Dear Editor,
I would like to pose a challenge to the readers of Home in Henderson who do not wish for Peter White to be our next sheriff in Vance County.
I still think a lot of those feelings have to do with the man’s race, and I believe there are those in Vance County, and on HiH, who are uneasy with the constant “reaches for power” exhibited by the local black community.
Still, many on the site deny, or at least won’t admit, that race is a factor in this tragic comedy, and they have found a wide variety of other reasons why he is not acceptable. I’m willing to give all these people the benefit of the doubt.
But I would like to know which black elected officials in Henderson or Vance County are not objectionable to these people. I would be ever so happy if each person who doesn’t like White would just name one black elected official in this county that they do like, and explain why they like this person. If anyone can honestly answer this question, then they can rest assured that their feelings aren’t simply objections to the “negro power grab.”
I would like to implement one limitation, however. The person you choose CANNOT be Lonnie Davis. From what I’ve seen, Mr. Davis rarely, if ever, flexes any muscle, so folks who wish for the blacks to “stay in their place” probably have no objection to Davis. Davis reminds me of the grandpa that used to spoil you rotten anyway, there’s no way not to like the guy.
Here is a crude list of the black elected officials in Henderson/Vance that I can think of. Mr. Editor, if I leave someone off, please add them in.
Bernard Alston
Deborah Brown
Emeron Cash
Margaret Ellis
Mary Emma Evans
Terry Garrison
Gloria White
Eddie Wright
Thanks, and please everyone, go out and vote this November. We often disagree with each other but we all love Vance County, so please show Vance County that you care by taking the time to participate in its democratic process.
Sincerely,
Mr. Fun with Racism, and please say “The Fun with Racism”
Editor’s Note: By request of the author, Margaret Ellis was added to the list of African-American elected officials. Otherwise, the letter is presented as submitted.