No reason for controversy at Street Department

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Over the past few weeks, much has been made of a bathroom at the Pine Bluff Street Department and claims by Council Member Ivan Whitfield and self-proclaimed activist Kamaya Seals of racism and discrimination.

At the most recent city council meeting, Seals called the allegations “Jim Crowism.” One Wednesday, Greg Horne and Wil Jenkins, hosts of The Oldies 101.3 Morning Show, went to the Street Department to investigate what Jenkins called “Pottygate.” What they found was not even close to the accusations that were being made.

Rick Rhoden, who is the manager of the Street Department, said the department building was built in 2004 and, when the department started making signs, there were two women who did the work. At that time, the bathroom stayed locked all the time.

A wall was then constructed, and Rhoden talked about that.

After complaints from Whitfield, the wall was taken down, meaning, Rhoden said, “Anybody can walk through and fiddle with the equipment.”

In addition to Rhoden, Greg and Will talked to Ronnie Burnett, who has worked for the Street Department for 28 years. He said there was “nothing” to the allegations.

Burnett said one employee was responsible for the allegations. Oscar Bullard, who is in his 30th year working for the city, after retiring and coming back, agreed with that statement.