RFP Staff

♦ Sunday morning neighbors called 911 dispatch to report a fire billowing smoke from a  wood-framed house on ice and snow covered Gold Hill Drive near Faith Road in Salisbury.  Off-duty firefighters from the Salisbury Fire department were first on the scene and found an elderly woman, who lived alone, laying on the ground by the front of her house.  The woman suffered from burns to her back and arms.  They moved her further away from the burning house and smoke and stayed with her until emergency services transported her to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.  Later she was transported to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The extent of her injuries are not yet known.

The Salisbury Fire Department, first on the scene, arrived just after 8:30 a.m. with thick clouds of smoke pouring out of the front of the wooden structure and quickly got the fire under control with a high volume of water. The fire was declared under control just before 9 a.m. The front part of the house was severely damaged and the rest of house suffered extensive smoke damage. The house likely will be judged uninhabitable.

The elderly woman’s dog, who lived outside, was removed from the premises by Rowan County Animal Control who will take care of the pet until it can be reunited with the owner.

Live power lines were downed outside the house so Duke Power was alerted to remedy the potential hazard.

The cause of the fire is yet unknown. The fire remains under investigation.

RFP Staff

♦ Lavonda Denise Jones, 44, a former employee at Trinity Oaks retirement community on the 700 block of Klumac Road in Salisbury, was arrested Friday for alleged credit card theft from a Trinity Oaks senior. Allegedly Jones ran up over $4,600 dollars in credit card charges at area retailers and restaurants. A family member who is the legal guardian of the alleged Trinity Oaks victim reported the unauthorized credit card purchases to the Salisbury Police.

According to police sources Jones allegedly used the credit card over 70 times for charges amounting to over $4,600 for purchases at Family Dollar, Walmart, Dollar Tree, O’Charley’s, and other Salisbury establishments. During her alleged buying spree Jones showed up on several area retailer’s surveillance videos.

Jones, living on the 400 block of Carolina Blvd. in Salisbury, turned herself in to the Salisbury Police and was charged with financial transaction card take/obtain (misdemeanor) and financial transaction card fraud (misdemeanor). Jones was released on a promise to return to court.

Lavonda Denise Jones:

Trinity Oaks Retirement Community:

RFP Staff

♦ Rochelle Lucas Hamilton, Salisbury felon and Downtown panhandler, was arrested Thursday evening for shoplifting steaks from a Food Lion supermarket on 251 Faith Road and for numerous other charges including warrants for a grand jury indictment for habitual larceny and 2 failures to appear and comply.

Hamilton’s charges include: larceny (misdemeanor), resist, delay, obstruct a public officer (misdemeanor), possession of control substance schedule VI (misdemeanor), probation violation (misdemeanor),  2 charges of failure to appear/comply (misdemeanor), and a grand jury indictment for habitual larceny (felony).

Under a secured $15,000 bond, Hamilton is in the Rowan County Detention Center.  He has a hearing on February 21st.

An officer was called to the Food Lion on  251 Faith Road where the manager reported a man had just shoplifted 2 porterhouse steaks and a beef tenderloin. The suspected shoplifter was headed across the lot in the direction of Applebee’s.  The officer drove over in his patrol car and quickly intercepted Hamilton.  Searching Hamilton, the officer allegedly found a small of amount of marijuana.  When questioned, Hamilton allegedly claimed he took nothing and gave a fake name and birthday.  A 2nd officer showed up and quickly identified Hamilton from other meetings.

The officer transported Hamilton back to the Food Lion where the manager allegedly made a positive ID of the suspect. The “missing” meat was located by a parked vehicle.

Rochelle Lucas Hamilton’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0546677&searchLastName=Hamilton&searchFirstName=rochelle&searchMiddleName=L&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

RFP Staff

♦ Since last Saturday no suspects were identified yet in the manhunt for the drivers of two all-terrain vehicles who intentionally struck N.C. State Trooper Robert C. Charubini  on Harmony Lane near Enochville, N.C. and broke the troopers leg and lacerated his chin.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office joined in the investigation of the ATV attack with the support of Highway Patrol investigators.

The North Carolina Troopers Association is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the two ATV drivers involved in the attack on Trooper Charubini.  Adding to the reward pool is the Enochville Community Watch who started a “Go Fund Me” page to raise funds for a reward.  If no one comes forward to claim the reward, the fund will be turned over to Trooper Charubini to assist with his recovery or given to the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers.

If you have any information that might arrest those responsible for the ATV assault on Trooper Cherubini, please call the Highway Patrol Communications Center at 800-233-3151.

January 23rd RFP Article: “Hunt on in Rowan County for All-Terrain Vehicle Alleged to have Intentionally Hit a N.C. Highway Patrolman.”

Hunt on in Rowan County for an All-Terrain Vehicle Alleged to Have Intentionally Hit a NC Highway Patrolman

RFP Staff

♦ Reine Struggy Augustin, 16, of Salisbury was arrested Friday for allegedly packing a concealed 9-mm handgun with the serial numbers scratched off. For starters it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to carry a handgun. In addition Augustin allegedly possessed a firearm with altered serial numbers which is a felony and carrying a concealed gun is also illegal.

Augustin and a friend walked along the 500 block of South Ellis Street at 5:30 a.m. when a Salisbury policeman, due to break-in reports in the area, pulled up to the two males and began to question them. They told the officer they were walking from a girlfriend’s house and were going home. They wondered if the officer might give them a ride. He said yes, but first he would need to search them for weapons before they got in the patrol car.

When the policeman started the search, one of the young men sprinted away. Augustine, standing nearby, suddenly bolted. The officer pursued him, finally getting a grip on Augustin and in the process a 9-mm handgun fell to the ground. It was loaded and its serial number were removed. Yo!

Augustin was charged with carrying a concealed gun (misdemeanor), possession/carry a firearm by a minor (misdemeanor), and possession/buying/selling a gun with altered serial numbers (felony).

He was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center and has since been released.

RFP Staff

♦  Two murders into January and violent crime on the rise again in Salisbury, N.C., the City’s undermanned police department was greeted Sunday evening with a call to the Rushco Convenience store on 2480 Statesville Blvd. just before midnight for an armed robbery.  Two Black males overwhelmed a female clerk, one pinning her arms behind her while the other rifled her pockets.  The pair demanded cash from the safe and register, but the clerk told them she had no access to the money.  The woman tried to break free when the robbers attempted to handcuff her.  The handcuffs landed on the floor.  Instants later the clerk was driven back by a thudding gun blow to her head.

Stunned, the clerk watched the Robbers force the cash drawer out of the register.

On their way out of the store, the robbers grabbed several cigarette packs and returned to their vehicle, an older model red Ford Mustang.

A description of the robbers:

Robber (1) a black male about 5’5″, slim build, between 100 to 130 lbs., wearing a camo mask, dark hoodie, blue jeans, and black gloves.

Robber (2) a thin black male between 5’11” to 6’1″ about 120 lbs., dark hoodie, a dark green and yellow mask, black gloves and blue jeans.

If anyone has information about this robbery please contact the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

RFP Staff

♦ Today it was confirmed by Linda McElroy, the City of Salisbury’s Communications Director that Salisbury Policemen Lt. Jason Robertson and Sergeant Richard Bryant Willis were no longer working for the Salisbury Police Department.

Later sources in city Hall confirmed that Lt. Jason Robertson, 38, resigned from the City of Salisbury Police Department effective Monday January 25th.  Robertson was first hired back on January 3rd 2000.

It should also be noted that Salisbury Police Sergeant Richard Bryant Willis, 40, was terminated as of Monday January 25th for conduct unbecoming of an officer, harassment, and misconduct.  The termination will be official once the grievance period ends.  Willis was hired by the Salisbury Police Department on July 21st, 2000.

The City of Salisbury government will not provide specific details claiming privacy for personnel matters.

At the moment the Salisbury Police are gravely understaffed.

**We will update this article as soon as additional information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ Sadly Historic Downtown Salisbury, N.C. didn’t make the North Carolina Downtown Heritage Map.  Was it because of the excessive vacant storefronts?  The eyesore South Main Badlands?  A failure to pay dues to gain entrance to a prestigious heritage map?  Who dropped the ball?

https://s3.amazonaws.com/uploads.knightlab.com/storymapjs/e7b4d16fb668e6fabf59aa2cd78e194e/downtown-revival/index.html

RFP Staff

♦ Posted below are the Rushco Armed Robbery Video Cam Stills taken Sunday January 24th.

RFP article from January 26th on the Rushco Armed Robbery:

Armed Robbery at Statesville Blvd. Rushco Convenience Store Turns Violent Sunday in Salisbury, N.C. Female Clerk Beaten

The robbers, covering their faces, are at the counter:

The robbers red vehicle at the gas pumps:

RFP Staff

♦ Today the 4th District Court of  Appeals heard from both sides of the Rowan County prayer appeal.  A ruling is likely to come within the next few days and we will post it immediately on the RFP.  Both sides argued admirably today.

RFP Staff

♦ “In the rough and tumble days when men were men in the county and ladies were ladies they didn’t bother with guns or knives, they took what was rightfully theirs sometimes by brute strength.” Odell Lacey

On Tuesday a county man allegedly felt like he’d been shorted money by a clerk in Jack’s Grocery at 3785 Bringle Ferry Road earlier in the day and returned at about 6:30 p.m. to request the difference he felt owed. The man, described as a semi-regular customer, was provided by the clerk with the owner’s name and a number so the customer could contact him with his “beef” and maybe get reimbursed.

Apparently that proved unsatisfactory.

It took all of about 30 minutes until the heat of righteousness built to a boiling point and the blocky heavy-set white male stalked back into Jack’s to allegedly claim what was rightfully his. With no warning, the man ripped the cash register from the counter and stormed out to an awaiting car described as a silver 2-door late 90’s Honda Civic. The car accelerated off the lot.

Startled by the robber’s modus operandi and the suddenness of it, the clerk called 911. A short time later a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled into grocery store lot. The suspect’s alleged crime fell into the category of what peace officers call a “strong arm robbery”.

The suspect is described as a heavy-set, heavily bearded white male between 30 and 40 years-old with medium-length brown hair. He sported a light colored denim dress shirt, blue jeans, boots, and a green and white ball cap.

The alleged “strong-arm robber” helped himself to approximately $500 in cash and a cash register said to be valued at $350.

If anyone knows about the robbery or the suspect they are requested to call the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

Jack’s Grocery:

RFP Staff

♦ James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer III, a felon living at 170 Swimmers Lane in Rowan County and a suspect in Tuesday’s common law robbery of a cash register from Jack’s Grocery at 3785 Bringle Ferry Road in Rowan Tuesday, was arrested Wednesday.

Several customers at Jack’s Grocery allegedly identified Cloer after they were shown video cam stills. Later when Rowan County Sheriff’s Deputies showed up with a warrant at Cloer’s Swimmer’s Lane residence they identified articles of clothing that the suspect allegedly wore on the Jack’s Grocery video.

Cloer was charged with common law robbery (felony). Under a secured $75,000 bond, Cloer is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center. He is slated for a hearing on January 29th.

The driver of Cloer’s getaway car is expected to face arrest. The investigation is ongoing.

James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0079656&searchLastName=cloer&searchFirstName=James&searchMiddleName=f&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III

The RFP Article on the Strong Arm Robbery Of Jack’s Grocery:

Strong Arm Robbery at Jack’s Grocery on Bringle Ferry Road in Rowan County, N.C. Man Muscles Cash Register and Scrams

Jack’s Grocery:

**This article will be updated as more information arrives.”

RFP Staff

♦ In a city wracked by unsolved murders and violent crime spiraling out of control, a grossly understaffed police department, D and F rated public schools, a meth-heroin-crack and alcohol epidemic, the working class and upper income folks leaving Salisbury, a Downtown that lost Uncle Bucks, Romo’s Pizza, Dead Ed’s, Bellissima at the Plaza in February and  more vacant store fronts to come. Fibrant’s immense financial drain on the city’s ability to provide basic services.  City Council and its staff had a goal setting retreat yesterday called “Our Legacy: Trailblazing a Vision”.

Let’s examine the big show which was to demonstrate the current state of the organization, establish a shared vison of Salisbury, develop goals to support the vision, and build a foundation of collaboration and teamwork going forward.  All high-sounding concepts except when a non-incumbent city councilman wants to put something on the agenda or ask questions about a budget audit that the public needs to know–it doesn’t happen.  Apparently transparency and basic honesty are not a part of city hall’s “vision”.

City council and staffers wrote down their strengths and weaknesses on a sheet of paper before the assembled shared ideas.

Salisbury’s Strengths–The Good

• Mayor Alexander put forward Fibrant 10 Gig fiber optic network (even though for 5 years it has shown nothing but major losses and has sapped the city of its ability to provide basic city services).  Karen seemed to suffer a momentary lapse of getting real.  Fibrant belongs in the mammoth failure category.

• The city’s alleged “positive attitude” and commitment to progress.  We’d more impressed if they had a “realistic attitude” based on “realistic thinking” and paid close attention to the feedback they got from what worked or what didn’t.  There’s plenty of evidence they keep beating the same dead horses.  Fibrant, the vacancy strewn and ghostly downtown, and very limited economic development.

• Alexander talked up the arts community.  They’ve got a few decent visual artists and the Meroney Theater can be entertaining.  Some folks enjoy the amateur neighborhood theater over on Lee Street.  It’s a stretch for Maggie Blackwell to call Salisbury the “Paris of the Piedmont”.

• Blackwell said words to the effect that city hall has a an improved relationship with the county commissioners. (How do county taxpayers fare on that one?)

Salisbury’s Weaknesses–The Bad

Some on city council admitted the city weaknesses were poverty and crime. Indeed, Salisbury has a whopping 27.2% poverty according to the U.S. Census Bureau and very poor FBI Crime statistics especially in the area of violent crime.

• Councilman Miller told the retreat that its public school system’s educational outcomes needed to improve. The public schools inside the City of Salisbury received horrific D and F grades from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

• Councilman Post noted the city school system had re-segregated itself because some parents are sending their children to private and charter schools. These schools are made of mainly of Caucasian students who transfer into the public schools advanced placement classes. These students get into the AP programs where they get all the scholarships and good grades. The other kids, lacking resources, form the other half of Salisbury High. It creates two high schools in the same building.

• Lack of diversity in the arts and general racism were put forward.

• Councilman Miller challenged Blackwell’s thoughts about there being a schism between the races.  He claimed the divide was socioeconomic and that some people have blind spots.  Councilman Kenny Hardin challenged Miller’s assertion.  Hardin, and a lot of persons he’s talked with, feel the city is viewed through one lens.  That lens doesn’t include the interests, concerns, the thoughts, and opinions of the Black and Brown community.

People are asking themselves: “What am I doing here?”

More tomorrow.

Current Salisbury, N.C. Statistics:

SALISBURY, NC STATISTICS

RFP Staff/MakeLoveLand.com/NC

♦ Clickable Map of NORTH CAROLINA: Find Out Who Owns Properties and their Current Value in any County, City, or Town in N.C.:

https://makeloveland.com/us/nc#b=admin

Rowan County Sheriff’s Office

♦ Rowan County, N.C. Sheriff’s Office MOST WANTED LIST:

http://ossip2c.rowancountync.gov/p2c/mostwanted.aspx

RFP Staff

♦ Several gentlemen hanging outside Firehouse Brew Pit on Lee Street at 3 a.m. Friday were startled when red pick-up truck rolled by and the driver allegedly fired a blast from the window.  A “what the F kinda moment” when your ears stop ringing.  No real surprise in Salisbury where a window gets shot out in Waffle House and the bullet mysteriously disappears from the premises.

A Salisbury Policeman responded quickly to the call to the corner of East Fisher and Lee Streets and adroitly turned his vehicle around before catching the red pick-up truck at Monroe and Long Street where it pulled over.  The driver Andrew Richard Canup, 62, of Rowan Mill Road in the Salisbury area at first allegedly denied having a firearm, would not provide his name, and would not allow officers to search his truck.  One of the officers on the scene noted a sawed off shotgun partially hidden beneath a blanket.  Officers also located a rifle on the backseat floorboard.  The hammer was cocked.

Both firearms showed signs of recently being fired.

Canup was handcuffed and loaded into the rear of the patrol car.  He was charged with weapon-illegal discharge (misdemeanor) and possession/manufacture weapon of mass destruction (felony).

The city forbids firing a weapon within the city limits and a shotgun becomes sawed off and a “weapon of mass destruction” when it is less than 16 inches in length.  Canup’s alleged shotgun was 13 5/8 inches in length.

Canup provided no reason for allegedly discharging the shotgun.  No one was reported injured in the area.

It was unknown at this time if Canup had any immediate plans for dining at the Waffle House on East Innes.

Andrew Canup’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0065141&searchLastName=canup&searchFirstName=andrew&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

The Firehouse Brew Pit:

RFP Staff

♦ The 2nd day of the Annual Future Directions and Goal Setting Retreat for City Council and staff at Livingstone College was packed with presentations. The line up included Downtown Salisbury, Inc., the West End Initiative, School Superintendent Moody, the Knox Middle School co-principals, city department heads, the County Manager and the County Commission Chairman.   During the almost 8 hours of the retreat, priorities were set, a “brand” was established, and various ways to promote these items to the public were discussed.

Co-principals at Knox Middle School, a school that plummeted from a “D” to an “F” on the most recent N.C. Department of Public Instruction Report Card, Michael Waiksnis and Laytoya Dixon presented their ideas to install a magnet school concept at Knox.

It appears sub-mediocre performance is rewarded at the Rowan-Salisbury School System.  Superintendent Lynn Moody pitched the idea that she wouldn’t expect co-principles like Michael Waiksnis and Laytoya Dixon (who were guiding Knox when it got smacked with an “F”) to remain at Knox if they were not paid what they “deserved”. Moody, sounding like a TV miracle preacher looking for “seed money”, talked up wanting to be committed and loyal. Commitment and loyalty eventually paid off with $70,000 from the city. Has anyone ever heard of giving performance bonuses if someone actually does well? And nothing if you don’t. That’s the way successful businesses operate. Nobody can call either city hall or the school system a successful business.

Councilman Brian Miller mentioned that education is at the center of solving the city’s other problems. Education is just one of many major roadblocks to the Bury creating job growth and a healthy tax base.

As if on script council person Maggie Blackwell decided to make a motion to assist the school system and Waiksnis and Laytoya Dixon to the tune of $70,000 starting in 2016-17 and continuing through 2017-2018. City council voted for it. Such is the state of education in the moribund “Paris of the Piedmont”.

John “Magic Math” Sofley, recently removed from his former Fibrant duties at City Hall, now heads up public services and parks and recreation where they have no need for his magical talents as a certified public accountant. He desires to change the negative perception of Salisbury and it’s City Hall. That perception “may” begin to change when the citizens vote out the incumbent city council. Salisbury is an undeniably dangerous town where the police are understaffed and underreport crime. Spendable income is way below par causing chain retailers and restaurants to nest elsewhere. The public schools in the city get nothing higher than Ds and Fs. The price of homes is plummeting as the working class and upper class move out for better and safer situations. Is Salisbury past the point of “no return” for the next decade? Doesn’t look good.

Ruth Kennerly, the HR director, talked up healing community relations. Talk is cheap–action is everything. Black and Brown Salisburians recognize they are left out of the pie. Safety lights on a certain bridge never gets done. Covert gentrification carves up Black communities and runs off the elderly and the poor who can’t keep up with the escalating taxes. “Shrinking” basic city services to the West End and other Black areas is well noted. The “spite hole” never gets fixed. A backlog of unsolved murders prepares to grow in 2016. Police who don’t answer calls in the West End, don’t file reports because they never showed, then claim a miraculous statistical turn around. This could not happen unless city hall supported it.

Is the alleged “Paris of the Piedmont” going to become a leader in diversity, inclusion, sustainability, livability, education, and actual collaboration? Talk is cheap during these typical City Hall “dog and pony” shows. Action? Not happening.

The Dog and Pony Show:

RFP Staff

♦ Dana Faye Starnes, 36, of 170 Swimmer’s Lane in Rowan County, was arrested Thursday on the charge of aiding and abetting (felony) for allegedly driving the getaway for car for her boyfriend James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III in the cash register robbery at Jack’s Grocery at 3785 Bringle Ferry Road.

Under a secured $10,000 bond, Dana Faye Starnes is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center.  Both Starnes and Cloer face a hearing on February 17th.

Camera Still of Jack’s Grocery Robbery Suspect:

The January 28th RFP article: “James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III Arrested for Allegedly Strong Arming a Cash Register at Jack’s Grocery Tuesday in Rowan County, N.C.”:

“James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III, a felon living at 170 Swimmers Lane in Rowan County and a suspect in Tuesday’s common law robbery of a cash register from Jack’s Grocery at 3785 Bringle Ferry Road in Rowan Tuesday, was arrested Wednesday.

Several customers at Jack’s Grocery allegedly identified Cloer after they were shown video cam stills. Later when Rowan County Sheriff’s Deputies showed up with a warrant at Cloer’s Swimmer’s Lane residence they identified articles of clothing that the suspect allegedly wore on the Jack’s Grocery video.

Cloer was charged with common law robbery (felony). Under a secured $75,000 bond, Cloer is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center. He is slated for a hearing on January 29th.

The driver of Cloer’s getaway car is expected to face arrest. The investigation is ongoing.

James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0079656&searchLastName=cloer&searchFirstName=James&searchMiddleName=f&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

James Franklin “Jimbo” Cloer, III

The RFP Article on the Strong Arm Robbery Of Jack’s Grocery:

Strong Arm Robbery at Jack’s Grocery on Bringle Ferry Road in Rowan County, N.C. Man Muscles Cash Register and Scrams

Jack’s Grocery:

RFP Staff

♦ Life goes on in the “Paris of the Piedmont” Salisbury, N.C.  Earlier this week the Rowan Free Press was alerted that Bellissima in the Plaza would be taking final measurements for their bridal gowns until the end of February and then off to swanky new digs in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Downtown watchers marveled at Bellissma’s staying power on Main Street especially in the light of young couples, with spendable income, melting away from the “Paris of the Piedmont”.

A Photo Safari: Survival of the Fittest Amid the Growing Vacancies in Downtown Salisbury, N.C.

Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman

♦ I’m about openness and transparency so I want share an email message I received today from former educator and Council Candidate Scott Maddox.

His criticism of my pointing out the racism that exists in our City is indicative of why there is a division in our City. Wouldn’t it be great if he was as upset about the behavior that lead me to make the comment as he was that I made it? Sadly however, he can’t recognize it through his privileged elitist lens. My response to him follows.

Maddox wrote:

“…Next the comments about racism. Some have a tendency to keep pointing out there is a problem. I think we all can agree there is a problem but when are we going to stop pointing fingers and start offering solutions? I think we would all be naïve to think there aren’t people out there who still have prejudices based on skin color, but because as a society we refuse to allow people to express their views without fear of being labeled, we can never really know who those people truly are. I agree with Mr. Miller’s assessment that the true problem is socioeconomic not the more popular, controversial area that people seem to prefer.

Lastly the comment “it doesn’t include the interest, the concerns, the thoughts, opinions of the black and brown community” I think making this statement shows the speaker sees things through one prism, one lens. This is not a race issue; it’s a societal issue that many feel. Everything can’t be about race; some problems are just problems with no color. Not getting a job because of your skin color, not being allowed to eat in the same place with people of different color, being made to sit on the back of a bus because of skin color, these are problems directly associated with race. Having your opinion heard, your thoughts listened to, and your concerns addressed are problems most associated with leaders who either don’t care or are out of touch, not race. How can this country heal if our leaders see themselves as representatives of any particular race? One can’t only use race as an issue when it fits an agenda. The fact Mr. Hardin failed to speak up and repute Mr. Post statements says volumes to me. Racism isn’t a one sided issue and until people can see the big picture it can never truly be addressed.”

My response:

Mr Maddox,

Thank you for your unsolicited comments. I’m glad you are following our progress as a cohesive Council.

I won’t address the concerns you shared about comments from Mr. Post. Mr. Post ran a great campaign on the issues he felt were relevant. So, if he felt the statement he made at the retreat were real to him, continues to be relevant and important to him, and it doesn’t negatively impact my constituency, then I have no reason to dissent or speak out.

Mr. Maddox, I think it’s egotistical and arrogant of you to deny the existence of a social ill like racism that you do not experience firsthand. Because racism doesn’t impact you personally, you have no right to deny its existence or criticize those who do recognize it. Your comments castigated an entire Community of Black and Hispanics/Latino who do feel the stings of racism that you don’t have to. I will never deny the existence of something and minimize the feelings of others simply because I have to endure it.

If I recall correctly, the last time you served on Council in the 90’s, you uttered a racially insensitive and divisive comment to me during a Council meeting which cast aspersions on an entire Culture and community. You angrily referred to the West End as “you people.” Then Mayor, Margaret Kluttz, called me at home later that evening and apologized. So, Mr. Maddox, none of us are infallible. And as evidenced by your hate tinged words while you were on Council in the 90’s and your insensitive and elitist comments today, this is why there is a perception of two different Salisbury’s based on ethnicity.

Again thank you for your comments and participating in the civic process. If you would like to discuss this matter in person or at our next City Council meeting Tuesday, I will be happy in either forum.