Dear Editor,

When I am accused of falsehoods, and witness injustice against others, I must speak out.

I will address some adverse actions against my good name, and character. The Selma Times-Journal has published stories that clear up conflicting allegations of a vacancy on the Dallas County Board of Education.

School board Superintendent Hattie Shelton does not have authority to file a complaint or initiate a resolution to board members against me as a member of the board. I had no knowledge of the initiation of the resolution I opposed based on violation of the code of Alabama, and presented tax evidence substantiated by state Examiners of Public Accounts. Board members and the superintendent willfully filed a malice complaint, and initiated retaliatory action against me while having evidence from EPA that cleared me of any wrongdoing.

There is no basis for believing the complaint is true, accurate, and based on an opinion that calls for correction, disputed, erred, resolved and moot, prior to publication, resolution and complaint filed. Nor have they presented evidence to substantiate the complaint. Legal authorities with jurisdiction refused to litigate the superintendent and board members’ complaint. The circuit court dismissed the erroneous claim twice.

Additionally, administrators and elected officials at board meetings consistently engage in documented reprisals, excluded agenda items, concealed information, organized ambushes, engaged in nepotism and violated the Open Meeting Act. Students complained about maltreatment and injustice, which was never discussed during board meetings. School board members abused authority, voted based on personal vendettas, political, or discriminatory reasons.

Enough is enough. Elected officials are not above the law, and swore an oath to uphold statutory laws prescribed by the Constitution. City and county elections bring forth the worst behavior, self-obliteration, and self-disgrace. Campaign workers invaded my business property, destroyed my signs and historic marker provided Selma-Dallas Chamber of Commerce. I am disappointed in the actions of Alabama Democratic Conference chairpersons Reed and Bryant, and some AKA sorority members that I respected as lawful abiding citizens. Some sorority members engaged in unlawful political activities and character defamation during a political committee screening. I am equally disappointed in the citizens of Selma and Dallas County that you didn’t attend one school board meeting. I clearly see vital issues that require immediate attention, enforcement and change. Let’s pray, people.

Carolyn Bates

Dallas County Board of Education

District 3