Lynchburg City Council candidates tackle racial equality

By Alicia Petska

Published: April 9, 2008

The Question:
The Community Dialogue on Race and Racism has brought more than 600 people together with the goal of improving race relations within Lynchburg. This effort — a first for the city — was initiated after the 2006 death of Clarence Beard Jr., a black man who died during a struggle with two white police officers.

Explain whether you feel issues of racial inequality do or do not continue to persist in Lynchburg. Specify what, if any, role is played by the city government in those issues. Further specify whether you feel the dialogue is an effective way of dealing with concerns related to race.

The Answers:
Mike Gillette, Ward I
“Unfortunately, issues of bias, prejudice and inequality do persist in Lynchburg, around the Country, and around the world. We all have an obligation to resist every form of bigotry, racial and otherwise. City Government can help in this regard, but only as a partner with involved citizens. The dialogues on race and racism were a wonderful effort in a struggle that dates back decades, but it is not the final step. We need to act on the recommendations that emerge from the study circles in order to continue moving forward with the improvement of race relations in Lynchburg.”

Jim Martin, Ward I
“There are areas of opportunity to improve racial relations in Lynchburg just like there are in society as a whole. Citizens are working on these opportunities. When you see how well our citizens work together in their jobs, volunteer and other community service groups you realize that we are blessed that our citizens are committed to being inclusive and working together to help each other and the community. City Council has a role to play in continuing to serve as a facilitator of the dialogue to improve relations. On City Council I would look forward to continuing that positive progress.”

Tom Shahady, Ward I
“Issues of racial inequality certainly do exist in Lynchburg. Race relations start with our kids so our dialog must not be limited to adults but include children at the elementary level. Dialog and communication develops ideas and goals. Downtown and midtown development must be one of those goals. City Hall should serve as a role model and council must engage race issues in our work force, our environment and our communities. Lynchburg Grows is an excellent model of how people of different race and ability work together for a common goal — to better our environment. Read more at http://www.tomshahady.com.”

Ceasor Johnson, Ward II
“Yes, even though it may not be overt racism, racial inequality does continue to exist in Lynchburg. I truly feel that our city government should take an active role in setting the example, and set the pace for racial harmony. The whole community benefits when we have open and honest communication about our differences and personal prejudices. Then and only then can we move forward to heal old wounds of racial injustice.”

David Johnston, Ward II
“Racism exist in two major forms-individual and institutional. Individual racism occurs across the country to some degree, Lynchburg included. That is difficult for government to control because who can know someones inner feelings. However, government must be ever vigilant of institutional racism. These dialogues can be effective because education is key to any problem. Another factor is time. The further we get from this historical blemish, the more it will diminish. I hope this is one case where time heals all wounds.”

Jeff Helgeson, Ward III
“Anytime 600 people gather to discuss issues that affect us all, it is a good thing. Communication is a key element when exploring areas of personal responsibility and community harmony. All of us desire a safe, healthy environment in which our families can work and play. City government can lead the way by encouraging dialogue and by making law enforcement a priority. I’ve worked hard to make sure our police have what they need to safely and professionally serve our communities. When our cities neighborhoods are safe and healthy, we enjoy an atmosphere that encourages community among all our citizens.”

Nat Marshall, Ward III
“The Community Dialogue on Race and Racism is an outstanding example of how the City and City Council can provide support and leadership that helps develop constructive solutions to complex situations. When community concerns are raised about how citizens are treated by our public servants, we need to address those concerns in a proactive, productive and open way. I participated in the dialogues and it was a very positive experience for me and my fellow participants. Through continuous dialogue, followed by appropriate action, we can make Lynchburg a better place to live and work.”

Turner Perrow, Ward IV
“It is shameful that issues of racial inequality and mistrust continue in our city, and the Community Dialog is a good step towards bringing Lynchburg together. I served on the Diversity Council of Central Virginia, working towards this goal. The privately formed group did not have the power to bring about real change, however, this Dialog, supported by the City, has strength of numbers. Hundreds of citizens are engaged and will make a positive change for our city. Only commitment to honest and open discussion can bring change where it is needed. You will get that commitment from me. http://www.TurnerPerrow.com”

Marie Waller, Ward IV
“The fact that over 600 people are participating in the Community Dialogue on Race and Racism demonstrates a strong interest in Lynchburg in identifying and dealing with concerns related to race. The important thing, though, will be what we do in response to what we learn. City government should certainly play a leadership role in this response, redoubling its efforts to eliminate any racial inequalities that might exist in its operations and insuring that the public is made aware of those efforts. The Dialogue will help, but only if all of us act — together — on what we learn.”

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