Good Riddance to Hicks
David Hicks sadly is nothing more than the numerous others that have held positions in the city: in over their heads but held up by their swelled heads (“If I Were King,” Cover Story, Feb. 15). His ego is something to behold. He couldn’t shine Doug Wilder’s shoes.
Richmond is far better off with him out of office. Richmonders should make sure they keep him out.
Harold Jackson
It is interesting that Mr. Hicks has launched his pre-mayoral campaign trial balloon. He is posturing early to succeed Mayor Wilder.
During his tenure as commonwealth’s attorney, where the opportunity for community leadership existed, some have suggested that often everything was “said and done”; more was “said than done” by Mr. Hicks.
Clearly there is much to be done to promote civility, ensure equal justice and create opportunities for full development of individual talents. But while law enforcement must use its force with restraint, much can be achieved — at no cost — if people would pray, go to school, not molest other people and report criminal activity.
Walt Pullman
With the possible exception of his defeating the incumbent buffoon Joe Morrissey, I can’t seem to find the article naming a single accomplishment that Mr. Hicks can take credit for during his three terms.
Did crime decrease during his watch? What strategies did he champion to foster trust and cooperation between the African-American community, the police and the judicial system? What victories did his office have in ferreting out and prosecuting Richmond’s bad cops? Did Mr. Hicks, as the highest-profile publicly elected African-American official in Richmond, use his position to bridge that racial chasm he is now railing against?
It’s interesting that within a period of several months David Hicks, private citizen, now has such powerful insight into Richmond’s socioeconomic and racial problems. I guess as commonwealth’s attorney he was too busy prosecuting law breakers to share his wisdom with his constituents.
John Kurec
Story “Inane and Irrelevant”
I am very disappointed in Style Weekly for “Appraising Tragedy” (News & Features, Feb. 1). Its tastelessness was appalling. To have occurred within a month of the heinous murders of the entire Harvey family was particularly insensitive. The story lowered the standards of decency and added a sideshow atmosphere to this tragedy.
Surely of all of the pain and fear that this incident caused, the potential lowering of property values is near the bottom of any reasonable person’s concerns.
Unfortunately, in recent years there are numerous houses in the metro area that have been plagued by the stigma of a homicide. Did Style Weekly respond with an inane and irrelevant article regarding its effect on the property values of the neighborhood? I suspect that you were silent then and should have remained so in this instance.
Chris A. Hilbert
3rd District Representative
