Statement submitted by Antonio Wilson, a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. The statement is a response to Tallulah Mayor Charles Finlayson's recent statement on the city's financial situation.
STATEMENT FROM: ANTONIO WILSON
Let’s stop pretending like this water crisis came out of nowhere. It didn’t. What’s happening in Tallulah is the result of years of neglect, and the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Mayor Charles Finlayson and those who’ve helped him keep this broken system in place.
Mayor Finlayson served as mayor and council member for more than 30 plus years. He knew the water system was failing but allowed it to continue to deteriorate, he knew families were struggling, and he did nothing. That’s not leadership—that’s willful negligence.
This is what you get when the “good ole’ boy” network controls City Hall, when deals are made behind closed doors, when friends are rewarded, and the people are forgotten. This is the result of putting politics and the special interests of a few before the greater good of the community you took an oath to serve.
Let’s talk about reality: folks in Tallulah are being forced to pay two water bills—one to Magnolia, and another to a local grocery store—just to get the most basic necessity of life. Meanwhile, City Hall shrugs its shoulders and hopes you won’t notice. That’s not just a failure, that’s an insult.
While our community continues to struggle, and bathe in unsafe water, his administration pretends everything is under control. Shame on you Mayor Charles Finlayson and your administration for allowing this crisis to happen. You had the chance to act and you didn’t. Now we are paying the price.
Tallulah lack of money management and inept leadership has placed our city in this predicament. We can’t afford this kind of leadership anymore. Enough is enough!!!
As I’ve said before: WE CANT KEEP DOING IT THIS WAY!!! We must have “A NEW WAY FORWARD” one built on truth, action, and putting the people first.
— Antonio Wilson
