A Bridge Too Far

There’s a reason why The Courier Eco Latino has stood as a trusted voice in this community for years — because we speak truth, especially when others stay silent. And right now, our community needs truth more than ever.

We are writing in response to the deeply concerning actions of Columbus City Councilor Byron Hickey — actions that, in our view, have crossed the line from public service into personal attack.

There comes a point when enough is enough — and folks need to be called out plainly. What we’re witnessing isn’t governance. It’s not oversight. It’s targeted harassment dressed up as accountability; and from where we stand, that line has been crossed.

His most recent attempt to drag a private citizen — State Rep. Carolyn Hugley, a respected business owner and the wife of City Manager Isaiah Hugley — into political theater is not only inappropriate, it is unethical.

The handling of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds was done properly: transparently, without favoritism and with Columbus Council’s full approval. The funds were administered through the Chamber of Commerce — not the City Manager's office — ensuring that the process was impartial.

No secret handshakes. No special deals. Dozens of businesses across Columbus — Black-owned, Brown-owned, and long-standing pillars of our community — received these grants through a fair and open process.

So why is one business being dragged through the mud?

Let’s be real. This isn’t about the money. It’s about intimidation. It's about showmanship. It’s about Hickey using a platform to stir up drama and distract from what really needs fixing. And when you start using your appointed position — not elected — to attack families, reputations and livelihoods, you’ve overstepped your bounds.

If the process truly concerns you Byron, why not call the Chamber of Commerce to speak directly and publicly to the Council? Why go after a private citizen instead?

The people see what’s going on. We see who you’re coming after — and who you’re not. We see how certain individuals are being used to push a narrative, while others sit silently, hoping the fire won’t reach their doorstep. But silence is not neutrality. It’s complicity.

And let’s talk about leadership — real leadership. It doesn’t look like chasing headlines or weaponizing public records. It looks like standing up for the people who do the work, support the city and have built their businesses with integrity for decades.

Real leadership doesn’t tear down. It builds up.

We are proud to say what others won’t:
We see the agenda.
We see the disrespect.
And we will not be silent.