Choosing leadership for towns, counties, states and our nation is a difficult task. Tuesday night, we witnessed this in the largest arena, but Thursday night we witnessed this at the town level.

I attended the meeting of the Robbins Town Board. An item on the agenda was to fill the vacant seat for commissioner. Currently the commissioners are Joey Boswell, Hal Davis, Terri Holt and Kevin Stewart. Since Claire Barrow’s resignation on May 25, 2012, there has been a vacancy.

Three applications for the vacant seat were received. Those applying were Theron Bell (four years experience as mayor, 14 years as an elected commissioner, involvement in committees, foundations and boards); Nikki Green (two employers, educated at Sandhills, and two volunteer activities/memberships (job related); and James P. Stewart (name, address and phone number).

Theron Bell is easily accessible and interested in all factions of the town. Ms. Green works in Mount Gilead. Mr. Stewart is related to members of the board.

This appointment was scheduled for a meeting when Commissioner Boswell was in Florida working. Several town businesses were represented in the audience in support of Theron Bell. I requested to address the board. The vote for commissioner was two to one, with Nikki Green being the choice.

The board held a closed session to consider a personnel issue. When they reconvened, the mayor reported no action taken.

I thought back to the first meeting of this board and the same wording after a closed-session discussion of a personnel issue. The next day, George Hayfield, the town manager, was asked by the mayor to resign.

The people in Robbins need to attend meetings of the Town Board and become involved in the many ways available to help Robbins. By all means, study the candidates and vote in the next election. Wake up!

Jean McSwain

Sanford