To the Editor:

As I brushed off the season’s first frost this morning, I realized that the warm days of summer have gone and the blustery cold of winter is yet to come. But I am also reminded that in this autumn of soccer, football, street festivals and magnificent changes in leaf color, we are approaching a very important municipal election.

Indeed, Election Day is Nov. 3 and each of us has the opportunity to vote. Thomasville has a healthy list of very qualified candidates running for its city council and mayoral positions. Their philosophies have been identified, their signage is in place and the hand-shaking and letter-writing are underway.

The citizens of Thomasville also have two referenda to consider. I write in support of Referendum 2, which allows for staggered terms of our city council. A staggered-term council will always have members who are familiar with the system of governance because there will always be someone on the council who has a year or two of service experience. It is quite difficult to learn the nuances of all of the budgetary, legal and policy-making issues that are so important as a council member; the learning curve is significant and it typically takes a year or longer to learn “the ropes.” Staggered terms will allow council to focus more on the needs of the city rather than the needs of the next election. Staggered terms have worked quite effectively for our County Commissioners since 1992; even in years when new Commissioners have been elected, the veteran members were able to provide strong leadership to keep the governing process moving forward.

On Nov. 3, go to the polls. Vote for the candidates of your choice. I urge you to vote YES on Referendum 2. The Thomasville City Council deserves the strong continuity of leadership that staggered terms will ensure.

E. Thompson Smith, Jr.

Thomasville

To the Editor:

In the Oct. 16 edition of the Times, David Yemm sent in a letter asking me, Terry Hill, “What rock have you been living under?” My rock is Thomasville, where I see Yemm and others imposing their will on the people and not listening to the citizens.

I am glad Yemm endorsed the current Mayor by saying he “serves as an ambassador to our city and ... promotes Thomasville.” After all, that is the mayor’s job. Another council member has already sent me an email telling me that will be my job if I am elected. She also informed me that is all I will be able to do and nothing more. Wow is she going to be surprised.

Yemm stated that the council is the voice of the people. I do believe the people will have a lot to say about that issue on Election Day. I have attended recent city council meetings, and was shocked to see that citizens who wish to speak up are stopped after only two minutes, even if there has been no prior open meeting on the subject. Council members don’t take questions in the council meetings – are these the same meetings where Yemm says you have a voice?

Yemm stated they’ve held five town hall meetings in two years. However, in his Channel 13 candidate segment, Councilman George Burton states that the council used to hold town meetings, that he thought they went well and they should do them again, Doesn’t this beg the question of why the town hall meetings were stopped? Were the questions posed by citizens just too tough for some council members to answer?

Mr. Yemm stated, “The biggest thing he has been a part of is the revitalization of downtown.” He should not boast of this job as councilman when everyone is talking about downtown revitalization as if it needs to still be done. His revitalization was a fountain, lights, clock, gazebo, and an amphitheater. My opinion is that this did not revitalize anything — it glosses over work that needs to be done. These enhancements look nice but do not add jobs. They do, however, add a cost of upkeep and maintenance to the citizens of Thomasville.

If you elect me as your mayor, I promise to provide a forum for you, the citizens of Thomasville, to share your concerns openly. I also promise to answer your questions truthfully. On Election Day, vote for Terry Hill for mayor. Then, vote for only candidates for city council who are committed to improving Thomasville — not just changing it so that it looks different and call it revitalized. Thomasville you have always been my rock and with your help I will improve you not just change the way you look.

Terry Hill

Thomasville