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Residents denounce anti-Somali remarks, urge support for affordable housing
Summary
Dozens of Bedford County residents used public comment to condemn a supervisor—or calling Somali immigrants "scum" and to press the Board to support affordable and workforce housing rather than stoke fear; speakers cited data, local waitlists and moral obligations.
Dozens of residents at the Bedford County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 10 criticized a supervisor—or recent remarks linking Somali immigrants to crime and urged the board to back affordable housing initiatives.
Elizabeth Mansell, who identified herself as a District 7 resident, told the board that "no data was presented showing affordable housing causes increase in crime," and cited national statistics and local wait lists to push back against fear-based comments. "Supporting affordable housing initiatives is a positive step in our community," she said.
Other speakers echoed Mansell. Bill Mosley, who said he manages local workforce housing and represents Proprietors Group of Bedford, said a supervisor—alled occupants of subsidized housing "scum of the earth" and later refused to apologize in media interviews. "With these words, he just denigrated and insulted hundreds of people in the district," Mosley said.
Several faith leaders and longtime residents framed the remarks as inconsistent with the county nd their religious values. Donna St. Clair of Lake Vista said "free speech is free speech, but it really doesn't need to be cruel" and noted historical reasons many Somali families were resettled in the U.S.
Speakers urged officials to base policy decisions on facts and local needs rather than rhetoric. "Bedford County's median rent is $1,300 to $1,500," Mansell said, pointing to regional housing shortages and long waiting lists at local apartments. Community members asked the board whether it supports housing for families with children, seniors and working-class residents.
The chair closed the citizen comment period after a broad showing of public concern. No formal action on housing policy was taken at the meeting; the remarks were entered into the public record and board members said they would continue to hear from constituents on the topic.
