My daughter, Claire Greer, Ph.D., was Director of Education and Principal at Northeast Wyoming BOCES, a residential public school serving children with special needs. One of the students was a ten-year-old autistic boy who found comfort in music. Occasionally, when he became upset, Claire would come and sing to him.
Each year the school held a talent show. Following one of their soothing sessions, the little boy looked at Claire and, matter of factly said, “You should sing in the talent show.”
As I think about the upcoming 2027 elections for Wards 1, 4, and 6, along with the mayoral race, I find myself thinking about that little boy’s advice. Sometimes people need encouragement to step forward. Sometimes they need someone to say, “You should be in the talent show.”
This is my version of that encouragement.
If you have a civic heart, a vision for Rocky Mount’s future, a strong moral compass, an appreciation for preservation, a practical approach to management, and the ability to work well with others, perhaps you should consider putting your name on the ballot.
Our city needs people willing to step onto the stage.
And if you can sing us a soothing song for what ails us, all the better.
Consider this your call to action.
PS: This post is dedicated to daughter Claire and all the children she has ‘sung’ to. Mom
Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin grew up in Evanston, IL. and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. She is an author of two novels: The Greening of a Heart and Facing East. She lives, writes and gardens in NC. Visit her: Stephenyhoughtlin.com
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