County Supervisor Ray Boswell has always seemed to ignite controversy with every public appearance.

But his powers of instigation and his ability to get his way were increased significantly this year when two like-minded people, Hank Florey and Wayman Newell, took seats on the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors and made Boswell Board President — a position the previous board had allowed him only once in his many years as a supervisor.

Since then, Florey and especially Newell have consistently voted along with Boswell on hot button issues, effectively canceling out the votes of the other two supervisors, Craig Hitt and Joe Norwood. Many times this year, passionately hateful arguments and name-calling broke out amongst board members.

One issue put before the board was particularly explosive. Boswell, Florey, and Newell voted for a $1 million road bond to be used for road improvements in only their own districts. This vote caused vicious infighting and so angered Norwood that he accused Boswell of “manipulating” Florey and Newell, and attempted to undermine the vote with a petition.

Hitt, too, was strongly against the bond, saying that it was extremely imprudent to borrow money for paving when the county already had millions in its road fund, and accusing the other three supervisors of abuse of power and blatant disregard for the best interest of the county.