OUR VIEW: Anticlimactic end for Town Councilman Steve Jenkins
Published: September 10, 2009
Updated: September 10, 2009
» The man best known for his stance on illegal immigration has bowed out of Culpeper politics.
So, Steve Jenkins is stepping down from Culpeper Town Council.
Who saw that one coming?
What an anticlimactic end to the political career of the most controversial elected official in town or county government.
Jenkins, who resigned at Tuesday’s monthly council meeting, didn’t quit because of any scandal, public pressure or work-related stress. Instead, he cited concerns about his son Cody’s future in high school football. Last week, Cody quit Eastern View’s team after being relegated to the No. 2 quarterback spot in the season-opening win over CCHS.
If all goes according to plan, Steve, an assistant football coach at Spotsylvania High, will now patrol the sidelines while Cody takes snaps to help a Spotsy team that desperately needs talent. But for that to happen, Steve will have to move out of county, thereby forcing him off Culpeper Town Council.
And so ends — for now, at least — Steve’s fascinating run as the man whose tireless crusade against illegal immigration caused such an uproar among Culpeper residents. And while the issue has died down in recent months, Jenkins made quite a name for himself a few years ago when he began pushing in a hard way for the town to crack down on people here illegally.
Some loved him for it. Others branded him a racist. Council members wanted nothing to do with him. Media outlets far and near profiled him as a man in the trenches of a national crisis.
Regardless of your opinion on Steve Jenkins, and no matter how you feel about his views, you have to admire the man for always speaking his mind and standing behind his convictions — especially when he was fighting an unpopular battle most people wanted to ignore.
A lot of times, Steve got a bad rap. Other times, he put himself into untenable positions. Through it all, he was a voice for his constituents on a number of issues.
Whether you’re happy or sad to see him go, it’s just bizarre to see it end like this.
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Reader Reactions
Travel stress? It was a much longer drive to Caroline County everyday than it is to Spotsylvania. Who is he trying to kid? Cody wants to be the centerpiece of the football team and Steve is making it happen. Steve is giving up his promising political career to benefit his family. 
It’s hard for him to go anywhere in this town. He’s been barred from so many establishments in the area it was only a matter of time before he looked elsewhere to be a nuisance.
The community will gain from the resignation of Mr. Jenkins. There was absolutely nothing benificial from his actions. He seems to feel that he made a difference with illegal immigration issues in Culpeper. I disagree. He brought negative attitudes and not once made a lawful suggestion.
I personally don’t care how he chooses to raise his children. It’s not my business. His constant ignorance of the law and bigoted statements hopefully won’t stay in the minds of everyone elses children.
Town government can now focus on all issues professionally without the side show.
Oh yeah I am believing that! The town has to cope EVHS has to cope…yup smart play. What a waste.
Yesterday’s article certainly cited travel stress as a reason for his decision. It wasn’t just about his son, according to the article.
To quit anything in the middle is wrong. Here Steve left the town council, and justified his sons quitting too. Granted his son may be the best highschool football player in the world, but attitude is everything. I don’t know why his son was relegated to be back up, but I would believe the coach isn’t putting his best player on the bench because he is saving him for an important game. I remember the Hamptom crabbers as well years ago the QB there threw a tantrum and slammed the ball to the ground. Immediately the field goal was in jeopardy. I hope everyone uses this as an example that sports will only make or break people and its the education value of the school and what the lucky few who play take away from the game that matters. Being self-centered with an ego and having your father justify your decision by also quitting is quite a shame. To Steve your actions speak louder than words, rather than your business focus on your family solely, you now will have many more challenges ahead.
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