In resolving one of the many issues he inherited as York's mayor, John Brenner tells Hattie Dickson, Lillie Belle Allen's sister, that 'we are sorry for your loss' during a 2005 news conference after the city settled a civil rights lawsuit with Allen's family. Allen was a victim of the 1969 race riots in York. Brenner said this week that he would not seek re-election next year for a third term. Background posts: Meeting of riot victims brought racial accord, Mayor: 'We're going to clean up this site' and York Charrette or charade?
Time needs to pass before a full assessment of John Brenner's mayorship can be undertaken.
But clearly his administration signals the importance of a committed and competent mayor of York.
Brenner's chief legacy may show that he took over the shambles of mayor Charlie Robertson's administration and ran a semblance of order through racial and financial chaos... .
Continue reading York mayor Brenner brought order during tumultuous times.
