Published: November 12, 2009 06:40 pm      

Bellfield is for “all” the people of Orange

Before the charter change committee adjourned from their meeting on Tuesday, Essie Bellfield stated proudly how she was elected to the council and became mayor in 1997.

“When I was elected it was 85 percent white and 15 percent black,” Bellfield said during the meeting. “I was elected by the people of Orange. I was not put in by the black people alone.”

Henry Lowe told committee members during the meeting, he felt the minority population of Orange was not fairly being represented and they wanted the opportunty. In addition, if all voters were allowed to vote on who from each district was elected, this would put the minorities, “back to square one.”

On Thursday afternoon, she still stands by her words just as she has for many years. Bellfield began her political career in 1952 when she wanted to intergrate a city park in Galveston. Although many spat at her, she wanted her rights, that of her children and others to be honored so everyone could be at the city park.

Bellfield says she loves “all people” and does not see them as black or white. However, this would not be the only time she would stand up for what she thought was right. During the civil rights movement not all people treated her kindly.

“I just wouldn’t let people treat me mean,” she said as she worked to change things.

Now, as a member of the charter change committee, she once again is speaking her mind for the rights of all people.

During the meeting on Tuesday, the 9-member committee took a vote where eight people agreed to have four single member districts with three at large positions with one of them being the mayor. Bellfield said during the meeting she was withholding her vote.

“I feel the council should have five people on it and should remain at large and voted on by the people of the city because we are to represent the total community,” Bellfield said.

The committee is considering dividing the city into four districts to allow for representation within each section.

But, Bellfield said the sections of Orange are each already made of all ethnic, religious and sexual diversities.

“All should have representation,” she said.

She also thinks the youth of Orange needs representation as well since adults are the ones who are on the council now. Bellfield suggest a “sub-committee” of youth appointed by the council. She stated the sub-committee should cover all demographics as well.

Bellfield does agree with changing the charter, but the entire charter, not just parts.

“I feel the charter change should be the entire charter and of the people,” she said. “A review and necessary changes should be done by appointed members of the community and not the council.”

For people wanting to change how and by whom the goverment is run, the key is to vote.

“If they don’t like who is in office, then get somebody else,” she added.

However, she strongly believes for people to have a voice and be counted they must vote; but first they must register.

“There is no excuse to not get out there to register and vote,” she says.

Often when she meets people she asks them if they are registered to vote. If not Bellfield happily provides them with a voter registration card. For her this is her legacy for the future of the people of Orange.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.