Hornsby Aldermen Appoint Pat Plunk to Fill Vacancy
Hornsby Aldermen voted to fill a recently created vacancy on their board at the February 7, 2023, meeting. Two months ago, Alderman Raymond Cox announced his immediate resignation due to health issues.
Two Hornsby citizens expressed interest in the open position, Coty Taylor and Pat Plunk. A motion was made by Wayne Isabell and seconded by Greg Vance to appoint Pat Plunk as alderman. All those present voted in favor of the appointment. Alderman Curtis Vandiver was absent.
Plunk, who has been called one of Mayor Hedwall’s biggest critics, has lived in Hornsby since 1967 and graduated from Bolivar Central High School in 1973. She previously served on the board for eight years. That experience made an easy transition for Pat Plunk as she began her term as alderman on Tuesday night.
“I am humbled the board appointed me to serve with them for the remainder of Mr. Cox’s term. I look forward to serving again, working with the mayor and board,” said Plunk. “I will truthfully say I do not hate, dislike, or despise anyone. I certainly dislike the way things are done, or decisions that are made at times. I believe this is true in every town. I would like to see us as a town, put all differences aside, and start pulling in one direction.”
Mayor Megan Hedwall’s relationship with the alderman has been described as “not good”. The aldermen were accused of violating Tennessee’s open meeting act in October 2022. At the January meeting, they voted to give themselves the authority to add items to the agenda at the beginning of the board meetings, which would limit the public’s knowledge of what items would be addressed and voted on at the meetings.
“I pray we walk into city hall in March with a slate that’s wiped clean of past conflicts, and strive to serve the citizens to the best of our ability. I am willing to step up to the plate, and serve however needed,” said Plunk. “We are the best small town in Tennessee, with an exemplary school, and caring citizens. There’s no better place to live than Hornsby, Tennessee.”
The honorable Harriet Thompson performed the swearing in of Pat Plunk along with the new Hornsby Police Chief Chris Wilkerson.
The next Hornsby election will take place in November 2024, when all five aldermen positions and the mayor position will be up for election.
The Town of Hornsby meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Hornsby City Hall.
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