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Farragut residents criticize mayor’s Facebook post and ask board to address perceived targeting of alderman
Summary
Multiple residents used citizen comment time to criticize Mayor Ron Williams for a Facebook post that, they said, encouraged public pressure against Alderman Alex Kane and amounted to partisan targeting. Speakers called for better civility, even censure, and the mayor defended his post as urging residents to contact candidates directly; the board agreed to accept written suggestions for a post update.
Several residents used the June 25 citizen-comment period at the Farragut Board meeting to criticize Mayor Ron Williams for a recent Facebook post that they said used the mayor’s official title to encourage public pressure directed at Alderman Alex Kane.
Adam Atherton said the mayor’s recent public interactions—an argument with the Knox County sheriff and an online post—were 'disingenuous' and 'inappropriate' and urged the mayor to 'lead with integrity.' Craig Wyberley called the post 'cyberbullying' and alleged the mayor used his official account to pressure voters; he said the action looked partisan and questioned whether meeting rules and sign ordinances were being enforced consistently. Pat Lee read the post aloud and described it as 'character assassination by innuendo,' asking the board to censure the mayor. Kim Parks also criticized the mayor for creating a culture where critics are targeted rather than defended.
Mayor Williams responded multiple times, saying he had told residents to contact the relevant candidate directly and that he had received many calls; he denied directing the sheriff or otherwise misrepresenting facts he had discussed. He asked residents to send suggested edits to his post to his email address and said staff would consider changes.
No formal censure vote occurred at the meeting. Several speakers urged the board to enforce meeting rules consistently and to avoid partisan use of town channels; the board did not take immediate formal action during the meeting but staff and the mayor said they would review the concerns.
