McFarland, Muhammad Elect Introduced at Council Meeting

By Eddie D. Gillis

If Tuesday (May 14), 2024 night's meeting of the Monroe City Council was an indication of things to come, newly elected city councilmen Bishop Rodney McFarland and Minister Verbon Muhammad who are representing Districts 4 and 5 respectively have hit the ground running. Bishop McFarland addressed council members saying, that he and fellow councilman-elect Muhammad "are not coming on this council to tear down the council or tear down the mayor or tear down the city, or stop projects. That is not what we are coming to do. We are coming to represent the people of our districts. McFarland also said that Muhammad "intends to advocate for the constituents of District 5 without undermining the council or the mayor". "We will work together for the betterment of this, our city and our districts, we will be well represented". McFarland asked questions regarding pay raises where he didn't receive answers that were fully addressed. Chairwoman Gretchen Ezernack suggested that McFarland get with city attorney Brandon Creekbaum for more specifics, adding that "more dialogue" may be needed. Kenya Roberson who chairs her organization, Black Business Owners United reminded the council and Mayor Friday Ellis of the upcoming Black Expo and Best of the ArkLaMiss event which is being held Friday-Saturday May 17-18 at the Civic Center. She said that attendance is high with a record number of vendors to be present, and it is free to the public. Roberson said that she would like to see a more active role by the city leaders. She also stated that she wants to make sure that "we understand the impact that something of this magnitude has." A gala will also be held, which Roberson said, "unfortunately is sold out".