THUMBS UP to Leon Robinson, his daughter Debbie Darden and his granddaughter Cameron Palmes Smith for starting an effort to collect supplies for troops deployed overseas. Robinson owns Robinson's Builders Mart in Newton. In the middle of his store is a barrel where customers can place items to be boxed and sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a worthy cause, one that the community should support. People are encouraged to donate items such as toothbrushes, wet wipes, books, puzzles or DVDs and CDs. The idea came to the family after Darden's son-in-law, a Marine Corps captain, was deployed to the Middle East in May. It is our hope that the community response to the effort is overwhelming and the troops receive a little piece of home while fighting for our freedom.
THUMBS UP to the North Carolina House for moving legislation along this week that, if approved, would prevent a murder suspect or death row prisoner with severe mental illness from facing capital punishment. Although opponents say criminal procedure already allow jurors to take mental illness into account at sentencing, this legislation would create a process whereby the death penalty would be removed as a sentencing option for a murder defendant with severe mental disability. The maximum penalty would be life in prison without parole. We think this is the right thing to do in a case where a criminal is deemed mentally incompetent, but still deserves to serve time.
THUMBS UP to the leaders and potential leaders in our community who have filed to run for an elected office in November's municipal elections. It is never easy to serve as an elected official — in a small town or big city. The spotlight is always on you, and there is always plenty of naysayers. But it is especially hard to be an elected official when the nation is crippled by a long recession. Making decisions about how to spend tax dollars is never easy and always controversial. Trying to figure this out when having to fill huge gaps in a city's budget is that much tougher. Government leaders have to make difficult decisions about their budgets. They have to decide about cutting taxes or positions. They have to decide if raising taxes is the right thing to do or should they cut services. It makes us wonder why people want to be re-elected and why others want to get into office. We are glad there are dedicated people in our communities who are willing to take a whack at public office. Thanks.
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