Pratt seeks to stay on Shelby board to bring more accountability, transparency

Editor:

I’m launching a write-in campaign to keep my seat on the Shelby Town Council. While I’m a registered Republican, I believe the work of the Town Council should serve every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation.

Recent developments have highlighted critical issues around transparency, governance, and ethics within the council that urgently need addressing.

It is no secret it has been frustrating for some of us the past few years, fighting an uphill battle trying to do the right thing by the people, often being misled, selectively informed or continually out voted by three board members desperate to keep a lid on things.

My promise to you:

Transparency and Accountability – Missing reports and poor bookkeeping plague Shelby. In 10 months, there have been four supervisor reports – six have not been generated.

The bookkeeping department frequently overdraws bank accounts and checks are returned for insufficient funds. Outsourcing the bookkeeping could prevent this from happening and save the taxpayers money.

Tax dollars are being used for activities that target individuals. Tax dollars are being used to target and discriminate against individuals.

Meetings of a quorum of the board are taking place that don’t follow Open Meetings Law. Town meetings need to follow Open Meetings Law, and the council should provide routine supervisor reports.

Training and Development – Professional HR training for officials and employees should be prioritized. State-recommended supervisor training is long overdue.

Formal bookkeeper training recommended by the comptroller has been avoided. Training is critical for not only compliance but the fiscal health of our community.

I am committed to ending the hostile atmosphere and illicit surveillance by officials. I will boycott any off-the-record meetings.

A respectful work environment and open public engagement – The current atmosphere is secretive, hostile, and unproductive. I am committed to ending certain officials use of tax dollars to find creative ways to surveil and target people.

I will boycott the board’s illegal, off-the-record meetings where decisions are made away from the public. I will work to instill respect and collaboration among staff, officials, and local agencies.

I’ll push for more open public comment periods during board meetings and will advocate for consultants who act in the interests of the public and not merely a few officials.

During my time in office, I’ve fought for what I believed was in the best interests of residents against obstacles. These include being continually excluded from meetings and lied to about municipal issues while confronting ongoing hostility and retribution from officials.

Since 2021, I’ve been publicly speaking out against activities I find wrong. Contrary to recent claims, there is a public record of my comments pertaining to officials’ discrimination and targeting tactics, which continues to this day. While it’s not my right to publicly share everyone’s personal experiences, I will continue to fight these issues.

I urge you to write in my name on the ballot in the upcoming election. With your help, we can create a council that truly respects and serves all of Shelby.

John Pratt

Write-in candidate for Shelby Town Council