LIMA — Lima Mayor David Berger’s refusal to attend Thursday night’s primary election debate sponsored by the local chapter of the NAACP is divisive for the community, said the Rev. Ronald Fails, the organization’s president.
Earlier Thursday, Berger issued a statement saying his decision not to participate in the debate stems from his disapproval of the election of Fails as unit president in 2014. Berger cited his appreciation for the NAACP as an organization, but said he could not work with the local chapter under Fails’ leadership.
“Notwithstanding my admiration for the NAACP, over two years ago I publicly stated after the election of Ron Fails to the position of President of the Lima Chapter of the NAACP that I would not have dealings with the Lima Chapter as long as Mr. Fails is in its leadership,” Berger said. “Mr. Fails remains in the leadership of the Lima Chapter of the NAACP, and my position on this matter has not changed.”
Fails said Berger’s refusal to participate in the debate was not a refusal to participate with a person, but an organization.
“The debate moderator is Ms. WilliAnn Moore, NAACP State Coordinator and not myself,” Fails said.
Instead of attending the NAACP debate, Berger made plans to meet with citizens separately at 6 p.m. at Fresh N Faded Hair Studio.
“Once again, Berger has been very active to divide the black community by holding an event that was only organized the day of our debate,” Fails said. “… I question his ability to have an admiration for this civil rights organization when he has always been divisive to separate people, instead of, bringing them together.”
Berger’s opponents in Tuesday’s primary, Keith Cheney and Derry Glenn, both attended the NAACP event Thursday at the Bradfield Community Center.
Berger did appear at a March forum scheduled by the Black Ministerial Alliance.
The complete prepared statements by both Berger and Fails follow:
BERGER’S STATEMENT:
“The Lima Chapter of the NAACP invited me to participate in a debate for the 2017 Mayoral candidates.
Throughout my adulthood, I have personally admired and supported the NAACP and its mission of defending civil rights for all Americans, in particular for racial and ethnic minorities. I recognize and applaud the NAACP’s diverse historical roots and membership, and believe that its actions in courts and in public forums have been necessary and effective in changing discriminatory laws and practices and in defending the rights of individuals who have been mistreated.
Notwithstanding my admiration for the NAACP, over two years ago I publicly stated after the election of Ron Fails to the position of President of the Lima Chapter of the NAACP that I would not have dealings with the Lima Chapter as long as Mr. Fails is in its leadership. Mr. Fails remains in the leadership of the Lima Chapter of the NAACP and my position on this matter has not changed.
For this reason, I am declining to participate in the proposed debate.
It should be noted that I have accepted all other invitations to debates and forums and expect that I will continue to do, unless Mr. Fails has a role in sponsoring those events.”
FAILS’ STATEMENT
NAACP is an organization that has a membership of people, therefore, it is operation is bigger than the shoulders of one man. Berger’s refusal to participate in this debate is not a refusal to participate with a person but an organization. The debate moderator is Ms. WilliAnn Moore, NAACP State Coordinator and not myself. I have not moderated any forums that the NAACP has hosted since my induction as president of this local chapter, in which, the results were validated by state representatives of the NAACP. Mr. Berger was invited to participate in NAACP debate the same as other candidates. This organization strives to operate as respectfully as possible even though we might disagree with Berger’s policies.
Once again, Berger has been very active to divide the black community by holding an event that was only organized the day of our debate. Berger continues to try use the slave master mentality strategy that has been used for centuries. A strategy that is totally opposite of the mission the NAACP nationally. Therefore, I question his ability to have an admiration for this civil rights organization when he has always been divisive to separate people, instead of, bringing them together.
I received many phone calls today by individuals who received a call from his chief of staff. Berger’s opposition to me has and always will be stemmed from his inability to control me as with others in this community. Harriet Tubman stated she could have freed more slaves only if they realized they were slaves. Berger has had 28 years to manipulated and lie to people in this community to get his needs met. I will not stop working in the behalf of people no matter who criticizes me.
This local unit of the NAACP, has worked with the city prosecutor’s office and police department, therefore, Mr. Berger you have worked with us. This unit has worked judicial system, too many businesses to name and other leaders to create equality economically, socially, and educationally. NAACP has been influential in creating job opportunities for minorities in the community. Mr. Berger talks about 1100 jobs in the city. I challenge the validity of that statement or does that include the surrounding area. In addition, there are jobs that are through temp agencies that don’t pay well or require you to have to go outside the city which means you must have transportation to get there. That’s hard for those individuals with no transportation, but that’s another topic which is too lengthy to get into in this response.
NAACP is an organization whose members must fight to bring equality. I am proud of the members in this local unit for their hard work. It is unfortunate that Berger doesn’t respect them and that indicates he is not willing represent all people in the community.
.neFileBlock {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
padding-bottom: 5px;
padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
font-size: 85%;
}
