For The People--Not Politics

 

"By putting the people’s concerns first, I hope we can learn from each other, learn from our disagreements, and reach compromises to benefit all of our community."

Guest Blogger, Kristin Blais-candidate for the Mt. Airy Town Council  

There’s something about an election year that seems to bring out the worst in people. This year, is no different, only, as a candidate I’m experiencing it first hand. 

I have become the target of my opponents who have continually attempted to defame me, as well as those who support my candidacy for Mt. Airy Town Council. These attacks have been aided by email to our citizens, as well as statements in public alleging my candidacy for council is a conflict of interest, unethical and presents a majority vote on council. All of these allegations are untrue, without merit and meant to divert the citizens’ attention from the real issues they face as individuals, and also the issues our town faces regarding its future viability. These attacks have only made my resolve stronger and my message clearer – I am here to serve the citizens of Mt. Airy. 

This type of negative politicking is not pretty, but it’s the way a certain group of people conspire when it comes to politics and an election year in Mt. Airy.  It’s time we, as a Town, put these ill advised tactics to an end and concentrate on real issues; putting people before politics!

One of the fundamental problems in our election this year is even with the amount of public discourse in our town, this group of individuals seem more concerned with holding onto their power and positions, rather than listening and being open to new ideas. They don’t want to acknowledge those who disagree with their philosophies; this is not the mind set of good leaders, and can be detrimental to the future of our Town. We must embrace the fact that disagreement is the fundamental foundation in a democracy. Respectful, healthy debate can lead to positive change, for the very simple reason- nobody is right all of the time.

I know I have made my message clear to the people of Mt. Airy--your concerns come first!  Whether the issue is working to bring a variety of new businesses into town and supporting our current local businesses, addressing the lack of parking downtown, working to find jobs for our teens and adults, finding the solutions to our traffic concerns and speeding through neighborhoods, seeking additional recreational facilities, controlling our spending or making sure our public safety is not jeopardized, I hear you!  By putting the people’s concerns first, I hope we can learn from each other, learn from our disagreements, and reach compromises to benefit all of our community.

On May 7^Th, we have the opportunity to put our citizens first and the nasty politics last.  Let’s concentrate on the real issues that we face together to build a brighter future for Mt. Airy! 

Krsitin Blais
Guest Blogger 
Candidate for the Mt. Airy Town Council

I'm Voting For Bob King on May 7th

"We need to send a message-The time has come for the dysfunction of our debate to change." ~Mary Rice

 

The following letter was submitted by Mary Rice of Mt. Airy

 

Elections are fast approaching for the three available positions on the Mount Airy Town Council.  I dare to speculate that most of the voters probably don't even know any of these candidates or have had any experience dealing with them in any arena. How then do voters make the right choices?  

When I know I've chosen wisely, I feel at peace with myself.   I've done my research, I've talked to people who KNOW the candidates, I'm INFORMED. I want someone with leadership skills, experience, common sense, and a person with a proven track record. I am voting for Bob King.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bob King 15 years ago when he was elected as the President of the Mount Airy Youth Athletic Association (MAYAA).  I sat on the Board with him as the Secretary and came to know the man I respect today as a leader committed to excellence.  I watched him within a 30-day time frame, integrate 3,000 children into the program who had been left hanging when the Mt Airy Rec Council suddenly disbanded.   

He took over MAYAA with over $30,000 worth of bills while looking at a balance of only $10.86 in the account, spear-headed a new budget for the coming year and strictly adhered to it. He oversaw the re-writing of the association's by-laws and most importantly possessed the qualities to build a positive and healthy environment for all the children with the ultimate goal of building their character. Our Town Council will surely benefit from the same.

As a member of the Mount Airy Board of Parks and Recreation Bob began to see that a handful of MAYAA members and the newly-formed Four County Little League members were at odds with each other over ball-field usage and disrupting the monthly meetings with their attacks on each other.  Bob's desire for civility compelled him to hold meetings in his living room where the fuses were quickly diminished. Good leaders remain calm and composed during the journey through storms and emotions.   

Once again, our Town Council would certainly benefit from his ability to maintain his composure under any circumstance and give everyone the genuine respect they deserve, even if they disagree. 

Bob has been on the board for Parks & Recs since 1997, holding the position of Chairman for the last 7 years. He remains active in the community in this capacity, implementing family events including Camp Night and Movie Night, held at Watkins Park, and Shakespeare in the Park at Wildwood. His desire to keep Mount Airy a place that has that small-town feel is strong and close to his heart.  

Bob has been involved in the planning and design of the Old National Pike Park, a member of the Windy Ridge Park Master Plan Committee, and maintains an active role in town council meetings.  

Bob was the manager of 250+ people at a number of Giant Food Grocery Stores for over 25 years and has been a small business owner for 24 years.  Anyone familiar with running your own business knows you are manager, accountant, buyer, marketing, human resources, quality control, the list is endless. You do it all.  

Bob King has a proven record of leadership, experience, common sense and the desire to keep Mount Airy the best it can be for all people.  He epitomizes determination, fairness, and civility.  I am voting for Bob King on May 7th.  I am asking you to vote for Bob, too. We need to send a message that the time has come for the dysfunction of our debate to change.    

Mary Rice

Mt. Airy Resident 

Guest Blogger