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Letter to the editor
As published April 16, 2008
Election choices and working together
On Monday, May 5th, voters in the Town of Mt. Airy will have the chance to vote for three positions on the town council. I am supporting Peter Helt, Wendi Peters and Dave Pyatt for re-election.
I do so not because I’ve agreed with them on every issue over the years but because I have respect for their work and experience, and their commitment to public service.
I think we can say that this community has, after some years of debate, reached a basic consensus on the most important issues. We don’t want growth for the sake of growth. We know that what we have here in Mt. Airy is special, and worth protecting. We all want to preserve Mt. Airy as a small community that reflects the spirit of a small town, which we know is more than just houses.
Yet we also know that we face challenges as we seek to protect what we have. Those challenges include the aftermath of the fire of September 2nd but also water, growth, development rules, and the next master plan, to name a few. In that light, our ability to work together will be perhaps the most important.
I’ve worked with Peter Helt, Wendi Peters and Dave Pyatt on many projects, boards and commissions over the last dozen or so years. We’ve learned, in part from each other, how to disagree and yet respect each other, how to put aside whatever differences we may have from time to time, how to compromise, how to forgive when we make mistakes – as we all do - and how to work together for this community.
Dave Pyatt has served on the town council since 1988 and has done a magnificent job in showing us how to work together as council president. I hope he will agree to continue serving as president if he is re-elected.
Peter Helt is currently council secretary, but served with me on the Parks Board about a decade ago. I hope he will, if re-elected, continue serving as secretary.
Wendi Peters has served the town for nearly 20 years, on commissions, boards and, since 2004, on the town council, and I’ve worked with her on several boards and commissions.
In working with these three persons over the years, I have learned that while we may disagree on some issues from time to time, we share many common beliefs, including a love for this town, an appreciation for our strong volunteer spirit, and a common faith in this community.
I believe this is especially a time when this community must work together, and as the Bible says, heal rather than rend, and build up rather than break down.
I therefore urge voters to support Peter Helt, Wendi Peters and Dave Pyatt. Please be sure to vote on May 5th. Voting will be at the Activities Building at the Carnival Grounds from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and I hope to see you there!
Frank Johnson, mayor
Town of Mt. Airy
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