A Necessary Response

I was disturbed by the September 11 posting on a local website, www.belowthebeltline.org that unfairly attacked Paul, practically likening him to an Islamic terrorist. I felt it was important to write the following response that I sent to “Lunsford Lane” on Tuesday, in its entirety.


Dear Sir/Madam (in my haste I was unable to find out who specifically writes your blog):

I am writing in response to the September 11 entry on your blog. Having read your past entries, I understand that you are not a fan of Mary Ann Baldwin and Jessie Taliaferro; however, I feel that your remarks concerning Paul Anderson were unjustified. The initial invitation to the event hosted by Mr. Barringer and Mr. Safran was extended to Paul as an opportunity to meet potential individual supporters for his campaign. Because we feel that Paul is truly a candidate worth supporting, he agreed to attend the event. He was not aware until recently that it was being billed as a fundraiser for Mary Ann Baldwin. He was aware that Mary Ann Baldwin and Jessie Taliaferro would also be in attendance, but his goal was to continue to meet a variety of people who might support his campaign. I attended the event today, not Paul, because I wanted to share with the group why I felt that Paul was a candidate worth supporting. If Paul chose only to share a podium (or in this case, a room) with other candidates whose views mirrored his, he would always be alone. He has not wavered in his stand on the issues, and I invite you to base your judgment of him upon his platform (www.andersonatlarge.com) and discuss any issues with him directly.

On another note, I am concerned that you would believe that Paul Anderson, as an African American candidate, would only rely on the African American vote in Southeast Raleigh to win the City Council election. What, or who, gave you that impression? First of all, as you have pointed out, that vote alone will not win him the election. Second, there are a significant number of African Americans who live outside of Southeast Raleigh. The right of African Americans to vote is one for which many people fought tirelessly. Paul is not about to advocate limiting one’s opportunity to vote to only one candidate when two votes can be cast. It is our hope that the first of those two votes will be cast for Paul Anderson. While your individual opinion may think the current Anderson for City Council campaign is, in your words, a “modest effort,” we know that Paul is building increasing support across the city of Raleigh daily. This support comes from a diverse group of voters, not only African Americans. This diversity (ethnic, social, religious and economic) of voters is supporting Paul because they know that he will listen to their varying opinions, and will then make a decision that benefits the citizens of Raleigh, not special interest groups.

Paul Anderson will make an excellent member of the Raleigh City Council. He is not running with or against any of the other candidates. He is running for one of two at-large seats at the council table, and has the ability to work cooperatively with any member of the council for the good of the citizens of Raleigh. Perhaps someone should have also sent you a copy of the invitation to a Meet and Greet that was held this past weekend for Nancy McFarlane that listed Paul Anderson as a “Special Guest” with Charles Meeker and Russ Stephenson. If I may use a southern expression, Paul is not, and will not be “beholding” to anyone who has contributed to his campaign, or to any groups who endorse his campaign. What he will owe his supporters is to be a fair, effective and dedicated member of the Raleigh City Council.

I appreciate your taking the time to read this message, and trust that you will use any quotes taken from it (if not the entire message) fairly. If I have sparked any additional questions for you, Paul or I would be happy to respond to them.

Sincerely,

Tina