The NAACP hosted a candidates Forum Thursday, August 25, ’23 in an ideal setting at ECC Barnes Auditorium. It was well organized and moderated event with a gathering of good folks in attendance mostly on the senior-side of fifty. I was delighted with the number of young people who could be there. 6:00PM is a tough time with parents getting young families feed, bathed and in bed. The assembled candidates did a good job presenting themselves and answering questions. From my seat, I was proud and further impressed with TJ Walker – Ward #4. I loved that he stood up each time he took the microphone offering a strong, in charge image. I applaud his position that along side new construction, we save Rocky Mount’s existing housing where possible. (I wanted to clap several times when he talked, but we were a well behaved audience as requested.)
I’m thankful I have eyes to see the otherwise, unnoticed things, going on around me. You know I am repeatedly on Mr. Blackwell’s case. I sat behind Councilman Blackwell and watched people came by to greet him. I was touched with how much he is loved and how his smile and charm convey his love in return. He was accompanying and older gentleman, and with gentle care he watched over him. The next time I want to kick Mr. Blackwell (and Mr Knight) over the goal post of life, I won’t forget that I have seen Mr. Blackwell’s better angels.
We all enjoyed a light moment from Andre Knight. His often angry face was playful as he took the microphone and teased who he was going to pass it to, the man on his right or left. We all laughed. Mr. Knight’s answers are another matter. It feels like he is riding in the back seat of a taxi seeing New York for the first time. Twenty years in Ward 1, and now at election time, he has the hutzpah to talk about priorities and solutions.
Since I feel so strongly about the positive effects that will come if Mr. Knight is unseated, I thought Mr. Troy Davis, running against Andre Knight, made a good case for his candidacy. He has been making a difference in Rocky Mount. With a number of successful residential and commercial projects completed, he is known to the community and is no stranger to the life of Ward 1. His enthusiasm and energy would be a welcomed addition to the Council.
Running for mayor, I was particularly interested when Mr. Bronson Williams spoke. I’m not a one issue voter, but high on my list, and lots of folks I speak with, is the decorum of the City Council. It has been a disappointment that Councilman Knight, when provoked, is allowed to rant on. At least the three minute rule citizens follow should apply to Mr. Knight or Mr. Blackwell. (I learned there is no ‘point of order’ when like an over-tired child having a melt down, I rose to my feet because of Mr. Blackwell’s long diatribe.) Mr. Bronson did say he would be a “unifier on the council,” but we need to know how. This issue may seem trivial in the face of Rocky Mount’s efforts to revitalize, or the pros and cons of having a casino, but people are tired of the repeated offending rudeness and disrespect for another councilman, or a citizen who speaks during the public comment section of the council meeting.
Through my blue eyes, it was a successful evening for the presenters, the candidates and the voters in the audience. It was special to me to see the attention and respect of good people who cared to care and showed up. As I left Barnes Auditorium, I got a hug from a sweet lady who told me she reads and loves the blog: Mainstreetrockymount.com. It was a compliment to be going on with and I’m still smiling. Thank you.
Main Street Rocky Mount 