While facing calls for his resignation, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts on Wednesday fired city Housing Commissioner Bill Barnwell and Barnwell immediately labeled the move “political revenge” by the mayor.
Barnwell, vice-chair of the Housing Commission, had spoken out in defense of disabled and black residents of the city after Fouts made remarks on tape mocking those two groups of people.
In addition, Barnwell’s wife, city Treasurer Lorie Barnwell, put out a statement last month calling on Fouts to prove his claim that the tapes are doctored, or step down.
Barnwell, who served as acting chair of the Housing Commission for nearly a year, said the mayor had no valid reason to dismiss him. An attorney and a church pastor, Barnwell said Fouts was engaging in “political cowardice” as he tries to survive the storm of criticism due to racist, sexist and insensitive remarks on the audio recordings.
“I did not start this fight, but I will end it. Mayor Fouts’ days of bullying people into silence are over,” Barnwell said in a statement. “Everybody on that commission and every resid
Barnwell
ent knew I worked hard for them and did a great job. The residents in senior housing are going to be very disappointed.
“This is yet another example of political revenge, vindictiveness, and desperation on the part of Mayor Fouts. There (were) no grounds to remove me other than the mayor apparently believes I’ve been ‘disloyal,’ because I’ve stuck up for members of the disabled community, African-Americans, elderly women, and my own wife.”
Barnwell was informed by Housing Commission Chairman Richard Fuhrman that he was being removed by Mayor Fouts. The position is a direct appointment by the mayor, and members of the Commission or City Council cannot prevent the removal. Barnwell was appointed by Fouts in late 2012 and his term was set to expire in November.
