Criticism Mounts for Lynchburg Mayor

As Lynchburg’s City Council prepares for its January 2025 leadership vote, Mayor Stephanie Reed finds herself under renewed scrutiny. In a recent interview with WLNI, Reed dismissed a Republican unity pledge signed by three councilmembers as “divisive” and rooted in “anger about what happened two years ago.” Critics argue her remarks deflect responsibility for the chaos caused by her 2023 election as mayor, which fractured the Republican majority and sparked two years of turmoil on the council.

The pledge, signed by Councilman Marty Misjuns and Councilmembers-elect Curt Diemer and Jacqueline Timmer, seeks to ensure council leadership is determined solely by Republican votes, preventing Democrat Sterling Wilder from being the deciding factor in leadership decisions. Misjuns described the pledge as a necessary step to ensure Republican unity and honor the mandate of Lynchburg voters, stating, “Voters of Lynchburg voted for strong Republican leadership, and I think they deserve it.” Diemer added, “It’s my hope that all six Republicans will sign that pledge.” (News & Advance).

Rather than engaging with the signatories or addressing the pledge’s intent to unify the council, Reed dismissed it as an effort to “control what’s going to happen on January 3rd.” She further claimed that she was not presented with the pledge, a claim disputed by Councilmember-elect Diemer, who stated he reached out to all councilmembers to discuss it. (WLNI; News & Advance).

Reed’s comments during the interview reflect a pattern of deflecting responsibility for the ongoing divisions on the council. Her controversial 2023 election as mayor, achieved with the support of two Democrats, bypassed Republican consensus and split the Republican caucus. Critics argue that Reed’s actions set the stage for two years of dysfunction and eroded trust within the council. Rather than addressing these concerns, Reed framed the current debate as a distraction, stating, “If we keep just focusing on what happened two years ago versus the job that a mayor should be doing and the job that I’ve been doing, then we’re never going to move forward.” (WLNI).

This statement has drawn criticism for its self-centered focus. By suggesting that the council and city cannot “move forward” unless attention shifts to her accomplishments, Reed appears to dismiss the broader concerns of unity and accountability raised by her colleagues.

Reed’s leadership style has come under fire in recent months, with allegations of bullying and silencing critics further tarnishing her reputation. A Just the News report highlighted how Reed has allegedly stifled public dissent, creating a “chilling effect” on free speech during council meetings. Similarly, The Virginia Star reported accusations of verbal abuse and intimidation against constituents, painting a picture of a mayor more focused on asserting control than fostering collaboration.

As the council prepares for its leadership vote, the unity pledge offers a clear path forward: aligning leadership with the will of the Republican majority and avoiding the fractures caused by past decisions. Misjuns, Diemer, and Timmer have framed the pledge as a step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring stability within the council. Reed’s dismissal of this effort as “divisive” further highlights her reluctance to take responsibility for the chaos created under her leadership.

While Reed touts her accomplishments over the past two years, critics argue that her approach has undermined the very progress she claims to champion. Whether the council can move forward under her leadership—or whether new leadership is needed to restore trust and unity—remains to be seen.

Sources:

• WLNI, “Stephanie Reed (Lynchburg Mayor): Wrapping up 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025 in Lynchburg,” December 20, 2024

• News & Advance, “Pledge Circulated Among GOP Councilmembers Ahead of Mayoral Vote,” December 17, 2024

• Just the News, “Lynchburg Mayor Allegedly Shuts Down Critics, Has Chilling Effect on Free Speech,” August 11, 2024

• The Virginia Star, “Embattled Lynchburg Mayor Faces More Allegations of Bullying, Verbally Abusing Constituents,” August 13, 2024