In an unexpected turn of events, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr has vetoed the resolution to rename the Kittrell Public Health & Safety Building to the P.E.A.Y. Public Health & Safety Building, following a flurry of public outcry and considerable community response—this move came just days after the county commission's initial vote in favor of the renaming.
The proposed name change, which was intended as a tribute to local figures David Leon Adams, Clyde Montgomery Elrod, Robert (Bob) W. Peay Sr., and William Laughlin Youree by using the acronym P.E.A.Y. from their surnames, was met with resistance from the residents who felt that there should be more public involvement in decisions regarding public buildings, despite the Commission's earlier 13-7 vote in favor of the change, Mayor Carr made it clear that his decision was influenced by the public sentiment, revealing in his statement "I have received hundreds of calls, texts, and emails asking me to veto the resolution" according to a statement obtained by Rutherford County's official website.
In the wake of the commission's decision a Change.org petition was quickly set up and within five days it nearly 600 people have rallied against the renaming; this petition underscored the community's desire to maintain the building's original moniker.
The Kittrell Public Health & Safety Building, designed as a multi-purpose facility that encompasses a Fire Station, EMS Station, Healthcare Facility, and Storm Shelter, became a center of controversy in this bureaucratic tug-of-war, but the Mayor emphasized the practical reasons for keeping the original name noting day-to-day functionality and public safety during emergencies, such as the recent severe weather that saw over 150 individuals take refuge in the county's storm shelters, should not be jeopardized by confusion arising from a name change, with Mayor Carr adding, "Their lives were dedicated to community service, who like so many other members of the community deserve the same recognition" he said, referencing the individuals originally chosen for the honor while affirming his commitment to listen to the community.
