Discord resurfaced during a contentious Martinsville City Council meeting in December, as Vice Mayor Aaron Rawls raised concerns about the council’s direction, reigniting grievances tied to both recent developments and long-standing issues. Rawls’ remarks provoked sharp responses from other council members, notably incoming member Rayshaun Gravely, who publicly called for Rawls to step down.
“It’s time out for playing the blame game, disrespecting others, running your own agenda, and trying to have it your way all the time,” Gravely wrote in a social media post. He added, “Council members … are for the community. Stop crying because you are not getting your way. You have nothing good to say about council or the citizens because it did not work in your favor to were (sic) you would be able to control everything. So long bye bye.”
Mayor LC Jones also expressed concern about the tone of council discussions and pledged to restore professionalism to the governing body. “I am dedicated to restoring professionalism to our city council meetings. Disparaging and unprofessional comments from council members will not be tolerated. If any council members wish to perpetuate negativity that detracts from the dignity of our city, they can do so privately rather than at the expense of our citizens.
“The majority of this council stands firmly with the majority of Martinsville’s residents, and together, we can propel our city toward a brighter future,” he added.
Despite the tensions, Jones highlighted significant achievements of the past year, including many successful firsts.
“2024 has been notably eventful, characterized by a challenging election season that has garnered considerable attention,” Jones said, and added that even with several challenges, the community has “experienced numerous significant achievements worth celebrating,” including community events like the Black History Expo, the Cinco De Mayo Festival, and the Food Truck Rodeo, “alongside the establishment of various new businesses and restaurants.
“Furthermore, 2024 has served as a period of revelation, exposing specific individuals’ true motivations and political agendas. Nonetheless, the most recent election result reflects that the citizens of Martinsville are committed to pursuing positive growth and meaningful change,” Jones said.
As the council looks ahead to the new year, members are setting goals for the city’s progress, despite lingering tensions that could shape its future dynamics.
“I am committed to prioritizing the needs of the citizens of Martinsville,” Jones said, outlining key objectives that include “pursuing tax relief, lowering utility bills, and providing more affordable housing options. Although these goals are ambitious, I am determined to seek out state and federal programs that can support our initiatives.
“I also envision expanding city-led events like the Food Truck Rodeo to foster community connections and unity,” he added.
Council member-elect Julian Mei, who also will join the council in January, said, “the prevailing concern right now is one of law and order, public safety, and the city making efforts to support and advocate for all Uptown businesses.
“Recent incidents in what many are struggling to push forward as our redeveloping economic center are extremely concerning,” Mei said. “All businesses and all business owners are welcome, provided they operate within the ambit of law, are not a nuisance, and present no threat to public safety. I would hate to see Uptown suffer further, as multiple business owners have conveyed to me that their sales and foot traffic have diminished recently.”
Mei added that “economic revitalization, particularly in Uptown, is critical to our city’s success – and all of our businesses and citizens in Uptown must be supported and protected.”
For his part, Rawls said that he plans to “protect the people of Martinsville as best I can. Unfortunately, we now have a government that embraces … and cozies up to people who hurt working men and women.”
Rawls, who has often been at odds with Jones, criticized the election of Gravely, who is set to join the council in January.
The vice mayor also raised concerns about the city’s police force. “Officers are now in the absurd position of having to serve under a person who two years ago they arrested under grotesque circumstances and supervised in the city jail,” Rawls said. “I want to ask our phenomenal officers to ride this out and hope like I hope that our citizens will stand up and see that these circumstances degrade our community.”
He also expressed alarm about other issues affecting key aspects of Martinsville, including city workers, small businesses and continued economic development, and noted that the city’s financial future is a large concern. He noted a decline in business prospects due to instability in city hall and behaviors that have “wiped out a lot of willingness of organizations and agencies to assist Martinsville.
“We have already seen business prospects dry up, projects move a mile outside of city limits into the county to avoid silliness and instability in city hall,” Rawls said. “With $100 million of non-optional liabilities staring this city in the face, and a weak council more focused on race hustling and manufacturing culture wars, I expect this to be a very expensive year for the people of Martinsville.”
Rawls also alleged that small business owners in Uptown are facing threats and dealing with reported vandalisms, barriers he attributes to problematic city leadership. “They know” that local business owners are being harmed, and “they’re okay with it,” Rawls said.
While Rawls pledged to “protect the people of Martinsville,” he acknowledged the challenges ahead. “We have to be honest and accept that we voted for this,” he said, urging residents to participate in future elections.
Gravely, meanwhile, expressed his commitment to focusing on the community in the coming year. “This is not their show,” Gravely said. “We have to look past them. Get over their feelings and do what’s best for the city of Martinsville.”
Council member Kathy Lawson, who won reelection in November, did not respond to requests for comments.
