McFarland Clarifies Byrd Vote

It has been two weeks since members of the Monroe City Council, by a 3-2 vote, rejected Mayor Friday Ellis's nomination of Pastor Ike Byrd as Director of Community Affairs. Prior to the vote, many believed that Pastor Byrd would be unanimously approved due to his strong reputation within the community. However, three council members voted against Byrd's appointment, not due to personal feelings as some in the community speculated, but because the appointment conflicted with the guidelines established in the Monroe city charter.

In an interview, newly elected District 4 Councilman Bishop Rodney McFarland clarified that there was nothing "personal" between him and Byrd, noting that they have known each other for many years as fellow preachers. McFarland emphasized that the votes against Byrd were based on the qualifications outlined in Section 4-09 of the charter. According to that section, the head of the Community Affairs Department must have at least a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution, as well as a minimum of three years of managerial or administrative experience, or five years of similar experience.

McFarland stressed that his decision was solely guided by his responsibility to uphold the charter. He also explained that when community members saw the specific wording in the charter, they understood his rationale. To illustrate the importance of council oversight, McFarland compared the city council's approval of department heads to the U.S. Senate's role in confirming Cabinet members or federal judges.

McFarland acknowledged that he and Mayor Ellis have yet to align on key issues, but reiterated that his duty is to ensure the charter is followed. "Respect the office, if not me," McFarland stated, "and hold me accountable to do what is right."

Photo: City Councilman Rodney McFarland Sr

Photo: Pastor Ike Byrd

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