Council Member Has Missed 24 Meetings Since 2012

Editor's note: the following letter was submitted by Holly Springs Council member Dee Phillips.

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I have been informed that a group of individuals are seeking a recall to have me removed from office. The reason this group has given for the recall is excessive absences from City Council meetings. I have missed 24 out of 107 council meetings since 2012. I want to take this opportunity to explain a family issue that I have been dealing with so that each of you will understand my absences.

In the spring of 2012 my mother was diagnosed with mild onset Alzheimer’s. Shortly after my mother’s diagnosis, my father lost his battle with cancer. Consequently, my mother was left in the house alone without anyone to care for her on a daily basis. My sister and I had a difficult decision to make regarding my mother’s care. We decided to move my mother to an apartment next to our aunt so that someone would be able to care for her in the absence of our father.

• Editor's note: the Holly Springs City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month.

Unfortunately, my aunt passed away in the spring of 2013. At that time my sister and I made the decision to move my mother to a senior apartment facility. My sister and I have had to take turns caring for our mother as her Alzheimer’s has advanced. We were fortunate recently to find two ladies to hire to ensure that my mother’s needs are met on a daily basis. As a result, I am now only called away in the event of an emergency. All of the decisions that my sister and I have made were to keep my mother as independent as possible while providing her with the best quality of life possible.

I want the residents of Holly Springs to know that even though I have missed 24 council meetings since 2012, I am dedicated to the city of Holly Springs and I take my responsibilities as a council member very seriously. I have been involved in numerous projects in Holly Springs the last 16 years that have benefited all of our residents, including J.B. Owens Park, the realignment of Holly Street and the downtown sidewalk project just to name a few. We have also been successful in setting aside $1 million in reserve funds and paying off the city’s debt.

These are all things that I am proud of accomplishing as a council member. I want to continue to serve as your representative as we continue to make the city of Holly Springs a better place.

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