ADRIAN — Outgoing Adrian City Commissioner Kelly Castleberry reflected on her relationship with the city and pleaded with residents to reject divisive and violent political rhetoric ahead of today’s election.
The Commissioner comment portion of Monday night’s Commission meeting began with Mayor Angie Heath and Commissioner Mary Roberts thanking Castleberry for her five years of service to the city.
Castleberry then began a speech, which started with her reminiscing over growing up in Adrian, learning about its history and culture, and deciding to move back to her hometown after serving in the U.S. Navy.
She then took a stand against negativity and hateful social media comments directed toward her, her family members, fellow elected officials, city staff, and constituents, calling them acts of “cowardice.”
In particular, she highlighted the debate surrounding Adrian’s Point of Sale Ordinance, which she voted in favor of last year, saying, “while the world burns down around us, the government has been shut down for a month, we have divided this community over one ordinance.”
She further denounced alleged misinformation about the ordinance and defended the commission, saying that their job was to set policy and make decisions that were best for the city’s 20,000 residents.
Despite this, Castleberry told WLEN News that she was hopeful for the future of Adrian and grateful for her colleagues…
That was outgoing Adrian City Commissioner Kelly Castleberry.
Castleberry was appointed as commissioner to fill a vacancy in 2020 and was elected to a four-year term in 2021.