Albert W. “Bill’ Holmes Jr. is a resident of Dover.
After reading a July 25 letter by City Councilman Fred Neil, titled “Councilman Lewis’ Opinion needs clarity,” I feel compelled to comment. First of all, I am curious what clarity Mr. Neil needs from Councilman Brian Lewis’ letter. I thought his piece was to the point, and I was personally able to comprehend the context without question and believe Mr. Lewis has valid concerns regarding the ongoing gun violence in our city.
Mr. Neil’s further comments about his predecessor, former Council President David Anderson, and his conversation with Mr. Lewis two years ago concerning reappointing Mr. Lewis to continue as the chair of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee, in my opinion, is debatable, since he did not present verifiable facts in his letter, such as a copy of the email or recorded transcripts of the conversation between Lewis and Anderson. Neil’s comment seems more like “political squabbling.” I think one might be foolish not to consider appointing Lewis to a safety board, with all his experience in law enforcement. Moving forward, I believe we need to focus on the title of Mr. Lewis’ original letter, “How do we remedy Dover gun violence?” As a lifelong resident of Dover, whose family has deep roots in the community, I agree 100% with Mr. Lewis about the need to address the violent crime there.
On a side note: I believe that it’s sometimes easy to overlook and take for granted the good things some of our public leaders do on a regular basis, not for recognition or rewards but to simply serve the people of our community. I commend Councilman Lewis for always making himself available to his constituents. He has answered countless questions for me, my neighbors and friends. He has given needed direction and clarification on specific city matters. Councilman Lewis has been seen many times walking or driving in his district, assessing safety initiatives in our neighborhoods and really showing a hands-on approach to things, opposed to simply sitting behind a desk.
Last year, when I had an uninvited homeless man illegally living in a tent on the side of my house, I contacted Mr. Lewis about it, and he came right over to address the issue. He even offered to help clean up the trash on my property, left behind when the man was removed.
When I complained to Mr. Lewis about speeding issues in my area, he came out and looked to see what could be done. His advocacy resulted in a speed/volume study, the placement of a portable speed display sign and some extra police patrols to raise awareness.
If Councilman Lewis is in your district, reach out to him and have a conversation. He is no doubt engaged in the concerns of the people he represents. He is a compassionate and involved professional who continues to do what he said he would when he first ran for office.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
