By Betsy Finklea
Former Latta Police Chief Crystal Moore and current Councilman Jarett Taylor made a live national television appearance from downtown Latta on Wednesday night on “The Last Word” on MSNBC.
Several of Moore’s supporters were in attendance and stood behind the former police chief and councilman during the interview. The interview took place at the Latta gazebo.
On Tuesday, Latta voters chose to change the form of government in Latta from strong mayor to strong council. Those council members in favor of the strong council form had stated that they planned to reinstate Moore if this form of government was passed. There was elation among a crowd that had gathered on Tuesday night at the Latta Arts Center when the results were announced.
This elation quickly turned into shock on Wednesday morning when Mayor Earl Bullard announced that he had hired a new police chief, Freddie Davis. Davis was hired on June 17th, and a 2-year contract was signed on June 23rd prior to the vote on the form of government, but the announcement was made on Wednesday after the vote. He is to take over on July 1st, Bullard told The Herald.
Former Police Chief Moore said she was “crushed” by the news. She said she was basically hired by the people again during the vote on Tuesday and then fired again.
The election certification hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday. The change of government is anticipated to be in effect on Monday morning.
