It is the story of neglect, incompetence and a deeply apathetic view of what it really means to serve the public.
It defines the history of the Talladega Water and Sewer System, a system that lent itself to corruption and self-serving leadership while it was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Today, it threatens the safety of the very people it is supposed to be serving.
Through far too many city administrations, through criminal charges for water board members and through court fights with the board, the system simply grew worse.
But today’s mayor and council have finally said, “no more,” and are working to put the system on the right track again.
A thorough study and review of the water and sewer system reveals despicable conditions — an improperly installed valve that allows release of a poisonous vapor, oil leaks and other conditions ripe for contaminating the water supply.
Over the years, there certainly have been those within the system who tried to fix problems, but they have been overshadowed by a pattern of neglect allowed to linger — on the local and state level.
Their inaction only compounded the problems, and it is encouraging to see this administration considering decisive steps to remedy the ills of this ailing system.
The road ahead will not be an easy one, but it has the potential to change Talladega for the better and finally, for the good of all of its citizens.
