Statements on Syrian refugees spark heated debate from council and citizens
by S. Rotan Hale
For several weeks Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers has dominated the news and been the topic of much discussion about town. From his announcement to not seek re-election to recent statements he made that caused an outrage locally as well as nationally.
Through a letter released Wednesday, Nov. 18 in response to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the mayor openly expressed his position denying Syrian refugees entry into Roanoke.
Adding insult to injury, he justified his position comparing it to the treatment of Japanese foreign nationals sequestered in U.S. internment camps by President Franklin Roosevelt during WWII.
Several councilmembers took particular offense to the mayor’s infamous message being communicated on “official city stationary” which gave it a certain bogus credence as it appeared to be endorsed by the entire council.
Repercussions from the mayor’s comments came to a head during a special public meeting called by City Council to expressly address the mayor’s behavior that for the most part was viewed by the entire body as reprehensible and severely damaging to the City’s image.
Responding to requests for an apology and/or his resignation, Bowers delivered a heartfelt apology that was accepted by the council as well as many among the packed council chamber.
“To you, our city, to each member of this council and all my friends and supporters who have held me in the highest esteem, I want to say today that I apologize to all those offended by my remarks. No one else is to be blamed but me,” said Bowers with great consternation.
“I’ve worked hard for 16 years to be a friendly mayor to all the 105 nationalities in our city and I want to continue to do so… it’s just not in my heart to be racist or bigoted,” he added.
The mayor sat visibly disturbed as each of the 6 other councilmembers was given a chance to individually respond. Although they took turns reprimanding him, their comments were extremely civil and indicative of the respect and admiration they maintained for him despite the disturbing situation and its far-reaching implications.
“There is a good story here,” said Dave Trinkle (vice-mayor) who spoke of all the citizens of Roanoke and those who have called him from all over the country that “know the city and want to show it as the real positive, welcoming, diverse and inclusive city that it is.”
Some members spoke more as a friend taking the compassionate approach as Councilwoman Anita Price who advised the mayor to “seek guidance to order our steps and our words.”
Councilman Ray Ferris read a letter from a young lady who spoke of how Roanoke made her feel at home as an immigrant. Ferris reminded the mayor that he (Bowers) was a descendent of immigrants.
Yet it was Councilman Bill Bestpitch whose well-crafted response presented the most compelling climax to council’s comments.
After admitting he believed the mayor truly had no ill intent, Bestpitch posed several questions.
“How could someone (Bowers) whose been such a strong supporter of Local Colors and other ethnic heritage festivals as well as our sister cities program, make remarks that are so offensive to Americans of any nationality,” asked the councilman.
Digging deeper into the stationary issue, Bestpitch also asked, “How could anyone use that piece of paper and think that no one would assume that he (Bowers) was speaking on behalf of the city, its government and its citizens?”
With that, Bestpitch boldly charged the mayor of “cultivating a lone-wolf persona” during his years in public office. He claimed Bowers had “stood alone in his opposition, refusing to work toward consensus” with the rest of the council.
From prepared notes Bestpitch asserted, “All 6 of us supported his bid for re-election 4 years ago and he has repaid us by frequently beating his own drum instead of leading our efforts to work collaboratively in addressing the needs of our community.”
Bestpitch’s accusations cut to the core and surprised many in the chamber as the mayor sat in dismay.
Among 24 citizens who spoke, some were lenient while others actually asked for the mayor’s resignation like Robert Guthrie, a local psychologist and veteran who told the mayor that his comments had “turned our lovely caring city into a laughing stock and an international symbol of intolerance.”
Grecian immigrant Zoe Stennett gave an extremely impassioned speech that, although disjointed, gained applause. With her colorful accent she opened condemning the mayor for his actions. She proceeded to feverishly touch on various issues as low wages, immigration complexities, terrorism and basic freedoms we as Americans take for granted.
Triggered by someone who laughed, she turned her rant to the crowd and chided, “you laugh, this is serious… you don’t have the feeling for the United States. You don’t have the yearning to come here where you have freedom… if you go to another country you’ll understand, you’ll understand!” It was a moment of clarity for many who sat idly through the proceedings.
Later outside the chamber Zoe (pronounced Zowie) said she speaks her mind and applauds only the press that dares to “speak the truth.”
Mayor Bowers’ unfortunate and poor judgment, which led to his drastic and uncharacteristic measures, seem somewhat far-fetched and clearly displayed an over reaction to his concerns for safety under his watch.
Hopefully the matter will serve as a lesson to the wise and only slightly tarnish the reasonably impressive career he’s enjoyed as “Roanoke’s friendly mayor.”
