Recent social media posts by a Sumrall alderman and police officer have caused a stir among that town’s residents, prompting an outcry at a recent Sumrall Board of Aldermen meeting and the suspension of the officer.
The first Facebook post, which was made on May 22 by Ward 1 Alderman Lamar Reed, features a picture with a gallows and three empty nooses, with the caption “Government Repair Kit” at the bottom. The top left corner of the post reads “American Proud 1776.”
Reed declined to comment on the matter Monday, three days after several residents expressed their distaste of the post during a special-called meeting of the board. Mayor Joel Lofton said he is unable to comment on personnel matters, but said he is disappointed that any of the town’s residents would have to deal with such an issue.
“Quite clearly, there’s some concerns, and I think it’s very unfortunate that any of our citizens have to feel that way,” the mayor said. “But I’m quite certain that all of us would have to admit, that at some point in our life, we’ve done or said something that unintentionally caused offense to others.
“I’m pretty sure if you talked to my wife and my kids and my grands – and even acquaintances – at some point, you can (find) where something came across from me that offended them. It happens; it is unfortunate when it does, but I’m hopeful we live in a place where we can be known by how we have lived, and do live, rather than just a single snapshot in time.”
Lofton pointed out the many areas in which the current board has made progress, including but not limited to upcoming facilities at the town’s sports complex on Mississippi 42, several drainage projects, new traffic control devices and improvements at the town’s police and fire departments.
“By and large, that’s been with 100 percent of the board making progress for 100 percent of the town,” he said. “So much good has been done, that when these issues arise, I hope they will not slow down the good things that are happening in our town.
“I don’t want anyone to feel slighted in any way, and at the same time, I hope that we can all continue to work together to have positive progress for everyone. There’s an awful lot of things going on right now that are great, and they affect all members of our community.”
The other Facebook post in question was made on August 4 by officer Josh Gandy, who was replying to a post from Dec A D Stewart which read, “when a leader doesn’t know how to lead, they micro-manage.” Gandy’s response to that was “Boy this hits the nail on the head for the little town of ‘Mayberry.’ If you know, you know and if you don’t know then you will soon.’”
That led to Gandy’s suspension without pay for violating the town’s social media policy for employees/police officers.
It was not made clear why Gandy was suspended while Reed has not yet faced consequences, but Mississippi does not offer recall provisions to remove politicians from office. Members of the board of aldermen do have the authority to ask an official to step down – such as in the case of when the Petal Board of Aldermen asked then-mayor Hal Marx to do so in 2020 after making social media comments about George Floyd – but those officials are not under obligation to do so.
