2008.06.29
Dowe doesn't deserve a free pass
A bank can't be unrobbed.
A grifter can't get away with conning an old woman out of her life savings by claiming it was all a big misunderstanding.
Former Roanoke Councilman Alfred Dowe can't misuse public dollars, pay it back, wipe his hands and say, "All's well that ends well."
Despite Dowe's repayment of nearly $6,000 in restitution, we hold public officials to a higher standard of accountability and trust.
Dowe violated that trust.
The Roanoke commonwealth's attorney's office should consider that when it reviews an audit that confirms Dowe played fast and loose with city and state money.
Despite some initial public support for this hometown guy, Dowe's repayment does not shield him from prosecution.
Last week, a city audit confirmed what we already knew when Dowe resigned in February: While on the council, he double-billed the city and the state for some of the same expenses and for costs of three meetings he didn't attend or that may not have existed.
The audit found that over the past two years, Dowe received $7,138 for expenses that didn't qualify for reimbursement. He has repaid the city $5,924.75.
In a statement, his lawyer John Lichtenstein said, "Without addressing any particular expense ... it is likely that Mr. Dowe will continue to simply reimburse the City for any item raised through the audit process."
Maybe "simply" was just an errant word, but it also was a poor choice. It suggests that this matter can be easily remedied by making restitution.
Not so.
The commonwealth's attorney's office can leave it up to a grand jury to decide whether there's enough here to merit indictment. If there is, Dowe and his lawyer will have a chance to make their case. A judge or jury will decide whether Dowe broke the law.
Dowe's eagerness to repay the city may mitigate the financial harm he did to taxpayers, but it doesn't diminish the stain on his character.
Shortly after the councilman's resignation, I spoke with some people who were surprised and disappointed by his actions, but without excusing them, were willing to rally around him in support.
But any goodwill dissipated with revelations of apparently made-up conferences, and possibly, even a made-up person. Picking the public's pocket is bad enough.
But creating a web of deception to further the ruse takes dishonesty to another level.
The city auditor has reviewed the matter. Now it's time for the commonwealth's attorney to take a look.
If common criminals don't get a pass from judicial scrutiny, what exempts a public official?
Sad thing isn't it? A crime is committed. It's not clerical, not a one time mistake, not a simply misunderstanding, but a pattern of several years duration. During Dowe's last run, rumors of his financial problems were widespread and would have been rather easy to look into. But he had fallen in with the rich and powerful not seeing that they were using him as a pawn for the black vote. And then the public watchdog of a newspaper, gave him a glowing endorsement and your claim was that it would be his "break out term" if I recall correctly. Anyone who ever listed to Dowe attempt a comment on any matter before City Council should have know he was rather weak minded. Combine this with allegations of fincinal distress, it could have been predicted. But actually, I'm happy it unfolded as it did. Not only does it confirm what many suspected. It stands as proof that the wisdom of the newspaper is often flawed. Don't take that to mean I am happy to see any person run over the line and wind up in jail....that's not the case.
Comment by Al — June 29, 2008 @ 11:15 am
WoW Shanna!!! I'm at a loss for words right now. Nothing you stated was inaccurate, nor untrue. It's just that you have definitely sealed the deal on Don Caldwell's "option" on whether to indict Mr. Dowe, or Not!! Whew! Anyway, it is amazing what a difference two years makes. In 2006, Al Dowe was your independent democratic GOLDEN BOY, now not only did you throw him under the bus, you rolled over him slowly, then backed it back over him for good measure! It's Monday morning, June 30, 2008 Mr. Caldwell......What is your priority for the day? Ms. Flowers mentioned you and your office three times in her article yesterday. Election time is right around the corner and you just consulted Mr. Branscom on whether or not to build a case against Mr. Wishneff for an article. Hmmmm.......What to do?!!!!
Comment by MtnMan — June 29, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
Dowe's lawyer make it sounds if he was granted a loan but forgot to sign the proper forms before receiving the funds.
Yet he had no trouble spending the money once he had the money in hand with out saying something until he was caught.
Crook, fraud, embezzler, = Jail Time.
Embezzle, verb (used with object), -zled, -zling. To appropriate fraudulently to one's own use, as money or property entrusted to one's care.
Comment by Backlash — June 30, 2008 @ 1:48 am
Dear Shanna,
I read the Times often because my sisters and extended family and friends are in the area - your blog and articles are great - I like your stand on most anything I've read. You remind me very much of Nancy Giles and CBS - although I don't imagine you share the same raspy voice. I think she's the best - and you are too - jdgreen Memphis, TN
Thank you, Judy. Not sure about "raspy," but my speaking voice is fairly deep. When I sang in the choir a few years ago, I was a tenor.--s
Comment by Judy Green — July 1, 2008 @ 2:42 am
MtnMan:
I'm reminded of my support for Richard Nixon in 1968, and the resentment I felt then when one of my teachers referred to him as "Tricky Dick". And in 1974, upon realizing my teacher had been correct, I and nearly everyone else "threw him [Tricky Dick] under the bus" and that's where he belonged. Good people sometimes take the wrong path and become scum.
Comment by Mike — July 21, 2008 @ 12:05 am