LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg wants to address diversity, equity and inclusion by creating a new job.
City council voted 4-2 this week to consider hiring a strategist.
Reid Wodicka, interim city manager, believes the Hill City could benefit from it.
“This position is about helping us develop culture and training and recruitment and building an even more positive organization than we already have,” said Wodicka.
Councilman Chris Faraldi voted against the proposal. He’s concerned about the day-to-day operations of the position and wants to protect first amendment rights.
“Listen, I believe everyone is made in the image of God and everyone is valued that has intrinsic value; but at the same time I need to reckon with the Constitution what it is, and I don’t want a government official stepping in and dictating to the community what is acceptable and what is not,” said Faraldi.
Wodickda says the new position would not have disciplinary authority.
“This person is not in the, sort of, chain of command for disciplinary matters. Ultimately, those all are determined by department heads,” said Wodicka.
Faradli says there are existing organizations in Lynchburg — not funded by taxpayers — that could help the initiative.
$100,000 is being allocated in next year’s proposed budget for the new position.