Mayor Backdoor Dumps Another Suprise
Mayor Joe “Backdoor” Carr Tries to Sneak One In: The Landfill Drama Continues
When it comes to Murfreesboro and Rutherford County politics, there’s rarely a dull moment. And if you’re looking for drama, you can always count on Mayor Joe “Backdoor” Carr to serve up a spicy tale of behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Recently, Carr and Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland announced their plans to form a new committee to tackle the issue of solid waste management — an initiative that sounds noble at first but, as usual, Carr’s lack of transparency and disregard for proper protocol quickly turned what should have been a routine announcement into a public spectacle.
It all began on January 30th when McFarland and Carr declared their intention to create a committee composed of elected officials from both the city and county governments. The mission? To draft a new solid waste plan that will address the region’s growing trash troubles, particularly the looming closure of the Middle Point Landfill. McFarland, ever the optimist, spoke about bringing together “smart and thoughtful members” to solve this “generational issue.” But what followed was anything but thoughtful.
Carr, in his typical style, couldn’t resist making waves by running to the press and making bold statements before even discussing his ideas through the proper channels. “Middle Point will close when it’s full,” Carr declared, underscoring the urgency of the situation. While the concern about the landfill’s closure is legitimate, Carr’s rush to the press, bypassing the committee process, set off alarms.
Rather than allowing the committee to carefully consider the issue, Carr rushed into the limelight, seemingly keen to grab attention while disregarding the necessary protocols that would allow for open discussion. You’d think that after his previous “backdoor” dealings, he would have learned a thing or two about following the rules. But alas, it seems Carr’s idea of protocol is, well, a suggestion at best.
What’s more, Carr’s comment about Rutherford County being “a trash can” for Davidson County was classic Carr rhetoric. Yes, there’s been ongoing tension regarding the longstanding solid waste agreement , but Carr’s pointed jab at Nashville did nothing to move the conversation forward. In fact, it only served to escalate the very tension that McFarland was hoping to ease through this new committee.
To add even more intrigue to the mix, Rutherford County Commissioner Craig Harris was quick to slam the plan, accusing the mayors of trying to circumvent the county’s Public Works Committee, a body that should have had a say in any potential committee formation. Harris didn’t mince words: “It’s unfortunate that Mayors Carr and McFarland are attempting to establish a committee that could circumvent the county’s Public Works Committee and thwart its ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of our county.”
Well, it seems like the mayors’ hastily thrown-together plan hit a few speed bumps, doesn’t it? And the criticisms don’t stop there. The lawsuit filed by Murfreesboro against BFI Waste Services and Republic Services adds yet another layer of complexity to an already messy situation. The environmental concerns surrounding the landfill are valid, but this whole situation is quickly turning into a circus of political missteps and power plays.
Let’s be honest, Carr’s track record of “backdoor” dealings — pushing initiatives without properly following through the committee process and led to his official censure — has raised more than a few eyebrows in the past. And this latest stunt? It’s the same old song and dance. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue and collaborating with his colleagues, Carr seems content to keep things under wraps and avoid the usual bureaucratic processes. It’s as if he’s trying to sneak another decision past the public without them noticing.
At this rate, it’s hard to see how the people of Rutherford County will benefit from Carr’s antics. Sure, the issue of solid waste is important. Yes, the Middle Point Landfill is on borrowed time, and no one is denying that something needs to be done about it. But if Mayor Carr’s method of tackling the problem is any indication, we can expect more rushed decisions, skipped processes, and political gamesmanship.
So, as the dust settles and the committee (if it ever materializes) begins its work, one thing is certain: Mayor Joe “Backdoor” Carr isn’t the transparent, protocol-following leader we need. Instead, he’s the politician who would rather sneak one in than play by the rules. Here’s hoping this time, the public won’t let him get away with it.
