URGENT UPDATE: Outrage from right-wing media has erupted over the recent election of Bangor city councilor Angela Walker, following revelations of her criminal past. Residents of the city, however, are rallying behind their newly elected representative, emphasizing community support amid the controversy.
Just last week, Walker was elected as one of three new councilors after receiving over 2,000 votes in a crowded candidate pool. The backlash stems from a 2003 manslaughter conviction related to the death of Derek Rogers, a case that has resurfaced in national headlines from outlets such as the New York Post and Fox News.
Local officials and community members assert that the criticism does not reflect the sentiment in Bangor. Susan Hawes, Bangor City Council chair, stated, “These three people were voted by the citizens,” adding that the information reported is not new to the locals who know Walker.
Walker, previously known by her maiden name Angela Humphrey, and her brother were convicted after a fight broke out when Rogers allegedly used a derogatory term against Walker. The incident escalated tragically, with Rogers ultimately found severely beaten and suffocated.
Despite the national outcry, Walker has emerged as a voice for the city’s vulnerable populations, particularly amidst ongoing crises related to homelessness and addiction. Currently serving as the peer services coordinator for the Bangor Area Recovery Network, she has expressed hope that her experiences can contribute positively to the council.
“I want people to see that it’s possible that we can change,” she told the Bangor Daily News earlier, emphasizing her commitment to community service.
In response to the outrage, Councilor Joe Leonard criticized U.S. Senator Ted Cruz for his comments on social media, urging him to focus on his own constituents rather than casting judgment from afar. Local recovery advocates, including Doug Dunbar of the Penobscot County Cares coalition, echoed the sentiment, stating that Walker’s lived experiences are invaluable during a time when the city grapples with an opioid crisis and mental health issues.
Councilor Susan Faloon emphasized the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the new councilors, stating, “Those differences are going to be our strength.”
Even some residents who did not support Walker in the election, like longtime Bangor resident Wayne, acknowledged the democratic process. “She was elected, so that’s the way it works,” he remarked after reading about all candidates at the Bangor Public Library.
As the council prepares to meet, the focus remains on how Walker’s past will influence her work moving forward. Supporters are calling for an end to the “foolishness” surrounding the backlash, urging critics to recognize the transformative journeys individuals can undertake.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Bangor City Council is set to convene soon, where Walker’s role and contributions to the community are likely to be at the forefront of discussions. Stakeholders and residents alike will be watching closely to see how this controversy unfolds and impacts local governance.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
