A story becomes powerful the way you tell it. It isn’t a hotel in Edgecombe County that is the problem but the delivery system that insists that the lack of diversity, equity and inclusion explains and justifies why the latest whim is necessary. A new long term plan, taking the old one out of the drawer, it doesn’t matter because I am right, THE PLAN is what Councilman Blackwell and Company say it is. On stage come the usual Rocky Mount ‘pain in the asses’ on behalf of the community that object to being jerked around. I am including a few quotes from relentless advocates who stand on the watch tower for Rocky Mount. I’m crazy about them.
I often think of the revitalization of Rocky Mount as pieces of a puzzle and the ‘pain in the ass’ folks, who tell it like they sees it, are a counter balance to looking backwards, shifting blame to anyone but those who are responsible now. This blog is my way of giving language to those who know what’s wrong with things but don’t know how to fix it.
Keith Harris
I’m sure Mayor Fred Turnage has turned over several times. We sure need that Statesman more than ever. With his passing, a leadership vacuum formed in RM. Likewise, the retirements of Steve Raper and Charles Penny set in to motion a climate pitting black against white, and, it was very intentional. The hiring of the miserable and corrupt Rochelle Tony Smalls set into motion a devious plan of reverse discrimination, cronyism and absolutely no measure of accountability in local government. Meanwhile, the race-baiters and self-serving thugs Knight & Blackwell run roughshod over the city. In short, this once great city needs new leadership terribly. VOTE for change people…For GOD’s sake!!
Knox Porter
At a Council Meeting, a diatribe was presented on the need for a ‘hotel’ being built in Edgecombe. What chain will build lodging in an area whose appearance reveals blight & desperation? The speaker has the cart far ahead of the horse. The detestable decay visible must be removed before any lodging can be a reality. Travelers seek clean, bright areas for jogging, strolling babies, walking dogs, & parking in safe secure spaces. Presently Edgecombe is nowhere near ready for a ‘hotel’.
Knox Porter
Will Rodeway choose Cokey Rd? Will folks make reservations to sleep on Bedford Rd? Will Motel 6 keep a light lit for you on Sawmill Rd? Will Super 8 find the view fair on Fairview? Will Wyndham build on Wits End Ln.? Will a sardonic traveler wish to lodge on Sandora Dr. or even Smiley Ln? Will visitors from Radford, Richmond, & Roanoke find reclining on Virginia St. restful & appealing? The answer is no. It is asinine for Councilmen, who allow blight to fester & grow, to waste time by proposing that lodging be added in a despairing area.
Main Street Rocky Mount 
In posts I see on this site and news articles in the Rocky Mount Telegram I see a microcosm of the division being experienced in Florida, where I currently live, as well as on the national scene. It’s very easy to point fingers, whether on the right or the left, but what really takes courage and strength is to figure out and promote ways to work together. Only when we forgo the easy path of retaliation and prioritize cooperation will real success follow. I was born and raised in Rocky Mount. Although I have not lived here since 1969, Rocky Mount and North Carolina are still home to me so my interest is real. There are good people, who work hard and care about the community, living here. I hope consideration for the community will take precedence over individual agendas and lead all community leaders and citizens to work for all citizens and the whole community. This is my wish for my current community and state of Florida as well as our wonderful nation. It has to start somewhere and locally is the first place.
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