Residents of DeSoto voiced their frustrations during a recent city council meeting, highlighting concerns over the decline of their community and the influence of developers and rental property owners. Longtime resident Mary Morris Bonaparte, who has lived in DeSoto for over 34 years, criticized the city’s leadership for allowing outside interests to profit at the expense of local taxpayers. She expressed disappointment in the council's handling of a recent mayor pro tem nomination, claiming procedural errors undermined the democratic process.

Bonaparte urged council members to honor the original vote that nominated Council Member Marks for the position, asserting that the city belongs to its citizens, not just the elected officials. She called for unity among residents to demand accountability and change, invoking the words of Martin Luther King Jr. to emphasize the need for leaders committed to justice rather than personal gain.

Another resident, Anna Williams, echoed these sentiments, lamenting the moral decline in the community and the negative impact of unchecked development. Williams called for transparency, a city cleanup, and stricter regulations on rental properties and short-term rentals like Airbnb. She warned that residents would no longer tolerate being pushed out by city leaders who prioritize profit over the well-being of the community.

The meeting underscored a growing discontent among DeSoto residents, who are rallying for significant changes to restore their city’s integrity and livability.