Four groups back recall of Hampton Councilman
Reported by Velma Scaife
WVEC TV 13
06:06 PM EDT on Monday, August 1, 2005
Four grass roots groups in Hampton are united with one goal – get Hampton councilman Randy Gilliland removed from office.
The petition drive began earlier this year when George Wallace was fired as city manager.
Recently, other groups have joined the effort, claiming Gillliand and other members of council are more concerned about catering to the needs of developers and investors than the concerns of the majority.
“The city is constantly being pushed into a direction which is detrimental to its physical health," claimed Thomas Kenney with the KNOW campaign.
His group believes property taxes in Hampton are too high.
Some residents of the Kecoughtan corridor worry they could be forced to move to make room for new roads and development.
The green space people say they want to see progress in Buckroe but not at the expense of vacant land on the bayfront.
“We need a city council that can stand up and truly represent the ideas and views of the citizens of Hampton who put them in office,” stressed Erica Davis, who lives in the Kecoughtan corridor.
Councilman Gilliand responded to the complaints, saying he doesn't represent any developers and isn't out to force anyone from their home.
"The issue is about the recall petition and on the firing of George Wallace and I believe that's what it is and there are others who have stepped in as political opportunists to try and manipulate the process," he charged.
The second phase of the recall requires the signatures of more than 3,500 registered voters.
Also Online
Citizens Coalition Web site
Randy Gilliland for Delegate Web site
You can find the petitions being circulated by Hampton Watch, Save The Green Space People, KNOW Campaign and the Sussex Kecoughtan Corridor group at the Hampton DMV and the Voter Registrar's office.
Gilliland, meantime, is running for the 91st District House of Delegates seat held by Tom Gear.
WVEC TV 13
