The Choctaw Plaindealer

Ackerman Mayor Dick Cain has vetoed the resolution passed by the Town of Ackerman Board of Aldermen allowing an exception to the Zoning Ordinance.

In a letter addressed to the Board of Aldermen and the Town Clerk, Cain states his veto.

"On August 5, 2008, the Board of Aldermen voted (2 to 1) to grant an exception to C2 Zoning Ordinance and allow a mobile home to be parked at 1000 W. Main Street behind the Ackerman Quik Stop, which is operated by Tim Rogers. Tim stated the reason for his request was so that his children could attend Ackerman School System. As I stated in the Board Meeting, I am against any mobile home being parked in the downtown area of Ackerman. This is not personal against Tim Rogers, for I wholeheartedly welcome he and his family to Ackerman. There are many locations within the school district that are zoned to accommodate mobile homes," said Cain in the letter.

In the Aug. 5 board meeting, Rogers requested an exception to the Town's zoning ordinance because he wants to place a mobile home on the backside of his property.

Rogers said the mobile home would be an office, storage and his residence. He said he would like for his three children to attend Choctaw County Schools and he also works as a paramedic at the Choctaw County Medical Center.

Cain stated he was against allowing the mobile home to be placed there.

Ward 4 Alderman Dale Reid made the motion to allow the exception with Alderman at Large Barney Phelps seconding.

Ward 2 Alderwoman Debby Curtis voted against the exception. In a 2-1 vote, it was allowed.

Ward 3 Alderman George Rooks was not present at the meeting.

In the letter, Cain states why he is against allowing mobile homes in downtown Ackerman.

"I have given this veto serious thought and this is strictly a business decision. Mobile Homes in the downtown area do not fit into the future vision or development plans for this section. I feel that we are setting a precedence by allowing this zoning request and contradicts our plans to revitalize Main Street"

"I do not believe that there were an appropriate amount of discussion or deliberation by the board to determine that this mobile home would be a viable addition to our plans to revitalize downtown Ackerman," stated Cain.

If the Board of Aldermen wishes to override Cain's veto, it has to be by a vote of 4-1.