LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Public cemetery should be open to public
I am writing this because I feel it is necessary for the citizens of Darlington to be aware of the changes at the cemetery. Darlington Cemetery is a public cemetery, not a private one. Darlington City Councilwoman Sheila Baccus and her committee (whoever they are) took it upon themselves to chain-lock the entrance to the cemetery with a sign showing phone numbers you have to call in advance without having a public meeting to discuss the issue of vandalism and when meetings are being held. If anyone wants to vandalize the cemetery they still can by going over the chain or around it. With the cemetery being public there are two signs posted stating hours of 8 a.m.-7 p.m. I have had numerous conversations with Councilwoman Baccus asking her and her committee to please remove the chains, (but) they refuse. My family and any other family of Darlington has a right to enter the cemetery within the hours stated above to cut their plots, place or remove flowers or just visit their loved ones. I am asking the citizens of Darlington to please contact Councilwoman Baccus and her committee to voice your opinion. I posted this article on Facebook (and) received some negative responses but I WILL NOT contact anyone to enter the Darlington Memorial Cemetery during the scheduled hours. If I have to FIGHT THIS BATTLE BY MYSELF, I will until the CHAINS have been removed. Vivis McDowell Moore, Darlington
