UPDATED: Citizens Demand Action On Town's Washington Park
Council Honors Tom Dean For His Lifetime Of Community Service | By Jerry E. Clark
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Clifton Forge, VA (August 23, 2016) - The Clifton Forge town council honored former business and community leader Tom Dean with a proclamation of thanks (Dean Honored By Council) and conducted two relatively minor items of business - before several prominent members of the black community gave it the dickens - no, a bit of "hell" over what they indicated were more than sorry conditions at the traditionally "black" Washington Park on the east side of town.
Council quickly approved the minutes of the August 9th and 16th meetings and unanimously approved a request from the Clifton Forge Shrine Club to hold the annual Fall Festival event from October 14-15th in the downtown area.
Council also unanimously approved the town's departmental reports.
And then came multiple complaints from many of the town's black citizens, who appeared to be highly suspicious of improvements made at Linden Park, but not at Washington Park, the park many in the community associate with black citizen enjoyment.
One would have thought the black-white issues such as these were "over", but that clearly is not the case. Improvements made at Linden Park, in part, funded by the Alleghany Foundation, appear to be viewed in some circles, as favoring some areas over others in the town.
The following citizens spoke before council with various remarks about the sorry state of Washington Park. Watch the video links below for their live speeches.
• Evelyn Cooper Speaks
• Gina Smith Tells Council About Problems
• James Bolden Makes Park Criticisms
• Burcham Responds On Park Issues
• Ethel Thompson Makes Interesting Remarks
• Bolden Criticizes Park Issues
• Town Council Members Respond To Washington Park Issues
The council then entered a closed session to discuss an undisclosed item of business.
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RESOLUTION OF RESPECT
IN HONOR OF
THOMAS PAUL "TOM" DEAN
WHEREAS, all were welcome at the back corner desk at the Racey & Dean office where visitors heard the familiar “You know” as Tom reared back in his chair with arm outstretched and head cocked with that mischievous grin and began to pontificate on the topic of the day, and
WHEREAS, his comments meandered here and there with the appropriate facial expressions and witty observations that left all engaged and usually running late for their next appointment, and
WHEREAS, every person left with a new insight and felt comforted to know that Tom was on the case and things would get better, and
WHEREAS, Tom’s allegiance to all that was green and gold was evident in his passion for Clifton Forge but also extended to the entire Alleghany Highlands as shown by his service to the schools, arts, service clubs, professional organizations, and, most of all, economic development, and
WHEREAS, he led without being seen and gave without fanfare, always moving forward to enhance our area, and
WHEREAS, he never sought credit for any of his many accomplishments but was quick to praise others and work unselfishly with any who sought to improve our community.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by Clifton Forge Town Council that it hereby honors the life of Thomas Paul “Tom” Dean and mourns the loss of an advocate, friend, and outstanding citizen.
Carl D. Brinkley, Mayor
Gayle Hillert, Vice Mayor
Johnette Roberts, Councilwoman
Jeff Irvine, Councilman
Robert Umstead, Councilman
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