The following was submitted by former Antioch Mayor Wade Harper in response to comments made at Tuesdays city Council meeting.
Allen Payton contacted me and asked if I had a response to the current mayor called the previous city councils “murders.” I did not watch the city council meeting. I have since read the quote.
There is a professional courtesy, that Former Mayor’s extend to the current mayor. We realize that the current mayor has the mandated responsibility to make decisions for the city, along with his or her city Council. I may privately disagree with certain decisions, but typically I avoid public criticism, because I understand that each administration faces unique challenges, and they must act according to their own judgment. I refrain from publicly criticizing the current administration. I think my stand of unity and support could be more beneficial to the cities over role well-being rather than constantly criticizing everything this City Council does.
When the current mayor was elected, I called him on election night and congratulated him. We shared a private laugh. I also offered that he could call upon me if he needed to. I could offer advice from what I learned from the challenges that I experienced.
- Advice #1 Lead with excellence and integrity and be the leader that you want to see.
- Advice #2 Don’t pass the buck – take accountability for what happens on your watch. It is easy to blame previous administrations. What I learned about blame is that there is always plenty to go around.
- Advice #3 Show love to your community as well as your colleagues on the city council. And give a listening ear.
Like most Antioch residents, I am certainly saddened and angered by the acts and racist texts committed by certain police officers (not all officers). I am not always happy with this current city council. I understand that they have a tough job, navigating these uncharted waters of overt, racial discrimination, and criminal insensitivity.
Now as far as the bashing of previous city councils, let me say this.
To say that previous city councils have committed “murder” because of lack of police oversight is irresponsible. This is a very harsh and mean-spirit statement toward your former colleagues who led with integrity and excellence. Do not lead with anger, vendetta, and vitriol.
“ Residents like you have allowed the council to get away with murder, absolute murder, because of a lack of oversight,“ – mayor Lamar Thorpe to Hernandez, the main opponent of the change.
The Antioch city council has decided to grant themselves the authority to hire and fire the police chief. Now that you have made that decision, consider attending a Citizen’s Academy to learn more about the law enforcement profession so you can lead effectively. You will learn what the word “murder” truly means and how families and lives are impacted by such a tragic crime. Antioch is hurting right now, and we need leaders who will lead. Return the hiring authority back to the city manager ASAP so that you won’t be tempted to put politics into the profession. I am proud to have served the city of Antioch as mayor, alongside very fine city councils, city managers and police chiefs.
I maintained open communication with the police chief and received regular reports on crime as well as plans on making the community safer. Yes, we also addressed personnel matters in closed sessions a few times. So, the current mayor should not blame past city councils for the unique problems and issues that this current city council now faces.
So, for the record, all past city councils, including myself, have made mistakes. But I am not aware of any City Council‘s on which I have served committing any acts of murder. Additional I am not aware of any of my fellow city council members committing acts of arson, burglary, nor being arrested or cited for DUI – driving under the influence (with Blood Alcohol Levels of .121% and .124%) or allegedly sexually harassing any women resulting in any settlements with the county for $350,000 or in a fit of rage challenging any community members to step outside to fight.
Wade Harper
Former Mayor of Antioch
previous posts by Harper
May 19, 2023 – Wade Harper: We are All One Blood
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