While The Shadow has at times leaned into a dramatic flair to underscore the penchant for theatrics from our public officials, it’s crucial to remember that drama itself is a mask worn to conceal fact and truth. Recently, in our local governance debates, we’ve seen some spectacular theatrical performances from our public officials worthy of standing ovations.
There’s one big problem with Political Theater.
The use of drama in politics—whether to expose or conceal facts—fails to clarify issues for the public in a clear and unbiased manner. Instead, it tends to entertain and distract, much like an engaging subplot in a theatrical production, making the popcorn taste all the sweeter but leaving the real issues unresolved.
So where can we find our undeniable truths that we can all recognize and agree upon?
The Bill of Rights.
Stay with me for a 10-second Civics lesson, there’s a Paul Harvey ending reward for your tenacity. 233 years ago, in 1791 the Bill of Rights enacted ten Amendments to our Constitution. You probably know the First and the Second Amendments; freedom of speech, and the right to bear arms.
However, The First Amendment goes much deeper than just speech. It secures your rights and offers a remedy: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
In everyday language, “petition the Government for a redress of grievances” means that individuals and communities have the right to communicate with their government, and ask them to address a problem without fear of punishment.
This section gained great significance in the United States Declaration of Independence, highlighting the colonists’ demand for the right to approach the government to resolve significant issues—a right that had been denied to the 13 colonies by England before the American Revolution. Americans not only rejected autocrats who hid critical facts behind their crowns, but they also rejected the intimidation and retaliation tactics leveled against anyone who questioned them. Our Founders chose democracy, and as a US citizen, you have taken an oath to defend it. Luckily we have specific weapons at our disposal to defend democracy and combat autocracies.
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted on July 4, 1966, and was created to hold government agencies accountable by making their records accessible to the public, enhancing democratic participation, and fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
The Shadow has submitted 7 Freedom of Information (FOIA) requests over the past week asking for documented facts from our local, county, and state governments. I’ll provide a summary here, but you can find the FOIAs attached in their entirety below the summary.
- Covington City Building Department, information on compliance of the department and certification of its building officials. This includes information on the contracted engineering firm and their operational and financial agreements with the city.
- City of Covington’s Water plant compliance and operational information. This includes information on the contracted engineering firm and their operational and financial agreements with the city.
- Local Economic Development Performance Agreement, information on the adherence of required contractual performance towards the Deed of Gift of 410 Main St Property agreement with the City of Covington.
- The Gauntlet Program and the City of Covington’s administration and operational procedures of the program.
- Nettleton Project, information on the project and required performance of the participants.
- Information on building permits, demolition permits and asbestos testing and certification for the safe renovation and or demolition of various buildings, including the Collins Hotel, Skateland, 410 on Main St and others.
- Alleghany County Department of Social Services and Child Protective Services, information for performance and questionable actions involving foster care.
You can find the original FOIAs here: 7FOIA-May2024
The Shadow is submitting these FOIA requests for a very simple reason; to present unequivocal facts to all stakeholders. This effort is designed to eliminate any doubts about the validity of the information, clearing the haze currently muddled by gaslighting, rumors, and conjecture.
These requests also stand as an opportunity for our officials to embrace this initiative and actively participate in the dissemination of these FOIA results. After all, if the facts are as transparent as claimed, this process would not only vindicate them but also confirm their commitment to the oaths of office they solemnly swore to uphold.
The question now is whether they will transparently provide the documents, allowing all citizens to witness the inner workings of their city firsthand, or if we will encounter the usual hurdles of delays, financial deterrents, and mysteriously vanishing records.
By the way, did you know that FOIAs aren’t just for newspapers and journalists but available to every citizen? If you web search for “FOIA document template” you’ll easily find examples. To find the FOIA officer of your government where you can submit your FOIA, just search for, the government body and FOIA officer, i.e. “Covington VA FOIA Officer.” Your rights are protected by law, not only to get an answer but without fear of retaliation. If you need help, talk to your attorney, post the question on the Shadow Facebook group, or direct message The Shadow on the group. His email is shadow@virginianreview.com. If you have information that you would prefer to share, but are in fear of retaliation, reach out to The Shadow.
What’s another weapon to fight autocracy?
Your right to vote and run for office.
Virginia Primaries are Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and the General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. If you would like to run for office, your dates are Thursday, April 4, 2024, to run under a particular party, and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as an unaffiliated or nonpartisan candidate in the General elections.
In Covington, there are three districts up for election. Mr. Raymond C Hunter, District 3; Tom Sibold Jr, District 4; David S. Crosier District 5. All of these are for 4-year terms.
Here’s a truth we can all stand behind: the First Amendment entitles every citizen to undeniable rights. However, those rights have responsibilities and sometimes require more effort than an armchair defense. It requires FOIA requests, casting your vote, and perhaps even running for office yourself. If we shy away from questioning our government or voting and pursuing public office, progress will stall. Your voice will remain unheard and you’ll sentence yourself to another four years of listening to the endless repetition of unsolved grievances.
The Shadow seeks the same as every citizen—a local government rooted in fairness and integrity, one that serves everyone, not just a privileged few. How can anyone not champion leadership that prioritizes ethics, equity, and justice over spreading rumors, showing favoritism, and engaging in retaliation? To accept anything less would be to support an autocracy, not the democracy we hold dear.
I’m out of time and coffee, but as we recently celebrated Cinco de Mayo, let’s remember the 1862 victory that Mexican President Juárez secured against the French Empire. He famously said, “Entre los individuos, como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.” Translated, it means: “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.”