John Coffelt, Editor

In a late night statement on social media following a special call meeting scheduled for Sept. 10, Mayor Joey Hobbs alleged a deal had been made among some members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen regarding who should fill the vacancy on the board.

Hobbs said the fact that Alderman James Threet and Donny Parsley submitted the same name on a form to be used to narrow applicants confirmed to him a deal had been made. The name listed has not been identified.          

“The odds that three people out of five chose the same name out of a pretty level field without any prior conversations is fairly astronomical,” he said. “The same name that had been repeated around town as getting the seat and (that it had) already been picked … this confirmed what I had already heard the day prior from a few citizens; that is, that apparently a deal of sorts had been made between some aldermen/alderwoman regarding who should fill the vacancy.” 

Hobbs said that during a work session, the board agreed to write down their top three preferences from a list of citizens who had filled out a citizens participation application. Initially listed as 17, Wilma Thomas submitted hers on the day of the work session to become the 18th applicant.

Alderman Julie Anderson’s form was left blank, Aldermen James Threet and Donny Parsley’s one name  was the same applicant.  Alderman Ryan French and Vice Mayor Mark Messick combined had a total of six names listed with one match.

“I feel this kind of deal making is exactly what the citizens of Manchester are tired of,” Hobbs said.  “None of this is moving the city in the direction we all desire.”

The meeting Tuesday night, the latest in a series which failed to make quorum, was, according to Hobbs’s post on the “Joey Hobbs Mayor of Manchester” page, only called in order to support a narrative that two aldermen are not doing their jobs.

Hobbs said Alderman Ryan French and Vice Mayor Messick’s absences are an effort “to block an attempt to manipulate the composition of BOMA by an apparent prearranged deal.”

The two aldermen previously declined to comment on the matter but Hobbs said that they were aware of an apparent deal.  Messick told the Times that he agreed 100% with Hobbs’ statements.

“Two of the aldermen on the board became immediately aware that something was amiss with the selection process and voiced their concerns,” Hobbs said.

French told the Times all three aldermen verbally said in the special called work session that they were only going to put down one name.

“The math alone tells you that cannot be a coincidence,” he said. “If you believe that it’s just because you want to believe it. There is no science or even good ole common sense that supports the idea that being true.”

French called the special call meeting theater.  

“It’s creating stress and burdening our community with anxieties that are fabricated for a political games,” he said.  I’m not interested in that. I’m here to do right for Manchester, and I will always do that.”

French pointed to the likelihood of Hobbs making the appointment.

“I have far more confidence in Mayor Hobbs making this selection with integrity than what has led up to this mess,” French said.

Hobbs said that if the vacancy were not filled within 60 days from Aug. 19 when the vacancy opened, the mayor shall appoint someone.

“If that were to occur, I would consider the applicants, interview a few, and appoint the person who seems most qualified and eager to serve,” Hobbs said.  “In the meantime, the city is running fine, and this should not affect any city governing matters during the interim. The only result is the temporary delay of a few noncritical items.”

The special call meeting agenda also included a contract for a firm to handle the city fiscal year audit.

Each member of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen has been reached to out for comment.

Mayor Joey Hobbs had no additional comment, Alderman Threet also declined to comment.   

Parsley told the Times he had no knowledge of any deals made.

“If anyone has any evidence of backroom deals, let them bring it out,” Parsley said. “The best I remember we never had this problem seating an alderman…”

Parsley said the reason be brought a suit against the city in 2020 was because of ambiguity in the city charter.

“It’s not very clear in the verbiage,” he said.

Anderson said she had been prepared to hear from candidates. 

“I have been present and prepared at the last three city meetings to hear from the candidates, discuss them with fellow board members, and make the decision that is best for the people of the city of Manchester,” Anderson said. 

She responded at length online to Hobbs’ post. She called Hobbs’ recommendation to submit their preferred candidates an attempt to manipulate the decision making process.        

“If anyone has any proof that a deal had been made beforehand, then they should bring that forward,” she wrote.  

“The oaths that we all took require us to do a job,” she said. “Doing that job means showing up. That’s how l feel about this situation. Never have I skipped a meeting because I thought a decision wouldn’t go my way, but to each their own and let the people decide who is representing their interests properly.”

Hobbs said because a duly elected colleague isn’t responding or behaving the way a person believes they should, doesn’t automatically make that person wrong or the villain. He criticized Anderson for calling the Sept. 10 meeting along with Threet and Parsley with little chance of it making a quorum.

“(For you) to continue to call for special meetings where you know there isn’t going to be a quorum, seems less than considerate to the people whose schedules you are affecting. It’s unnecessary,” Hobbs said.

French said he was saddened for the people who applied for the position.

“A candidate and good man is caught up in this,” French said. “Other candidates, passionate and well-meaning people are being caught up in this. I hate that our new board starts with this cloud rather than turning the page collectively and working together.”

Parsley also expressed the need to get past this and get on to taking care of city business. 

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.