Columbus Mayor Calls Out Supervisor Over 5G Tower Comments
In the heart of Columbus, Mayor Keith Gaskin took a bold stand during his latest press conference, addressing some troubling comments made by Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston regarding the much-debated 5G tower proposal. It’s not just a tech issue; it’s a community concern that has two local leaders clashing, and Gaskin is determined to clarify the air.
The Beef Over 5G
During his regular press briefing held at City Hall, Gaskin expressed frustration over Hairston’s alleged remarks made at a Rotary Club meeting, where he supposedly predicted that the city council would likely reject the AT&T proposal simply because the county wanted it. Gaskin declared that this kind of “city-county bickering” not only “hurts citizens” but also “holds the community back.”
Although Gaskin wasn’t present at the December 11 meeting where Hairston spoke, he relayed that multiple attendees reported what Hairston said. “We’ve got to stop that kind of talk,” Gaskin emphasized, pointing out that such attitudes have likely influenced past decisions adversely impacting the people of Columbus and Lowndes County.
Hairston’s Response
Not one to shy away from the spotlight, Hairston responded to Gaskin’s claims, stating he couldn’t recall making those comments. If he did, he insisted it was meant as a “lighthearted joke” and not an attack on the city. “I certainly don’t believe the city council would vote against the tower simply because the county wants it,” he reassured.
The Tower Talk
The discussion revolves around a proposal from AT&T to build a 5G cellular tower on county-owned land at Moore Creek, adjacent to the Roger Short Soccer Complex. After county supervisors came to an agreement on a $1,600/month lease with the telecom giant back in July, they believed that improved cellular service would benefit the community.
However, the planning commission voted against the tower’s construction, and the city council is set to make a final decision during their meeting on January 21, 2024. Hairston mentioned at the Rotary Club that the public reception had turned the tower into a “political lightning rod” due to rising concerns among residents.
Community Concerns
Opposition to the tower has grown significantly, with many citizens voicing their concerns about its appearance and possible health implications tied to 5G radiation. In response to these worries, Gaskin has questioned whether AT&T explored other options for placement that wouldn’t draw so much scrutiny. An alternative suggestion came from planning commission chair Kevin Stafford, who proposed negotiating with the local utilities to use a water tower located not far from the Moore Creek site.
Calling for Collaboration
Gaskin believes the county should have included the city early in discussions about the tower, rather than waiting until proposals were already on the table. “We need to work together on these things, communicate better, and not publicly turn it into political issues,” he said. He emphasized that unchecked comments and assumptions can perpetuate the perception that city and county officials are each other’s adversaries.
A Lighthearted Exchange
The press conference had its lighter moments, too, as Gaskin acknowledged, with a smirk, “Trip, if you didn’t say it, I owe you lunch,” recognizing the importance of not letting misunderstandings carry too much weight in their working relationship. Hairston retorted that Gaskin’s 14-minute evaluation felt more like he was trying to prove his point while simultaneously critiquing him.
As this tower debate unfolds, the vibe in Columbus is clear: local unity is key for tackling community issues head-on. Both leaders know the stakes are high, and it will take cooperation—not conflict—to come to a solution that truly benefits the people.
