A vice mayor in Tennessee has come under fire after criticizing a resident in a harsh email, only to stand by his words during a heated city council meeting.
Michael Zinser, a Gallatin resident, has been outspoken about his dissatisfaction with the rapid development in his area—located about 30 miles from Nashville. In response to frustration, he recently reached out to the city council via email. However, as reported by WKRN, he felt that Vice Mayor Craig Hayes’ reply was not only unprofessional but also belittling.
Zinser, a long-time resident of nearly 50 years, believed the response did not reflect the integrity expected from elected officials, prompting him to bring the matter to the city council’s attention.
In the meeting, Zinser read a quote from Hayes’ email: “Mike, why don’t you go back to the tree you crawled out of? Please take me off your email list. I don’t want to read your BS. Thank you, Craig.”
Hayes openly confirmed his statement, acknowledging, “That’s true. I certainly did.” This seemingly candid response caught Zinser off guard, and he chastised Hayes publicly.
Zinser argued that such replies diminish the respect expected from public officials and harm civil discourse among citizens. He expressed concern about whether the people of Gallatin are merely subjects to be governed by a select few, or if they should actively participate in their own governance.
In response, Hayes defended himself by stating that Hinser had previously accused him and the council of being excessively indulgent and claimed he has never accepted any financial incentives during his long tenure in office. “I’ll send you that email again. I’m sure I will,” Hayes remarked.
Hayes later explained to WKRN that his fiery email was a response to repeated allegations from Zinser, who mentioned suspicions surrounding corruption linked to the now-empty marina project. However, Zinser has denied ever accusing Hayes or the council of receiving money.
Gallatin has seen significant growth in recent years, adding around 8,000 residents since 2020, which places it among the fastest-growing cities in Tennessee. According to the World Population Survey, the population is set to rise from approximately 44,000 in the 2020 census to an estimated 52,000 by 2024—a remarkable 26% increase over just four years. The town’s appeal has surged, attracting buyers seeking affordable housing away from the Nashville area.
