Arlington Treasurer Frank O’Leary has requested that county Democrats remove his name from the party’s sample ballot in the wake of complaints of racism in a targeted mailing he sent out during the primary.
Last week, the African American Leadership Council of Arlington called on O’Leary to resign overwhat the council called “blatantly divisive, race baiting tactics” in a letter O’Leary sent wealthy residents in the last days of a bitter race with challenger Bob James. County Board members, school board members, constitutional officers, senators and delegates chastised O’Leary in a public letter Monday.
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The party will “most likely” remove O’Leary’s name as requested Tuesday, said Arlington County Democratic Committee Chairman Peter Rousselot. The party’s steering committee will decide tonight.
In the June 6 campaign mailing, O’Leary criticized James because he was “supported by eight minority churches.” He also questioned some of James’ proposals, including that of “attracting minority banks to the county.” Investment decisions should be based on seeking the highest possible rates of return in “qualified public depositories,” O’Leary wrote.
O’Leary’s comments about the minority churches could jeopardize their non profit tax status and raised the “idea that mobilization of churches is a threat,” Dorsey said, while the letter also shows he doubts the ability and professionalism of minority banks.
“After reflection, I realize the hurt that this letter has caused to the community and to the Democratic Party,” O’Leary wrote in a June 22 statement explaining his actions and seeking forgiveness.
O’Leary told The Examiner Monday that he made a mistake in assuming that the churches supported James. During the campaign, the churches sponsored a debate, which they had never done before, O’Leary said.
One of the ministers asked O’Leary during the debate if he’d invested county money in minority banks, O’Leary said. There are none, O’Leary said, adding his first priority is to safeguard county money and invest itwith the highest rate of return.
