COLUMN STATUS--on June 29th, I received an email from the publisher of the Holly Springs Sun asking "that the column be discontinued should you run and subsequently file".  Sometime in the past, a complaint to the Board of Elections about this column was researched and the conclusion they drew was that it did not reach the level of "political advertising".  Political advertising might, for example, mean that someone was using the column to campaign unfairly in a manner that another candidate is unable to utilize.  I have been very careful to avoid self promotion, and the sole purpose was and is to let you know what is going on in our Town.  However, it is with some regret that I advise you that my column (free to me and free to the Sun), whether I file or not, will NOT appear again until further notice.  I again would plead with all of you that regardless of who you chose to represent you in our Town in November, PLEASE VOTE!  In past elections, especially those in an off-presidential year, the percentage of citizens who voted in Holly Springs has been less than 20%!  In addition, the direction of this town will hopefully not be effected with election results that are influenced by negative claims and false accusations. 

LUTHER JOHNSON, JR.--on July 3rd, I was very proud that so many citizens of Holly Springs attended his funeral in High Point.  I was particularly proud that not only many High School students, teachers, and administrators attended, but also that at least four of our School Resource Officers also attended.  The church was full and I estimated the crowd at around 600.  During the service, I (along with many other speakers including Rev. Otis Byrd), read and presented a proclamation to his family indicating that July 3rd had been proclaimed "Luther Johnson, Jr. Day in Holly Springs".  Appropriate sympathies were also extended.  He was our first principal in our first High School in many, many years and he will be missed.

KUDOS--speaking of School Resource Officers, Brian Pittman, Principal, wrote to Chief John Herring on June 19th, that "I wanted to share my sincere thanks for the support that you and the Holly Springs Police Department have provided to ensure a smooth and productive school year at Holly Ridge Middle School...We have felt blessed during this school year to have Officer Deborah Bauer as a member of our school community...and greatly appreciate what she has added to our school.  Also, Sgt. Rich Leach continues to be a welcomed presence...as he is well known and respected by students and staff alike.  Last...Lt. Anthony Revels has provided excellent leadership not only to the SRO program but also to the issue of school safety"....  Thanks to our Principal for taking the time to send this letter and to all the SRO officers who make a significant contribution every day.  I think we are the only Town in Wake County to offer such a service in all of our schools.  As was earlier reported, we were also named the safest Town to live in (population 15-50,000) in North Carolina both in 2005 and 2007 (the latest report) by the SBI.  This accomplishment is huge...John and JoAnne Check wrote on June 30th, that "I just wanted to express my appreciation for a great job that was done by the town personnel...in re-grading and stone put down to where it merged with the existing stone" (in a problem drainage area).  "It is really great living in Holly Springs and having the services we have."  Again, thanks for sending this letter to me on behalf of the Town Engineering Department and our Public Works Department.