SYLACAUGA, Ala. – On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the Sylacauga City Council authorized the City Attorney, Edwin B. Livingston, Jr., to prepare a required notification letter informing the Sylacauga Little League Association of the Council’s intention to terminate the contract for use of the playing fields in Wingard Park, including McEwen Field, Peters Field, and Roberts Park, effective 365 days after receipt of such notice citing it is necessary in order for the City to better provide for youth baseball and improve the lives of its citizens participating in organized sports within the city.
This decision was met with mixed emotions from the people of Sylacauga. Rumors began to swirl on social media that the Sylacauga City Council voted to disband Sylacauga Little League (SLL), but Councilman Ashton Fowler refuted those claims.
In a recent Facebook post, the District 1 councilman said misinformation caused much of the hysteria and panic. His post can be seen below.
The post reads in full:
“Thank you for everyone involved in the recent discussion and debate dealing with Little league Cal Ripken and the city of Sylacauga. A positive thing that I can see from the situation currently is pride in the city and people being involved. However, a lot of rumors out there are simply misinformed statements or accusations that have the City or myself in its cross-hairs. We plan on discussing all said situations next week during the meeting and clearing everything up for each party. I can assure you each thought, action or statement made (by myself) is in the best interest of the KIDS, not which one will make more adults happy or how many votes this one will or will not get me. We are trying to do the right thing by due diligence and process to make our kids better for their future endeavors. The baseball and softball fields will be baseball and softball fields. I was elected to represent the people of Sylacauga, and I plan on doing just that to the best of my abilities. I have been here for each and everyone of you and I plan to do that to my entire term. I work for you the voter, citizen, people Of Sylacauga. I realize every decision will not be 100 percent accepted by every individual. I just hope every individual will have an open mind and come out or tune in to hear our discussion and solutions on Jan. 3rd. “
The council’s “town hall meeting” on Wednesday night, Jan. 3 at City Hall on Broadway Ave. beginning at 5:00. All citizens of the city of Sylacauga are invited and encouraged to attend.
