And Then There Were Three...

Unofficially, the field of candidates for the Lumberton Mayoral race has been whittled down to three candidates: David Kent Crider, Jonathan F. Griffith and Jerry Walters. For some reason, the others that picked up packets changed their minds about having their names placed on the 12-15-15 ballot. I don’t know when the potential candidates will be certified but there’s not going to be much time to campaign. Somehow, each candidate will need to find an effective way to convey their campaign message and urge residents to get out and support them. I am nervous and excited about the prospect of potentially becoming the next Mayor of Lumberton. For years, I have demanded accountability and transparency at city hall. Now, I’m in a position where I can get a different perspective and find out why our elected officials are not working together to advance the City of Lumberton. Someone asked if I thought my blog would be a hindrance in my bid to become Mayor and I thought about it for a minute and it dawned on me, if my fight to keep the citizens of Lumberton Informed is a bad thing then I guess I’m not the candidate for that person. However, I think my dedication to keeping people Informed and demanding accountability from every elected official and department head is an asset not a liability. As stated by Norma Shearer

“It is impossible to get anything made or accomplished without stepping on some toes; enemies are inevitable when one is a doer."

The readers of this blog know that I am not politically correct but I am fair. People say that I am too harsh too critical but I always give credit when credit is due. Crider has placed several signs throughout the City of Lumberton asking for your vote on 12-15-15 but I have yet to see any campaign platform. Thus far, Crider has stated that “I was not going [to run] but Dad ran once and he didn’t make it due to dirty politics but decided to do it for the city and him.” I’m not sure that’s a real campaign platform but that’ s the nature of politics in Lumberton; people don’t run to bring about change, they run because they feel it’s their turn. Crider has been in a position to make a difference in Lumberton because he’s been on the board for 6 years. What makes him think he’s going to be able to accomplish something he didn’t attempt to accomplish over the last 6 years. Crider had a part in every decision that has contributed to the present condition of the City of Lumberton and if you like the direction this city has taken, the Crider is the candidate for you.

Jerry Walters released his campaign platform the other day and it’s entitled “Open the Windows.” Walters served as the Fire Chief/EMT for Lumberton for 4 years. Walters stated that he has always been an avid supporter of transparency in city government. Walters believe that ALL elected officials should be held accountable for their actions, not only in city hall but also in their public life. Walters said “ When you are an elected official, you represent this city wherever you go. You are always in the public eye and people are always listening.” Walters want to transform the Cooper Building and help market the City of Lumberton. Walter also believe we need a full time court clerk. The full details outlined in his platform are available on his Facebook page.

In Habakkuk 2:2 it states

“…Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

So over the Thanksgiving holiday, I will narrow down the plans I want to implement as Mayor of Lumberton and it will be called The Griffith Guarantee. One of my main concerns is Public Safety. Let's face it, no reputable business wants to come to a city that does not have enough police officers on duty to protect their investment. No reputable business wants to come to a city where elected officials are the ones stealing from them. If we embrace public safety, then business will come. We need a full audit, find out what happened to the money that was supposedly saved when we outsourced our garbage collection, slashed the police force and cut the hours of court clerk. Over the past two years, there were major cuts to the police department in the name of savings but there should be an accumulation of saving that could be re-invested in the protection of the citizens of Lumberton. My goal is to serve ALL the resident so Lumberton with integrity, transparency and full accountability. I will dedicate myself fulltime to the duties and responsibilities of serving you as your mayor. I pray that you each have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and let’s get ready to propel the City of Lumberton forward. Thank you and God Bless!