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Residents fill Leon County chambers in show of support for Commissioner Carolyn Cummings
Summary
Multiple speakers — including faith leaders and longtime community members — addressed the commission Wednesday to express support for Commissioner Carolyn Cummings after a controversial county‑attorney letter was raised in public comment; Cummings thanked supporters and pledged continued service.
Dozens of residents and community leaders used the commission’s public‑comment period Wednesday to rally behind Commissioner Carolyn Cummings following public attention to a county‑attorney letter referenced by commenters.
Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr., who was given extra time by the chair, delivered an extended endorsement: “We have come to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Carolyn Cummings for her service in this community,” he said, urging the commission to defend inclusion and equity.
Several speakers deferred their time to Reverend Holmes; others recounted personal histories with Cummings and criticized what they called a disrespectful response from the county attorney’s office. Attorney Fred Flowers said the county attorney’s written response to a diversity question was “well‑meaning” but troubling in its language and tone; he urged clearer, objective attention to diversity questions.
Commissioner Cummings responded from the dais, thanking supporters — “my sorority sisters, my church, my fellow attorneys” — and told the chamber she would continue to “serve faithfully, honestly” and defend dignity and respect in public life.
The public‑comment item concluded with a brief recess. Commissioners, county staff and members of the public praised the decorum of the speakers and the spirit of community engagement.
