Following the Fourth of July: The City Council

A thunder storm has rained on our Rocky Mount Parade, being led by our City Council. The disappointment in the storm is magnified because the temperatures are already unbearable, tempers are short, and few people are feeling especially charitable or forgiving.

Until election time 2027, however, these councilmen are the ones we came to the dance with. Like the Mayor, the three seats up for election are not lame-ducks either. There is still work to be done, decisions to make, and opportunities to change the way this Council will be remembered.

As I write, I can’t explain how I came to an analogy between the Council and horse racing, but I hope you enjoy it.

While attending the University of Kentucky, I spent some Thursday Spring afternoons at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington. I learned that choosing a winner wasn’t simply a matter of recognizing a famous name of a jockey, or admiring colorful silks.

Before the race, every horse was led through the paddock, where the horses were studied for their conformation, temperament, and readiness. The racing form, which I learned to read, told the story of yesterday. The paddock suggested what might happen today.

Entering our paddock are the horses that race for Rocky Mount’s stable.

Horse No. 1 — Andre Knight

The first horse enters the paddock full of spirit and confidence. Powerful, energetic, and sometimes difficult to restrain, he rarely lacks determination. #1 reaches the finish line ahead of other entries intimidated by his speed and mighty-might, no one mistakes his presence once the gates open.He is groomed beautifully and well turned out.

Horse No. 2 — Reuben Blackwell

The number #2 horse, Blackwell, is steady, recognizable, and impossible to overlook once he steps onto the track. He runs well on a mile and half track, never short of breath. He stands out among a field of horses with his handsome features and sturdy appearance. His temperament is……..

I’m having trouble writing about Blackwell’s temperament using the horse metaphor. But, here is the story I was trying to make work.

(I once sat behind Councilman Blackwell during a meeting and watched the care he took helping an older gentleman he had brought with him. Throughout the evening, people stopped to greet him with genuine warmth and respect. He greeted them with that smile that is unforgettable.)

Horse No. 3 — Charles Robinson

The number #3 horse, Robinson, was my favorite to win in an earlier race and he did. Filled with energy and ideas and enthusiasm for Rocky Mount, I would wager on him the next time he runs. Not without recorded losses on the race form, but as his racing career continues, he can improve his performance and hopefully will.

Horse No. 4 — T. J. Walker

The number #4 horse, Walker, has been a favorite of mine. Early days, willing to learn, he has matured into a leader on the track. He has given the older horses an opportunity to see his courage, certainly his heart, and no longer seems content to follow the field. This has become part of his racing style.

Horse No. 5 — Lige Daughtridge

A dependable veteran of the stable, this horse comes to every race prepared. Blinders off, eyes on the finish line, he has never been reluctant to challenge the field. Reliability and preparation remain two of his strongest advantages.

Horse No. 6 — Tom Harris

Before joining Rocky Mount’s stable, this horse had already established an impressive record. He has brought that experience with him. Calm at the gate, even-tempered during the race, and respected by his stablemates, he has steadily improved his pace and appears capable of running many more good races.

Horse No. 7 — Jabaris Walker

Some horses have long racing forms filled with victories, losses, and years of experience. Others are just beginning to establish themselves. This horse belongs to the second group. His record is still being written, making him a difficult horse in the field to evaluate. Ward 7, whose colors he wears, know their horses and they like this one. They believe in his talent and potential. Based on their judgment, I would definitly put a wager down on No. 7

Horse racing teaches an interesting lesson. Yesterday’s racing form matters, but it never guarantees tomorrow’s finish. Every race begins with the same gates opening.

The Rocky Mount stable has not been running well. There has been talk of putting all the horses up for auction. As of now, only three are up for sale. Whether those horses continue to wear Rocky Mount’s silks will be determine be the citizens in the Fall of ’27 Sale.