Few municipal meetings tingle with energy after two-plus hours in staid chambers, but on Nov. 13, one Fayette County Board of Commissioners member found a way to end such a gathering with fireworks fit for the Fourth of July.
David Barlow began the round-robin of commissioner reports by launching into a tirade against Democrats – right in front of the one newly elected to the board he sits on.
Without any specific preface, Barlow announced, “We conservative Christians have been unmercifully attacked by the liberal ‘demoncrats’ and liberal press throughout Obama’s presidency. Nov. 4 changed all that. I will work tirelessly to see that in 2016, the GOP regains the presidency, thereby nullifying the evil that has been proliferating throughout our great nation. I declare this in the almighty name of Jesus.”
He then congratulated Pota Coston, the first black female Democrat ever elected to the commission, who was sitting nearby. “Even though I disagree with how she won,” Barlow said, “I look forward to working with her.” He was alluding to the new district voting system that the county is opposing in federal court.
The other commissioners – Charles Oddo, Chairman Steve Brown, Randy Ognio and Allen McCarty – said nothing about Barlow at the time. End of meeting, but not end of story.
But Brown soon stated in a local letter to the editor that “Commissioner Barlow’s comments should be in no way construed as the official or unofficial opinion of the Board of Commissioners,” and that although he respected Barlow’s right to free speech, “his remarks are incendiary and serve no other purpose than to divide local residents.”
The Fayette County Republican Party and Fayette County Issues Tea Party also issued statements criticizing Barlow, and on Nov. 18 Barlow posted an apology on Facebook in which he said, “I was wrong … I truly regret my comments and would like everyone to know that I look forward to working with Pota as we move Fayette County forward.”
Coston told the AJC that although she was “taken aback” by Barlow’s comments, she was “going to stay above the fray” and work collaboratively with the other commissioners.
The Fayette County Democratic Committee, citing Barlow’s numerous Facebook posts about Democrats, liberals and African Americans, has asked the commission to enforce the county’s rules of decorum.
The controversy added more storm clouds to the political climate in Fayette County. Voter turnout last Election Day was 61 percent, so apathy isn’t a major factor. Achieving a greater level of civil bipartisanship going forward, however, will depend on the conduct of those already in office and the choice of whom to put in office.
Whether Barlow’s remarks were an act of allegiance or aggression, the public’s confidence in the integrity of their elected officials – of any party – is better served in an atmosphere of respect than revulsion.
If this incident serves as a cautionary tale for future politics, the lesson may be that it’s hard to characterize others as demons while you’re sharpening your own horns.
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