Resident urges Anniston council for transparency and calls for action on Ward 2 representation

John Squires, identifying himself as a resident of 201 Jewett Hills Road in Anniston, told the Anniston City Council during public comment that citizens want "transparency and honesty" from their elected officials. He said Ward 2 is not being represented by someone "who was legally elected," urged a special election or an appointment consistent with prior practice, and pressed the council to follow the law rather than rely on advisory organizations.

"Tonight, I'm asking for 2 things that many residents believe have been missing throughout your time in office, and those 2 are transparency and honesty," Squires said, adding concerns about the interim city manager's leadership and certain spending decisions. He asked the council to consider either holding a special election or using the same interview process the council used previously for Ward 1, or to work with the county to find "a lawful solution." The comment period was limited to three minutes under council rules.

The council did not take public action on the requests during the meeting. Council member Tolleson addressed the chamber later, saying she lives at her listed address and asking for community support; the presiding official also explained that questions about candidate qualifications must be resolved by a court or an attorney general opinion, and noted a registrar boundary error dating to 2012 that affected voter records.