Greenville has had a history of skilled public works directors. Wes Anderson continued that tradition with professionalism, leadership and a wealth of experience. His credentials as a retired Army Corps of Engineers officer with craftsman knowledge of construction and public works were perfect for our city. Fortunately, his contributions to our city will continue to be admired for years to come.

His departure will be a setback to city progress. Competent direction of a city department like public works requires fair and open knowledge of employee attendance.

The sanitation workers’ strike just before the city election appeared to be a ruse to disrupt the city election based on allegations of racial discrimination. Before the election, Anderson asked sanitation workers to participate in a responsible roll call policy. A policy was instituted with input from all employees. No one can explain how a roll call policy for employees was elevated to racial discrimination and a strike. Even the secret meetings produced nothing of substance about discrimination.

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