Lakeland Mayor Wyatt Bunker issued a statement today regarding a lawsuit against the City regarding bond funding to build a high school. Vice Mayor Josh Roman also provided a statement to Lakeland Currents.
Link to the story detailing the suit and Shelby County Chancery Court Judge Walter Evans decision not to dismiss the case: https://lakelandcurrents.com/chancellor-denies-motion-to-dismiss-lawsuit-to-block-high-school-bond-issue-lakeland-will-appeal-the-ruling/
From the Mayor
“Many watched as the City asked the courts to dismiss the CCL (Concerned Citizens of Lakeland) suit designed to stall school funding. The Board of Commissioners was not shocked or deterred by the decision.
“Those involved on both sides of a case with this level of complexity are going to experience wins and losses as they navigate through the legal system. I caution anyone against riding the emotional roller coaster this suit is almost guaranteed to produce. Those who seem to be on top one day may find themselves on bottom the next.
“Our case is very strong, and I’m confident that we will ultimately prevail. Please allow some time for us to work through the system before celebrating victories or bemoaning losses. It may take a little time, but I want to assure you that Lakeland will have a high school.”
Chris Patterson, city attorney, told Lakeland Currents today the order for an interlocutory appeal to the Tennessee Court of Appeals in Jackson, TN is to be delivered to Judge Evans probably Dec. 26 and signed by him Dec. 27 when he returns to court from his vacation.
From the Vice Mayor
“Mayor Bunker’s statement is a reminder that Vison 2020 is a process to infuse energy into a city that has either been neglected, stalled or just plain passed over for many years. I’m hopeful that his leadership to complete stalled projects like the I-40 interchange, Beverly Rivera, start new successful programs like Youth Football, LAMP Concert series as well as move along major projects like the Lake District and a new McDonald’s to just name a few, would get city wide buy-in. Unfortunately, every great effort has its detractors against progress and we’ve got the win at any cost variety here; even if it means not completing the #1 School system in the State of TN. This community deserves better and I thank Mayor Bunker for his leadership.”
Lillie Melton, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, was asked by Lakeland Currents to comment and she referred any questions to her attorney, Robert L. J. Spence Jr.
