Murfreesboro, TN - The closure of the Rutherford County Courthouse on weekends by County Mayor Joe Carr has sparked a debate about access to public restrooms at Murfreesboro’s historic downtown square. With the courthouse doors locked, attendees of popular events such as Saturday Marketplace, Friday Night Live, and various fundraisers are left without a readily available restroom option. The reason why... That was County Mayor Carr. 

During a recent episode of WGNS’s “The Action Line,” Mayor Carr defended the decision, explaining that the courthouse—built in 1859—is not equipped to handle the heavy foot traffic generated by weekend gatherings. “The public flushes everything into those toilets,” Carr remarked. He explained the aftermath of such use..

But the move raises an important question: Who bears responsibility for providing restroom facilities during public events held on public property? Should it fall to the county government, the city, event organizers, or downtown businesses?

In the WGNS' broadcast, County Mayor Carr comments...

Lincoln’s View on Government Responsibility - As Rutherford County residents debate this issue, Abraham Lincoln’s famous words from the Gettysburg Address resonate: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Delivered in 1863—just four years after the Rutherford County courthouse opened—Lincoln’s speech emphasized democracy’s foundation: that government serves the public and should be accountable to its citizens.

The closure of courthouse restrooms raises broader governance questions: Can a single county official unilaterally restrict public access to a government building? And should local leaders take action to ensure adequate facilities for public gatherings? According to municipal governance practices, significant decisions—including changes to public access—typically require broader approval beyond a single executive order.

What’s Next? - WGNS listeners raised additional concerns following Carr’s remarks, questioning whether a partial restriction—such as limiting access beyond the courthouse restrooms—could serve as a compromise. Others asked whether alternative restrooms could be provided through city-county collaboration or partnerships with local businesses.

Actual Broadcast - This is the entire conversation between Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr and WGNS' Bart Walker on the May 28, 2015 "Action Line", local talk radio program...As the discussion continues, WGNS encourages the public to weigh in.

Share your thoughts by emailing WGNS at news@wgnsradio.com. The station aims to present both sides of this issue in future broadcasts.