Residents Press Lexington City Council for Action on VMI, Express Frustration Over Lack of Vote

The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) was the clear focus of Thursday night's Lexington City Council meeting, as a steady stream of residents, alumni, military veterans, and parents urged Council to adopt a formal resolution supporting the Institute amid pending legislation in Richmond. Although Mayor Frank Friedman opened the meeting with a statement affirming the City's support for VMI, Council did not introduce or vote on a resolution—a decision that prompted pointed criticism from several speakers who described the City's approach as passive and reactive. Mayor Frank Friedman opened the meeting with a prepared statement intended to address weeks of emails urging the City to take a formal stand on legislation affecting the Virginia Military Institute. Emphasizing that Lexington "rarely wades into the riptide of politics," he acknowledged receiving hundreds of emails with many citizens asking, "Why is Lexington doing nothing to support VMI?" Friedman stated, "The City of Lexington stands with VMI and values their contributions to our community and the greater Lexington area." He explained that City leadership had contacted the superintendent's office to ask how best to help and had been told "to stand by" while VMI worked with legislators in Richmond. "As neighbors, the last thing the City of Lexington wants to do is to undermine or foul up the efforts of the VMI team," he said. He concluded by affirming that the City "has been and will continue to be supportive of VMI and its mission." No vote was introduced following the statement, and that absence of formal action became the central theme of citizen remarks.Friedman's reference to VMI as a "neighbor" rather than a member of the Lexington Community illustrated the difference in views with the speakers that followed, urging the City to take action. Mary Stuart Harlow approached the podium with gratitude for Council's service but quickly pivoted to a direct request: "I'm here tonight… to urge you to issue a resolution in support of VMI." "I'm not asking you to oppose a bill in Richmond," she clarified. "I am merely asking for your support." Harlow emphasized Lexington's deep, historical connection to the Institute and outlined its economic footprint — hundreds of local employees and millions in economic impact. She listed cultural institutions, tourism drivers, and community partnerships tied to VMI and asked Council to publicly recognize those contributions. "If Washington and Lee were under scrutiny, would Lexington not publicly offer a vote of confidence?" she asked. "If the University of Virginia were under scrutiny, would Charlottesville not publicly voice its support?" She concluded with unmistakable disappointment in the lack of a vote. "Our City and the City Council must not sit on the fence. We must stand with VMI." Referring to the Mayor's statement, she added that the absence of formal action "falls short." Retired Army Colonel Paul Creel framed his remarks through the lens of military leadership and personal experience as the father of a VMI cadet. Over nearly three decades of service, he said he had worked alongside VMI graduates and seen firsthand what the Institute produces. "They are forged as cadets… because of the rigor and structure of the rat line," he said, explaining that shared hardship builds character and cohesion. "To a man and woman, what VMI produces in terms of character is bar none," Creel added, going so far as to say he would "put them a step ahead of what West Point establishes." He urged Council to reconsider its limited approach and "take a vote," arguing that legislation being considered in Richmond rests on "misguided, outdated perceptions." "The facts speak for themselves," he concluded. Jan Lowry told Council that VMI "should not be a political football tossed back and forth in the General Assembly". While acknowledging the Mayor's statement, she said she "wish[ed] it would go a little bit further." She characterized the pending General Assembly legislation — even in amended form — as "an unnecessary distraction". She urged Council to publicly support a resolution backing the Institute and opposing interference from Richmond.Her remarks echoed Harlow's central concern: affirmation without formal action was not enough. Sam Collins delivered the most pointed critique of the evening, arguing that the Council's response reflected hesitation rather than leadership. "I'm looking for the city and the City Council to be proactive, not reactive," he began. Calling the Mayor's statement "reactive," Collins said, "It's almost too late." He argued that when legislation threatens a cornerstone institution and economic driver, leadership demands swift and visible action. "As soon as these bills came out, any business would have had a communication plan because it affects the business, the income, the economics, and the environment in Lexington city," he said. He criticized what he saw as a "wait-and-see" posture. "Waiting for the winds to change, the language to change, is too late." Collins warned that even if the Council were to pass a resolution now, it could appear compelled rather than principled. "Even if there is a statement now… it will be looked at as being forced because other countries… have already taken a position." His closing message broadened beyond VMI: "We should be leaders. We should lead this context and lead this issue because we are the ones who are affected." Larry Wiese read a letter from longtime Lexington physician and VMI alumnus Dr. David Ellington, who could not attend. The letter argued that criticism of VMI reflects outdated narratives rather than the current reality. Addressing accusations of discrimination, Ellington wrote that "the glove just doesn't fit," pointing out that the highest-ranking cadet leaders include African Americans and women "selected based on merit." He described VMI as "an integral part of our local state and national ethos" and urged Council to publicly support the Institute. Fritz Fleming spoke emotionally as the father of two VMI graduates. Though not a city resident, he described Lexington as central to his family's life. "Our oldest daughter… said she'd go there again anytime," he said, noting that VMI prepared her for the "rigors" of emergency medicine. Fleming expressed appreciation for the Council's supportive language but suggested Lexington seek representation if a state task force is formed. "VMI is in Lexington," he said. "We need good, solid representation… to make sure that the city's voice is clearly heard." Russ Harlow distilled the relationship between the City and the Institute into a single phrase: "We have a symbiotic relationship." "What's good for one is good for the other. What's bad for one is bad for the other," he said, urging adoption of a formal resolution. Mike Strickler, who spent more than two decades in senior roles at VMI, thanked Council for contacting the superintendent and expressed confidence in the Institute's leadership. "In light of what VMI has meant to this community," he said, "I think it would be most appropriate for this council to pass a resolution supporting VMI." Sterling Mullis tied VMI's leadership development directly to battlefield effectiveness. "The caliber of leaders that VMI produces is peerless," he said. "That equates to combat effectiveness… and that saves lives." He warned that disruption to VMI's model could diminish training outcomes and urged Council to be "more proactive." Evan Clark, a W&L Student, struck a conciliatory tone, encouraging collaboration and communication across institutions. "The takeaway… is to be working as a team, have open and strong lines of communication," he said, praising Council members for staying engaged with developments in Richmond. No Vote Taken After more than an hour of public comment — much of it urging formal action — Council thanked attendees for their input and closed the citizens' remarks without introducing or debating a resolution. The Mayor's prepared statement remains the City's official position: affirming general support for VMI while declining to take action. In contrast to the Council's lack of action, other counties around Virginia continue to pass formal resolutions opposing the two Bills. As of this week's publication, Amherst, Augusta, Botetourt, Buchanan, Campbell, Floyd, Faquier, Rockbridge, Roanoke, Russell, Tazewell, and Warren Counties all passed resolutions. More are set for formal votes in the coming days. To date, supporters have sent over 250 messages to the Lexington City Council requesting the formal resolution. Whether the Council will revisit the matter and consider a formal resolution remains uncertain. For many speakers, particularly Sam Collins and Mary Stuart Harlow, that distinction defined the evening. Their message was not that Lexington opposes VMI — but that words alone are not enough. A full transcript of the meeting and video are available with the online version of this article at www.cadetnewspaper.com Please consider supporting The Cadet through a donation at: www.thecdetfoundation.org. The cadet remains independent of both VMI and its Alumni Agencies. All funds go to support our programs governed by a Board of ONLY cadets and alumni.