To the Editor

I am writing in support of Charter Amendment # 2 for staggered four year terms.

The pros and cons both have many valid points, but from personal experience on the board, I feel that staggered four year terms are the best. Whether Thomasville has staggered terms or not, voters always remain in control by voting 3-4 out every two years.

A conscientious council person should to be immersed in the workings of the council and city government before being made a chairperson of one of the important committees. If unfamiliar with the city government, it would be too easy to be influenced by the permanent employees. The employees work for you and the council not vice-versa. This would be like being blindly led as sheep to whatever. Just look how our government in Washington passes bills written by others and not read by the leaders we elected.

Most of all, be sure to vote for persons you think truly love the people of Thomasville and the city itself. Don’t vote for persons you think have a grudge, are resentful or are obstructionist. Just look around the council room at the pictures of many of previous council persons who loved Thomasville and put its needs before any personal secret agendas .

Let’s turn out in large numbers to demonstrate our love for Thomasville and our deep concern to the people we elect. Then don’t forget to volunteer for the many vacant positions the city has. Watch out world, here comes Thomasville — year round, every day and every year.

Joe Hedgpeth

Best in Show

Thomasville

To the Editor

How often have you heard citizens say “government should act more like a business.”

Ever see what happens when a business completely changes its entire management team at one time? Employees fear for their jobs. Customers scatter, taking their buying power with them. Questions linger about the direction of the company. Will deals made the year before still be valid in the year to come? Trust, which is the cornerstone of success, disappears.

Well, governments can’t always operate like businesses. But in some cases they should. And certainly, changing the entire leadership of City Hall at one time would produce the same negative effects as it would on a business.

It may be unlikely, but a sweeping change of 100 percent of leadership at City Hall can’t be a good thing. Even with staggered terms, citizens can still sweep out incumbents at every election — no matter who is Mayor or council persons.

I want to see Thomasville continue to grow and prosper. Just like in most businesses, I think the City of Thomasville should have staggered terms of leadership.

Vote yes for referendum No. 2.

Tammy Joyce

Owner/Partner

Carolina Safety Sport

To the Editor

I am writing in support of Charter Amendment No. 2 for Staggered Terms. 

I have read various arguments.  The difference seems to be whether progress stalls or not. 

This is not about incumbency.  It is not about any particular individual or candidate.  Whether Thomasville has staggered terms or not, voters always remain in control.  With staggered terms, voters can still completely vote out either three or four incumbents at a time.  So “protectionism” is not the issue.

The issue is whether to have and entire leadership team changed every two years.  Change is often a good thing, but such dramatic change every two years would stymie progress.  I know that positive things don’t always happen over a short two-year time frame. 

Even with staggered terms, citizens can still vote out any ineffective council person.  So, let’s not be deceived by words like “protection” or “incumbency.”  Voters are always in control – even with staggered terms.

I urge you to vote YES for on Charter Amendment No. 2!

Wayne C. Herrick

Thomasville

To the Editor

I am writing this in full support of Raleigh York Jr. as a candidate for reelection to the Thomasville City Council. I have known him for several years, and know that he is a trustworthy person. Raleigh is a Christian and has held many positions at our church — Carolina Memorial Baptist Church. He is a devoted family man to his wife, children and grandshildren. I feel he has served our city council well and will continue the same service when he is reelected on Nov. 3, 2009.

Judy Morrison

Thomasville