The early hours of filing for the 2019 municipal elections have been filled with encouragement — as well as setting up at least one stunning battle that some saw coming, but many thought never would.
We will first turn our attention to what we see as a good, positive sign.
On the first day of filing, a number of new candidates tossed their hats into the ring for elected positions within the city of Laurinburg. While we won’t go so far as to say it’s a sign that change is necessarily needed, we will say it’s always a good thing when there are new faces and new ideas stepping up.
Our political system always works best when there are choices for voters. New candidates with differing ideas will also bring new voters — and new voters in this day and age, when a majority of registered voters ignore elections, should be seen as a positive.
We would like to see these elections go even a step further. Though it may attract more registered voters to the polls, and it should, we would also hope to see a surge in residents who make a commitment by registering.
But for now, we remain encouraged that new names will be part of November’s ballot. And when those opportunities to cast a ballot arise this fall, we hope each and every registered voter will support the candidate of their choice.
Which brings us to the stage being set for a mud-slinging contest for the District 2 seat on the Laurinburg City Council.
The incumbent is Mary Jo Adams, who also serves as the city’s mayor pro tem. Her challenger will be Matthew Block, who is currently finishing up a term as the city’s highly controversial mayor. That means the city will have a new mayor, any of whom will be an upgrade.
Although Block himself stated on Facebook that he was considering either a re-election bid for mayor or a challenge to Adams’ seat, there was a question whether his ego could allow him to give up the mayor’s post to engage in a tough campaign against a popular, level-headed councilperson.
While we fully expect Block’s campaign to be rife with unfair mudslinging, innuendo and even downright lies, we doubt he will be successful in sucking Adams into that game — which should swing important votes her way.
Whatever happens in this race, the winner will go a long way toward establishing Laurinburg’s future decisions. Because of that, we can only hope voters will make educated decisions — keeping in mind each individual’s past history, their character and positive outlook for the city.
Filing is far from over, and we hope to see more incumbents and challengers fill out the ballot in the coming days — especially in some of the smaller towns.
We applaud all of those who care enough to step up.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Don’t talk, act. Don’t say, show. Don’t promise, prove.” (Unknown)