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<br />June 16, 2022 <br /> <br />naturally in direct opposition to injustice. My intolerance for injustice has made many <br />uncomfortable in both the Black and White community; thus, my presence has been a <br />thorn in the side. Therefore, some of you have used a superficial concern about the <br />termination of the City Manager as an opportunity to remove a conscious voice from City <br />Council. Once again, some have resorted to lies to attack my character and again some <br />participate with your silence. So, you have concocted stories of corruption, abuse, and <br />personal gain when you know I have never used my office as an elected official for <br />personal gain nor illegal monetary benefit. I do not even meet with people who have <br />business interest in Portsmouth in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Matter <br />of fact, ask Junius Williams and Rev. LeRoy Hill, two men who I respect, about my <br />denying a meeting request with persons who had business interests in Portsmouth. I even <br />rejected the trip offered by the Casino Developers to visit one of their Casino sites. I told <br />each of them no; even though, I knew their request had no wrongful intent. I direct persons <br />to the City Manager and Economic Development. <br /> <br />My value system which is grounded in respect for my God, my family, my church, my <br />village, and myself would never allow me to do what has been expressed directly and <br />indirectly by Council members, citizens, and clergy. For those of you who know me and <br />even a casual observer, I know you realize that for me to make such a decision to <br />terminate the City Manager, it came with critical thinking and substantive reasons as I <br />have expressed unambiguously in this statement. I hope that as each of you search for <br />the truth you will do the same. <br /> <br />In the meantime, as I have done in the past when lies and attacks rooted in hate, envy, <br />power, demagoguery, and jealously have risen against me to silence my voice, I will <br />continue to stand still and let the Truth fight my battles. <br /> <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Councilman Dr. Mark M. Whitaker <br /> <br /> Vice Mayor Barnes spoke on the accusations of bribery and asked that an <br /> <br />investigation be conducted. <br /> <br /> Councilman Battle provided reasons as to why he agreed to terminate the previous <br /> <br />City Manager. <br /> <br /> Councilwoman Lucas-Burke spoke on the following upcoming events: <br /> <br /> The play “Abolitionist Museum”, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the <br />˗ <br />Book Club. <br /> The start of Sunset Thursday, High Street Landing. <br />˗ <br /> <br /> Councilman Moody spoke on the police officer swearing in ceremony. <br /> <br /> <br />22 - 184 - Non-Agenda Speakers <br /> <br />1. Cedric Cradle, 725 Bold Street, voiced his concern with what he believes is the lack <br />of crime prevention in the city. <br /> <br /> Councilman Moody asked for an update on the 911 Call Center and implementation <br /> <br />of the Crime Prevention Plan. <br /> <br /> Councilwoman Lucas-Burke asked for information on what is needed for an unsolved <br /> <br />crime to become a case. <br /> <br />2. Elvira Johnson-Williams, 3313 Armstead Drive, voiced her concern with the <br />acrimonious behavior of City Council. <br /> <br />3. Sergio Neal, 1420 Elm Avenue, voiced his concern with the violence in the city. <br /> <br />4. Merle Rutledge, P. O. Box 103, voiced his concern with the violence in the city. <br /> <br />5. Barry Randall, 1515 Camden Avenue, voiced his concern with the actions of a City <br />Council member. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />