Public posts raise questions about leadership in Fort Valley
Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena Reeves denied a Festival Park event request, citing ordinance concerns. Public posts raise questions about process and authority.
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena Reeves denied a request to host an event at Festival Park on April 12th, citing ordinance requirements and safety considerations, according to city emails posted on her Facebook page.
In an April 8th email, Reeves said the request was denied after review, pointing to the city’s noise ordinance, which restricts activity between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday. She also cited concerns about the timing of the event, including that it fell on a night before a school day, as well as requirements tied to special event permits.
Reeves also cited concerns about law enforcement availability and whether the event met requirements related to fencing, identification, and other provisions in city code.
In an email reply, Interim Police Chief David Wilson said he would notify officers that the event had been canceled.
Attorney outlines grounds for denial
In a separate April 7 email, attorney James E. Elliott Jr. wrote that those concerns could be grounds to deny the permit request.
Elliott referenced issues including the number of available law enforcement officers, the classification of the event under city code, and compliance with ordinance requirements. He also wrote that the police chief plays a primary role in the approval or denial of such permits.
Mayor raises concerns publicly
Reeves later addressed the situation in a series of public posts on social media.
In those posts, Reeves wrote that members of the city council had “conspired to circumvent City policy” and raised concerns about whether proper procedures were followed. She also questioned leadership within the police department and whether laws were being upheld consistently.
Reeves wrote that the situation “should concern every resident of Fort Valley” and called for accountability and adherence to city policy.
Public exchange highlights disagreement
In a public exchange on social media, a commenter questioned the mayor’s authority, stating that the city council has the ability to override decisions related to public property.
Reeves responded that the process was not handled properly and said a “direct order from the executive branch” had been issued regarding the event.
The commenter said the event drew thousands of visitors and that no serious crimes were reported. Reeves responded that the situation raised concerns about adherence to city policy and law.
Additional concerns shared online
In another exchange, a commenter criticized addressing the issue on social media. Reeves responded that her posts were intended as a call to action and said she had contacted outside agencies for assistance.
Event status discussed in posts
While city emails indicate the event request was denied and law enforcement was notified of its cancellation, Reeves and others discussed the event taking place in social media posts.
Fort Valley officials have not released additional details about the situation or any further actions taken.
