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Alderman Richards’ comments draw fire |
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Wednesday, 15 October 2008 |
Benton City Council will meet in special session today to consider a resolution that would affirm the council’s position on racial equality and the city’s nondiscriminatory policies and a possible chastisement of Alderman Joe Lee Richards.
Today’s meeting follows what has been termed racially inappropriate comments made Monday night by Alderman Joe Lee Richards, who was speaking against a proposed rezoning to allow the construction of duplexes on Silica Heights Road.
Today’s meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at Benton Municipal Complex, 114 S. East St.
Richards, who used the term “black ghetto” in the meeting Monday, apologized for his statements during the session and afterward, saying he did not intend them to be offensive.
Following the remarks Monday, Alderman Charles Cunningham said he was offended by Richards’ words and said they should not be tolerated in a public forum.
Cunningham, who is black, sits next to Richards, who is white. From all indications, the two have had a congenial relationship.
“Charles Cunningham is working with our city attorney drafting a resolution for us to consider tonight,” Mayor Rick Holland said today. “I’m sure it will say that the city of Benton does not condone such language that Alderman Richards used and it will actually condemn those statements, and rightfully so, because I believe they were inappropriate and do not reflect the views of our city.”
“We’ll have to look at all the factors involved in this and decide where we go from here,” Holland said. “One thing you have to look at is the human factor. Public officials are held to a higher standard, and words matter.
“We need to take into account the fact that Joe Lee apologized for his comments,” he said.
“Many times Joe Lee speaks without realizing the seriousness of his words, and it’s time that the council and the mayor sit down with him and tell him that he needs to watch what he says. I personally do not condone such comments, and we don’t want Benton to be portrayed in a negative light.”
Richards acknowledged today that he should not have used the term “black ghetto,” but noted that he apologized. “And there are some people that won’t accept my apology,” he said.
“I made the statement,” he said. “It’s public record. A lot of people don’t understand what a ghetto is unless they read the dictionary. They were offended by the word ‘black.’ I made the statement without thinking of racial overtones. I tried to apologize. Some wouldn’t accept it, and I can’t make them accept it. A man can’t do any more than that.”
He said he is aware that there are
some people that are calling for his resignation, but he had to interrupt his conversation to answer what he said was his “21st call from a supporter encouraging him to stay on the council.”
City Attorney Brent Houston said he is drafting two resolutions to bring to tonight’s meeting and the council will have to choose which one, if either, it wants to adopt.
“One is a reaffirmation of city’s nondiscrimination policy and includes a rebuke of Richards,” he said. “The other is a major chastisement and calls for his resignation.”
“I’m not sure not sure which one will pass,” he said. “They can take either one or none, or they can modify either.”
Richards said today that in 1966 he dedicated his life to helping people and he has lived that way since. He and volunteers he has organized have worked on homesites and other projects when disadvantaged people, both black and white, have experienced losses from storms and other catastrophes.
“If I was a racist, I wouldn’t have helped black people,” he said, “and I have. I try to live a good life, but sometimes I say the wrong thing.”
Richards referred to a racially inappropriate e-mail that was sent Sunday from his computer to several people. He said today that he does not have any recollection of having sent the e-mail and noted that there are others who have access to his computer.
Cunningham said, in an-e-mail Tuesday, that he “strongly” resents the remarks made by Richards in Monday’s meeting and said he feels “that he should consider his effectiveness as a representative of the city and Ward 2.”
“The council has to take whatever action necessary to restore its credibility with all the citizens of Benton and pursue resignation if necessary,” Cunningham said.
Alderman Greg White said Richards was “definitely out of bounds ... . I believe that the control of the meeting rests with the mayor. He should exercise use of the gavel ... .”
White said he will be looking for the mayor’s leadership as to how the council deals with the resignation issue.
He said he would “vote in favor of doing so” if Holland believes this is appropriate, but otherwise said he hopes the council will “come forward with a strong resolution that states that we, both jointly and individually are not in support of ... racial bias ... .”
“This should never be allowed to happen ever again from Joe Lee or anyone in the chamber,” White said.
Alderman Bill Donnor said he does not endorse Richards’ comments, but as far as asking for his resignation, he does not believe that should be the council’s position.
“That is a decision that he has to make. We as a council do not have any power or authority to make him resign. He was elected by Ward 2 voters, and it will be up to Ward 2 to remove him from office.”
Alderman Larry Wolf said this is “not the first time Alderman Richards has made racial comments during council meetings. I have no way of knowing his heart; however, this does indicate a pattern which should not be tolerated.”
Wolf said he believes Richards should consider “stepping down” from his council position.
“I have always felt Joe Lee meant no one any harm, but (in reference to the e-mail) these type of words can hurt,” Wolf said. “Obviously, Charles Cunnningham was hurt by his comments and I thought Joe Lee called Charles a friend.”
Alderman Doug Stracener said he believes Richards’ apology was “a true apology,” but is concerned that it was “too little too late.”
“I’m afraid we are truly at risk of damaging everything we have worked so hard to achieve over the past few years,” Stracener said.
He likened the incident to cancer. “Sometimes the treatment is as painful as the cancer itself,” he said, adding: “Strong action is required.”
Alderman Brad Moore said the council “can no longer write off his (Richards’) public comments with casual justification, ‘Well, that’s just Joe Lee.’”
“If the City Council fails to take the appropriate action during our special called meeting, we must accept the fact that we are guilty by association ... “
He said he has received numerous phone calls from residents, both living in Ward 2 and other areas, and the common theme has been one of embarrassment by Richards’ words and actions and the opinion that he should resign. “I am troubled by the fact hat Alderman Richards’ comments have set this community back several decades in terms of race relations,” Moore said.
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Razorbacks
