voices Repairing the Damage
Dear Editor: As [Gulfport] City Council saw fit to bring the subject up from the dais (again) on Tuesday, March 16, I thought it may be worthwhile to redirect the conversation. If you are more concerned about people spreading the message the “n-word” is racist, vile and inappropriate to use or condone the usage of in any way, shape or form (spoiler alert: This is not breaking news to most people) rather than being horrified at the long history and our deeply present racism in this country and this community – you’re concerned about the wrong thing. Your words have meaning. Choose what publicly angers you wisely. Racism is wrong. Using the n-word today, five years ago, or 50 years ago is wrong. Let’s focus on repairing the damage that has already been done, and not get distracted by anything, or anyone, else. – Kate Bauer-Jones
Brown Owes the Community an Apology Dear Editor: Christine Anne Brown said, “Never in the history of Gulfport has there been such a nasty, nasty, hate-filled campaign...” I beg to differ. There have been elections in Gulfport which have been just as down and dirty. Remember Councilmember Michele King? Perhaps 2007 wasn’t a prob-
lem because Christine Anne Brown wasn’t on the receiving end of the nastiness. During the same time frame, then-Mayor Mike Yakes was running for re-election. I was shocked to see a campaign sign – in Christine Brown’s yard – proclaiming, “Dump Yakes.” This wasn’t a good look for someone who wanted to represent our town, and potentially work with that very mayor. It didn’t give me a good impression of Ms. Brown then, either. In this recent election, Christine Brown was re-elected with just over 52% of the vote. I’m not sure that result should embolden Ms. Brown. To me, the results say that the voters of Gulfport are dissatisfied with Ms. Brown’s representation. The rant that was delivered during the March 16, 2021 council meeting reflects more on Christine Anne Brown than anyone. I’m guessing there were many folks in Gulfport who had no idea about any conflicts or mudslinging that was brought upon Ms. Brown and her family during this recent election. While I am sure it was frightening and upsetting, a council meeting is no place to air election grievances against a fellow council person. It is also no place for Mayor Henderson or councilmembers to defend Ms. Brown – or anyone on council – for what was assumed to be dirty election maneuverings. April Thanos was elected by a
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majority of voters in 2020. In my opinion, the COVID-19 challenges of the past year have put Ms. Thanos at a disadvantage on council. She remains an outsider, even though she continues to have the support of voters who elected her. It is my wish that an extra effort be made to be respectful to Ms. Thanos. She is putting forth ideas from the community that she represents and who she is listening to. All of you on council, Mayor Henderson, City Manager O’Reilly – every one of you – is expected to work for the citizens of Gulfport, not to snipe at each other about real or imagined rumors and election shenanigans. Ms. Brown owes April Thanos and the community an apology for delivering this unprofessional and accusatory tirade during the council meeting. Then you all need to move forward. – Julie McNichol, Gulfport
Put Aside Petty Politics Dear Editor: I was astounded hearing the remarks made by Councilwoman Christine Brown during the Gulfport City Council meeting March 16, 2021. To make unfounded accusations that Councilwoman April Thanos was responsible for the release, by a blogger, of an interview Christine and her husband gave a few years ago that has now “threatened” her Voices continued on page 10
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