More Controversy Involving Upshur County Commissioners

GILMER � Tuesday�s Upshur County Commissioners meeting erupts with accusations, and a request to remove a person from the crowd. Commissioner James Crittenden accused fellow Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree of bypassing his authority as presiding officer. That comes after Crabtree received a letter instead of Crittenden. And when Commissioner Mike Spencer tried to get back to business, a woman from the crowd spoke up, saying Crittenden was presiding and could �say what he wants to.� Spencer responded, �Excuse me. For an outburst like that I would like to have her removed from the court.� After the outburst, the commissioners took a recess. The woman was not removed from the meeting.

The commissioners� court has seen its share of controversy in recent months. Crabtree is under indictment along with County Judge Dean Fowler and Sheriff Anthony Betterron. All are charged with official oppression and abuse of official capacity in a case involving removal of public comment from agendas.