In the realm of local politics, few figures have managed to elicit the level of frustration and disenchantment that Callaway City Commissioner David Griggs has in recent years. For a man elected to serve at the pleasure of the citizens, Griggs has astonishingly little interest in actually listening to those he represents. He seems to have forgotten—or perhaps never understood—that his role is not that of an overlord, but of a public servant. Callaway deserves better. It’s time to call out Griggs for what he is: an obstructionist with a self-inflated sense of authority who has overstayed his welcome.
From the outset, Griggs’s tenure has been marked by a disturbing pattern of dismissiveness and arrogance. Constituents seeking to voice their concerns are often met with condescending lectures or outright disregard. It’s as though he believes that his election has endowed him with unchecked power, an unassailable authority that places him above the very people who put him in office. But Griggs seems to have forgotten a crucial detail: he serves at the pleasure of the citizens of Callaway, not the other way around.
The most glaring issue with Griggs is his seeming contempt for public input. In city meetings, his demeanor often shifts between aloofness and irritation when residents dare to question his decisions or propose alternative solutions. This isn’t the hallmark of a leader; it’s the hallmark of a petty tyrant. A city commissioner’s job is to listen, to engage, and to adapt based on the community’s needs. Yet, Griggs acts as though his vision for Callaway is the only vision that matters. It’s an approach that stifles growth, shuts down meaningful dialogue, and ultimately leaves Callaway stagnant at a time when we desperately need forward momentum.
Griggs’s tenure has also been marred by his willingness to overreach his authority. He seems to believe that his position grants him carte blanche to make decisions without proper consultation or transparency. Time and again, we’ve seen him push through policies or support measures that are out of touch with the wishes of his constituents. Instead of facilitating a collaborative effort to improve our city, Griggs positions himself as a gatekeeper, doling out his approval only when it suits his narrow view of Callaway’s future. This isn’t leadership; it’s a blatant abuse of the trust that was placed in him.
What’s particularly galling is Griggs’s utter lack of humility. When confronted with criticism, his reaction is not to listen and reflect but to double down, often with a dismissive attitude that signals he couldn’t care less about dissenting opinions. It’s a classic case of a small-time politician letting a modicum of power go to his head. Griggs acts like Callaway is his fiefdom, and we, the citizens, are merely serfs meant to nod in agreement and thank him for his “wisdom.”
Callaway deserves a commissioner who embodies the spirit of public service, not one who treats his office as a personal soapbox. We need leaders who will listen to our concerns, not ones who dismiss us out of hand. We need visionaries who will bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, not obstructionists who cling to outdated notions and wield power like a blunt instrument. Griggs has had ample opportunity to prove that he can be that leader, and he has failed spectacularly.
For those who have had the misfortune of attending city meetings where Griggs presides, the experience is often akin to watching a farce. It’s a one-man show where Griggs pontificates on his self-proclaimed expertise while ignoring the real issues facing Callaway. Residents bring forward legitimate concerns—about zoning, infrastructure, public safety—and Griggs responds with platitudes or, worse, outright dismissal. It’s clear that he sees himself as the ultimate arbiter of what’s best for Callaway, with little regard for the people who actually live here.
The reality is, Griggs’s approach to governance is not just out of touch; it’s damaging. It fosters an environment where public input is discouraged, where the voices of the people are muffled under the weight of one man’s ego. In a democracy, particularly at the local level, the government functions best when it is responsive and accountable to the people. Griggs’s tenure has been characterized by a lack of both, and Callaway is poorer for it.
Let’s be clear: this is not a personal vendetta against David Griggs. This is a wake-up call. The residents of Callaway have a right to demand more from their elected officials. They have a right to a commissioner who values their input, who seeks to build consensus rather than stifle it, and who understands that power is not something to be hoarded, but to be exercised with humility and a sense of duty.
The bottom line is simple: David Griggs is not the vision we need for Callaway. His tenure has been a masterclass in how not to govern, a cautionary tale of what happens when an elected official loses sight of their role as a servant of the people. The future of Callaway depends on fresh leadership, leaders who are willing to listen, adapt, and innovate. We need commissioners who understand that their power is not inherent but granted by the citizens—and that it can be taken away just as easily.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for Callaway to elect leaders who will respect the voices of its residents, who will work tirelessly to improve the community, and who will approach their role with the humility and dedication that public service demands. David Griggs has had his time, and he has shown us exactly what he stands for: a vision of Callaway where the few dictate to the many, where power is wielded without accountability, and where the concerns of the people are secondary to the whims of a single man.
Callaway deserves better. It’s time to move beyond the Griggs era and usher in a new chapter of responsive, responsible governance. Because the future of our city is too important to be left in the hands of a commissioner who simply doesn’t get it.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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