In a move that reeks of cronyism, the Callaway City Commission has pushed forward a controversial change in land use for Tyndall Parkway, paving the way for high-density residential development in the heart of the city. Despite an outcry from the community, a handful of commissioners seem more interested in catering to developers than in representing the people who elected them. This blatant disregard for public input signals a dangerous trend in Callaway politics—one that demands immediate action to protect our community’s future.
The change in land use for Tyndall Parkway isn’t just a routine zoning update; it’s a seismic shift that could alter the fabric of Callaway. The proposed development will transform the area into a high-density residential zone, increasing traffic, straining infrastructure, and potentially disrupting the quiet, small-town feel that residents cherish. But instead of engaging with concerned citizens, some city commissioners are bending over backward to accommodate developers. It seems the promise of profits has deafened their ears to the community’s cries for responsible growth.
At the center of this debacle is Commissioner Griggs, whose comments during recent discussions have left many Callaway residents outraged. “We can do this without any public input,” Griggs declared, brushing off the very people he’s supposed to represent. “I don’t need it to do this.” Such statements make it glaringly clear that Griggs has forgotten the fundamental principle of a representative government: to serve the people. If he believes that the input of his constituents is irrelevant, then perhaps it’s time to remind him who holds the real power—at the ballot box.
Let’s not mince words here: what we’re witnessing is a textbook case of political cronyism. When elected officials ignore public concerns to cater to developers, they betray their oath of office and the trust placed in them by the community. It’s no coincidence that the developers in question have made frequent appearances at City Hall, whispering sweet nothings in the ears of certain commissioners. The cozy relationship between the Callaway City Commission and these developers raises a critical question: whose interests are really being served?
Not all commissioners are complicit in this backroom deal-making, though. Commissioners Pelletier and Davis stood as lone voices of dissent, challenging the push to bulldoze public opinion in favor of private profit. Their resistance to the land use change reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability that is sorely lacking among their colleagues. But two commissioners alone cannot stem the tide of cronyism sweeping through Callaway. It will take a concerted effort from the community to bring about the change we need.
As someone who resides in Commissioner Griggs’ district, I’ve had a front-row seat to his cavalier attitude toward his constituents. Griggs, along with the other commissioners who rubber-stamped this change, seems to believe that he can operate without scrutiny, treating public input as a mere inconvenience rather than a cornerstone of democratic governance. This isn’t just a land use issue—it’s a crisis of representation. When our elected officials start acting like autocrats rather than public servants, it’s time to clean house.
With nearly a decade of experience in public policy and campaigns, I know all too well how these scenarios play out. Elected officials become too cozy with developers, public input is sidelined, and the community is left to deal with the fallout. But here’s the reality Griggs and his cohorts need to face: Callaway’s residents aren’t going to sit idly by while our city is sold off piece by piece. The winds of change are blowing, and if they won’t listen to us in City Hall, then we’ll make our voices heard at the polls.
Commissioner Griggs and his allies may think they can ignore the will of the people, but they would do well to remember that their positions are not permanent. The disdain they’ve shown for public input is not only appalling—it’s politically perilous. If they won’t heed the calls for transparency and accountability now, they’ll face a reckoning come election time. It’s time to take out the trash and replace these self-serving officials with leaders who will put the community first.
This isn’t just about stopping one bad development; it’s about reclaiming our city government. It’s about ensuring that those who sit on the City Commission remember their primary responsibility: to represent and serve the people of Callaway. When elected officials choose to ignore public concerns in favor of developer interests, they make it clear where their loyalties lie. And when that happens, it’s up to the community to take action.
The fight over Tyndall Parkway is far from over. The voices of Callaway residents will not be silenced. We’ll continue to demand that our city commissioners listen to us, that they engage in a transparent decision-making process, and that they prioritize the well-being of the community over the profits of a select few. And if Commissioner Griggs and others refuse to change course, we’ll make sure they don’t have the chance to make any more decisions on our behalf.
So, let this be a warning to the Callaway City Commission: the people are watching. And when the time comes, we’ll be ready to reclaim our city from the grip of cronyism. Callaway deserves better, and together, we’ll make sure it gets it.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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That’s a good article you wrote. I have been to most if not all of the meetings in Callaway. I go to the Commission meetings, Planning board meetings, Budget meetings. The last meeting I attended I was told to shut up and sit down. I was addressing the issue of not getting our change back when paying our water bill. It should be the Citizens Choice to receive our change back are add it to the next month bill. They the City has decided to just take that Choice away from the Citizens. The issues in Callaway run very deep. As of today I have stopped going to the meetings. If you decide to dig deeper you will be very surprised at all the issues in Callaway.
Thank you my friend! I’ve been following your posts on this and I agree with you. The government has no right keeping your change. It’s your money not theirs regardless of how small or large the amount is.
You said it a lot better than I did. I guess by the time I spoke I was just so worked up everything just spilled out.
Thank you my friend, I’ve been heavily trained in political organizing, grassroots advocacy, and holding public officials responsible and have had many published op-Ed’s by several major news publicans. I have extensive experience in this type of work. You did an excellent job relaying your concerns and possible solutions you see. Your dedication to improving your community rings through and that’s both powerful. Thank you so much for your dedication to improving our community. I look forward to working together to make our city shine!
While I disagreed with David, on supporting this rezoning, I will speak one thing, in his favor. He was the only Commissioner to call out Commissioner Ayers, for campaigning from his Commission seat. Mr. Ayers violated Sunshine Laws twice, doing so. But, David called him out on it.
I give David credit for that. Mr. Ayers has proved the most arrogant, of the City Council. He shows more than others, he only list to the Citizens, when it suits him