Editor,

The upcoming election is very important for the future of our city. I hope all voters have gathered or are gathering information on all of the candidates. I am writing because I am concerned about some of the information I have overheard specifically regarding the forum. The Forum on April 26 was a great opportunity for our citizens to meet the candidates and its unfortunate not all of the candidates for City Council could attend. I cannot speak for all of the candidates, though I feel if I asked them, they would have a valid reason for not attending. I do know however why Jay Abercrombie was not in attendance and for those who aren't aware, I would like to share what I know about Jay.

He is committed to his family and community in a way which I greatly admire. He was not at the forum because he was with his daughter in Canton. Jay has 2 daughters who are very active, and one of the girls had a basketball game that evening. He was asked a couple of months ago by Wade Frederick (Pam's husband) to help him coach a group of 7th grade girls in a couple of tournaments. It just so happens that the forum was scheduled on the first night of that tournament. I'm aware of this because my twin daughters are on this team and he had committed to Wade his daughter and 9 other middle school girls to be with them at this tournament. Jay is very dedicated to his family and his daughters keep him running for sure, but he rarely misses one of their events. I was disappointed to hear the negativity as he has a deep commitment to the community and the school.

Jay has been an active member of the Bullard Area Kiwanis Club for 5 1/2 years, where he helps out with the Key Club at the High School. For the last 3 years he has worked with the HS Economics teacher and taught our seniors about credit through a program sponsored by the bank and the American Bankers Association. He is also a charter member of the Rotary Club.

With this being said I can't think of a better person to represent the City's interest and be a true ambassador to our exemplary schools. I feel Jay would be an asset to the City Council and sincerely hope voters will agree. Laura Campbell Bullard resident