Now everyone knows why former commissioners fought the voter-rights lawsuit so hard. Some of them knew that the plaintiffs were right all along. They knew that the unthinkable could happen: that a black person could step up and share elective power with the white folks.

This election victory for James Purnell did not happen without the voters' overcoming many old-time fears. Voter-registration campaigners in District Three encountered residents who had been told they would lose their land if they registered to vote! They met young people who feared their candidate-preferences would somehow become public, and that their jobs would be forfeit. Where do you suppose such fears came from? We all have a pretty good idea.

Those fears are unfounded, and are now gone forever. Those voters are now truly represented in their County Government. In fact, perhaps the black residents of the "non-minority" districts will feel more secure in contacting Jim Barrett, Robert Cowger, Jeanne Lynch and Granville Trimper. Regardless of color, gender or district, we are all represented. We elected from each district the candidates who care about all of us.

Now, let's forget the fears and the bad feelings. Let's move on together to better times.

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P.O. Box 2309  
Ocean City, MD 21842  

jocee@shore.intercom.net
Other Writings by Jo Campbell

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