Folks, please listen to me. I, too, have been on this Hamlet City council. Last night Bill Horne did a very difficult thing by speaking against the happenings . 1) does anyone know why either Veech or Haywood have been fired? I personally know and may be the ONLY outside person other than Dr. Horne that knows. Lt. Veech made a poor decision by personally purchasing a drug seized car from the scrap yard which "can" appear as misappopriation of city property. However, there is an appropriate paper trail that I have seen. Secondly, Chief Haywood has been dismissed for "failure to manage his employees." Lt Veech Purchased said vehicle for roughly $400. Therefore, not one one but two high ranking officers have lost their jobs and retirements! Jeff Smart, himself, admitted that the city manager singlehandedly did this. When I was a council member, any personnel issue was brought before council, voted on, and exececuted by the manager. This is an injustice and and should be corrected! Furthermore, as a council mentor suggested a decade ago, we should implement term limits for the city manager, preventing one from becoming so powerful. The City Manager works at the pleasure of the Council, not the other way around. Mrs. David should be reminded of that. A new City Manager is required.