To the Editor,

In just a few days the citizens of Pembroke will have an opportunity to cast their vote in the local city elections and elect leaders of their choosing to carry on the work of the people. This is a very important election and every voice needs to be heard and every leader needs to listen. Our city is on the brink of a new chapter and in a position to take some critical steps forward given the right leadership is in place. There is only one way to ensure that the right leaders are put into place and that is through the vote. Not the one that we talk about but the one that is cast at the ballot box. When you mark your vote and express your opinion you have taken the first step in making a difference.

The candidates that we elect to fill the seats of the town council need to have a clear vision of what they feel are the priority needs and how the council should move forward with a strategic plan. The council should be representative of all the citizens. For too long we have been without the female voice in the decision-making process. We have tremendous ladies who serve in leadership roles and do a great job. We need their voice on the council. Step up ladies and make it happen. We need representatives with diverse backgrounds and experiences that can bring new and fresh ideas to the table, ideas that they have witnessed in other places and can testify to the difference those ideas made in those communities. We need leaders who will commit to the safety and reduction of crime in our city and will not accept anything short of making that happen. We need leaders who will commit to implementing the policies and ordinances that are already approved and in place so that the citizens see their actions as indicative of their commitment to accountability. Cities that take a “turnaround attitude” demonstrate it at the ballot box first. A silent voice or no vote will only represent apathy and is contagious. Our city has so much potential but it will take all of us speaking up to make a difference.

I encourage you to cast your vote for Teresa Locklear and Robert “Bob” Williamson to fill the seats of the Pembroke Town Council.

Joseph M. Locklear

Pembroke