NEWS

Tallahassee ministers back Gillum's handling of recovery

Byron Dobson
Democrat senior writer

Ten black pastors and faith leaders expressed their full support for Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and local government’s efforts in restoring power in the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine Tuesday.

Speaking at a news conference at Bethel AME Church, the pastors emphasized this was a time for unity in the community and caring for residents in need, rather that inserting politics into the efforts.

The Rev. R.B Holmes, Jr., (center),  the Rev. Julius McAllister Jr., (right) and  the Rev. Rudy Ferguson (left) kick off Tuesday's press conference at Bethel A.M.E. Church.

And while Gov. Rick Scott’s name was not mentioned, the pastors clearly were addressing the political rift between the governor and Gillum. Scott has criticized Gillum’s leadership and accused him of not accepting state-offered help in responding to thousands of city residents who have gone days without power.

“We hope the governor will understand we are one,” the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr. of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, said. “We are affirming and confirming the leadership of our mayor.

“It was not Hurricane Gillum; it was Hurricane Hermine,” Holmes said.

The Rev. Julius McAllister Jr., pastor of Bethel AME Church and host of the news conference, said Gillum received a standing ovation at the church on Sunday. Gillum and his family are members of Bethel AME.

McAllister said the pastors wanted Gillum, along with utility workers and first responders to know they support the mayor “100 percent.”

“He has done a ‘Herculian’ job,” McAllister said of Gillum. “The proverbial question is, “How much preparation the city could have put into place. We thought we were prepared. The governor thought he was prepared. The mayor thought he was prepared.

“How do you prepare for something when you don’t know how it will impact our city? ”

Holmes added that race or politics is not needed as an undercurrent when it is more important to make sure that seniors, the poor and others in need are getting their issues addressed.

“This cannot be about race or politics," Holmes said. "We have to make sure the poor are not left out.”

The Rev. Julius McAllister Jr., senior pastor of Bethel AME Church, makes a point during Tuesday's news conference in support of Mayor Andrew Gillum, as pastors made a plea for unity, not divisive politics in the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine.

“The church is going to be the church,” McAllister added, saying that some churches didn’t have power, but continue to serve. “When we go through adversity, we make adjustments.”

McAllister said it is important that residents know the church is open and there to take care of their needs.

“We know when we see politics playing out,” he said. “We’re not running for office. We’re called to preach the message of Jesus Christ. It is our job to bring people together and to find middle ground; to see how we can accomplish the same goal.

“We all have a vested interest in this community.”

Pastor Rudy Ferguson, of New Birth Tabernacle of Praise, said he believes “the governor’s constituents” were urging him to put pressure on Gillum.

The mayor is a prominent figure in national and state Democratic party politics and key supporter of Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency.

“I think it was insensitive and it wasn’t realistic, the criticism he gave our mayor,” Ferguson said.

Contact senior writer Byron Dobson at bdobson@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @byrondobson.

Infobox

The Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr. announced Tuesday the creation of “Operation Help” that will focus on the ongoing needs of seniors, the infirmed, children and neighborhoods in need.

A “Community Unity” meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 224 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and let pastors know of their pending needs.

“We will work together to rebuild our communities and held the less fortunate,” he said during a news conference Tuesday a Bethel AME Church. “This our mission.”