Initially, I would like to thank everyone that played a role in my recent campaign for Mayor. A special thanks to my hard working team for the countless hours you spent canvassing, completing mail-outs and all the other things associated with the campaign. I know you were disappointed, but your dedication and commitment was the wind beneath my wings. Without men and women willing to make financial contributions to the campaign, none of it would have been possible. I appreciate your kindness and gratitude. I will continue to be a catalyst for inclusion, honest and fair government. Even as I write this letter, I’m being contacted by phone or social media with words of encouragement. I’m doing great. My hands have been strengthened because I developed relationships with people I didn’t know. More importantly, I’ve identified adversaries I wasn’t aware of.

It was a humbling experience to offer myself as a candidate for Mayor of this place I call home. Winning is always the desired goal, but not the only goal. I’m truly disappointed and concerned on the way this election was conducted. I’ve run a number of elections. But, this was probably the most corrupt one I’ve ever encountered. I hope those individuals responsible for making elections fair and impartial will make needed adjustments before the general election. It was bad enough having an election office isolated in a building with no real oversight. But, when you add a Registrar who was not customer friendly and displayed an open bias for certain candidates, it is truly unethical.

Columbus has a history of conducting questionable and sometimes corrupt elections. I can attest to it first-hand. Unfortunately, the office responsible for oversight remains passive and non-responsible. So, the manipulation and “absentee ballot harvesting” continues. I’m sure the candidates in the general election will face the rogue activities of the political operatives that have diminished the character of city elections. The social media attacks and misinformation was truly brutal. You can tell the way a candidate will govern based on his campaign.

I look forward to completing my term as Supervisor. I will continue to work diligently to enhance the quality of life in this community. The county has an excellent leadership team, men and women with great integrity.

I have a stark message for every hard-working and God fearing adult in the city of Columbus. Our institutions – churches, schools, government and families – are failing. Unless we come together and collectively develop a plan of action, we will all suffer. We have remained silent as people in positions of authority have abdicated their duties for personal gains. Yes, there will be some changes. But, the question remains will they have the intestinal fortitude to do the right thing. We no longer have the luxury of separating ourselves by political parties, race, religion or gender. Many of us talk about change, but we’re not willing to use the energy or time to bring about change. The recent voter turnout was dismal, to say the least.

Finally, it is disheartening to witness successful former Black elected and appointed officials to mislead their own community because of egos and personal agendas. The willingness to prey on the most vulnerable citizens by doling out a few dollars to commit acts against their own well-being. Mr. Former Mayor, not everyone gets to build a million dollar house along the highway for everyone to see, ‘cause your ego is uncontrollable. Our community has suffered greatly because of your lack of leadership. Now, you want everyone to suffer because you couldn’t accept losing your office. You may control the school board and utility commission, but you won’t control city hall.

Leroy Brooks

Columbus

Leroy Brooks represents District 5 on the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. He can be reached at [email protected].

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