Video: Controversy Surrounds Columbus City Council Again

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — It’s the latest chapter in the ongoing drama surrounding Ward 4 councilman Marty Turner in Columbus.

“I’m not going to do what the mayor says. I’m up here to represent my people and that’s what I do.” – Marty Turner

Columbus Ward 4 City Councilman is once again at the center of controversy but this time Turner says he’s the victim.

Tuesday night, Mayor Robert Smith says he drew the line during the council meeting when Turner kept talking out of turn, being disruptive, and breaking the rules.

“As the mayor it is my obligation to control the meeting and make sure all council members and residents have the rights and privledges as any other council member,” Mayor Smith said.

Turner was asked to leave Tuesday’s council meeting because he kept speaking out of turn and when he refused, Turner was escorted out.

But the Ward 4 Councilman paints a different story.

“I wasn’t disruptive,” Turner said. “I addressed him because he is the chair. I am not going to do what he says. If you look at the film I addressed him and no other councilman does that–well not all do that.”

Turner also says he’s the underdog among council members.

The Ward 4 representative says he tells the truth when it comes to the issues facing Columbus.

“They disenfranchise voters,” Turner continues. “When money comes in they don’t distribute it the right way. They want me removed because I tell the truth.”

The councilman says he’s being honest regarding rumors about his alleged drinking problem.

“They say, ‘Oh, he has a drinking problem’. How do they know? They don’t hang around me like that.”

As far as moving forward, Mayor Smith says Turner’s behavior has to stop.

“As Mayor, I don’t have any other plans as far as letting this continue.”

Other council members seem to agree.

Joseph Mickens says he is standing by the Mayor’s decision.

“It is a sad moment for the city and for our community,” Mickens says. “It was a decision the Mayor hated to make.

“Turner has a lot of things he can bring to the table but he does have things he needs to work on.”