Celina Mayor Admits Controversial Sign Was Placed By His Orders

Celina Mayor Luke Collins confirmed Monday that he told city employees to place the sign regarding drug use on an affordable housing property.

Collins said the sign was placed after two residents that live near the property voiced concern about drug use there. Collins said he made a promise to the residents to take action.

“There’s some folks that said that we should have been more subtle, but my daddy always said plain talk is easy to understand,” Collins said. “We could have put up a sign saying drug free zone, but just wanted to make a statement to let them know we are serious.”

Collins said the sign was stolen the night that it was installed earlier this month. Collins said city police have a suspect as to who took it. Collins said he does not intend to place any other signage moving forward.

“I think we got our point across,” Collins said. “That’s the main thing. The sign really isn’t the important part. The important part is that law enforcement is making a difference. Cookeville Housing Authority is making a difference. We are aware of the problem, and we are working towards a solution.”

When asked if the sign was an appropriate way to message against drug abuse, Collins said, “Sure. It sent a message to those folks that we are going to do something.”

The sign read “To drug dealers and dope heads, this is not Amsterdam, this is Celina Tennessee. We will put you in jail.” Collins said he received a mixed bag of push back and support when the sign was installed.

Collins said city funds did not pay for the sign. Collins said he planned to use taxpayer’s money, but a private individual volunteered to pay for it.