Competing visions of Rebel flag shared at City Managers
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
Gerald Cadogan of the Portsmouth Unity Project feels that its Band Together mural s message, pictured here off of Market Street, is challenged by the Confederate flag s presence on city property. Photo by Patrick Keck
PORTSMOUTH Earlier this week, conversation surrounding confederate flags during a prior Portsmouth City Managers’ session caught the attention of a national organization dedicated to its descendants and proponents of its history.
John Anson, Ohio Division Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, addressed the matter of banning its presence on city properties in a letter sent to City Clerk Diana Ratliff where he urged no action to be taken.
Packard in as new 6th Ward councilman
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
Dennis Packard (left) being sworn on by Portsmouth City Clerk Diana Ratliff as the new 6th Ward Councilman on Monday, Dec. 14.
PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth City Council voted to install Dennis Packard as the 6th Ward Councilman on Monday evening following a 90-minute executive session.
Nominated by 5th Ward Councilman Edwin Martell, Packard had unanimous support of all present Council members. Following the passing of Thomas Lowe last month, he spoke with fellow 6th Ward residents about who would be a good fit for the vacancy. At his neighbors’ urging, Packard threw his hat in the ring.
Council holding interviews for 6th Ward vacancy
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
Portsmouth City Council, pictured here during its Nov. 9 meeting, will hold its second-to-last meeting of the year on Monday. Photo by Patrick Keck.
PORTSMOUTH In its penultimate session of 2020, Portsmouth City Council will convene on Monday evening to discuss eight items on its agenda and the open 6th ward seat.
The seat has remained vacant since the unfortunate passing of Thomas Lowe last month and there are now four applicants- James D. Jordan, Kenneth “Rich” Scarberry, Dennis Packard, Susan Reed- vying for the position.
In its closing remarks during the Nov. 23 session, Council and other city political figures shared their condolences to Lowe’s family who had held the seat since the 2015 election and renowned throughout Sciotoville.