Dear Editor,

Recently the Rockingham City Council started a search for a council person to fill the vacancy left by the new Mayor. I requested they appoint Teressa Beavers to the position. She deserved the appointment more than any other citizen of Rockingham! This is because she ran for city council in the last two elections. I helped her with both campaigns. She lost by 129 votes in 2009, and in 2011 by only 76 votes.

Teressa made two personal contacts to City Hall giving them the information they requested for this open position. In a town of just 9,000 voters Teressa lost by less than one percent of registered voters. You would think that in a small town the City Council would be more responsive to their citizens.

Voters continue to vote in new members hoping the new blood will change the city council. How it acts, deliberates and votes. The Council would be served well to have a more open discussion and debate on issues they are considering. But we keep getting the same results. Teressa Beaver’s inclusion into the council would be a good first step. She is currently working for the Richmond County school system.

So I respectfully ask the council that you appoint Teressa Beavers to the Council and if necessary add another chair. I believe the council ignored our claim to the open seat and put in place someone that they feel would “fit well” with their group. I am asking them to step out of their comfort zone for the public good.

If they don’t, many of her supporters believe Teressa got a raw deal. You can help right this wrong this November by voting for Teressa when she runs for city government again.

Rev. Russ Fincham

Rockingham