City Commissioners first heard words from local citizens and business owner Donnell Davis on Tuesday, June 11, when he stated "the time is now" to take the Confederate monument down. After considering a special meeting initially, the item will be placed on the tail-end of the upcoming regular session agenda while allowing citizens to participate via GoToMeeting as physical attendance will be barred due to the recent COVID-19 spike.
Greene Publishing, Inc. reached out to several city commission members to get their thoughts on the possibility of the item being placed on the ballot. Commissioner Judy Townsend stated, "I don't think so. I think it's a decision by the commission because we're elected by the people. Take all the pros and cons and make a decision."
Commissioner Ina Thompson had different thoughts, however. "In my opinion, it needs to be on the ballot."
Commissioner Jim Catron did not specify whether he would prefer to see it on the ballot or not.
Vocal about his opinion, Commissioner Terry Johnson said, "Vote on it." He continued, "If these people, black or white, want it gone, I would rather for them not to drag the city commission into it. If you want for it to stay, vote for it to stay. If you want for it to go, vote for it to go. If that's what the citizens of Madison want, vote on it. Don't leave the city commission to make a decision for what you want."
Mayor Rayne Cooks has not responded to attempts made to reach her.
If the commission were to vote on the issue of placing the decision on the ballot, Hardee stated that placing an item on the August ballot would be too late due to the fact that ballots are already printed. However, the city could have the option to put the item on the November ballot with a fee of $500. Since elections for select city commission seats will be held in March of 2021, a vote on the Confederate monument could take place then without costing the city extra funds.
Records show that the monument was unveiled to the public on June 23, 1909, according to a Madison Enterprise-Recorder front page article on June 24, 1909. The monument, dedicated to the city-owned Four Freedoms Park, was furnished by the McNeel Marble Company of Marietta, Ga., upon the order of the Elizabeth Harris Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, a now-defunct chapter. Standing at twenty-three feet tall and topped by a marble statue of a Confederate soldier, the statute cost approximately $1,250, which equates to just over $35,000 today.
To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone, visit https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/335257285. Use the access code 335-257-285 to enter the meeting. Citizens of Madison may also call in to the meeting by dialing a toll-free number: 1 (877) 309-2073. Residents may also dial 1 (646) 749-3129. Madison City Hall is located at 321 SW Rutledge St., in Madison.