To the editor:

When the F-3 tornado touched down in Suffolk in 2008 and caused more than $28 million in property damage and changed the lives of many of our fellow residents and businesses, the local and national media outlets, the governor of Virginia, congressional leaders, state senators and delegates and other state and federal officials descended on Suffolk.

During those difficult days, Mayor Linda Johnson was the voice that conveyed a coherent and articulate message to them, to our citizens, to the nation and to the world on our planned response, our commitment to help those who were impacted and our resolve that Suffolk would get through this devastating event as a community working together.

Her ability to clearly communicate to the media, the citizens, our nation and others with poise, compassion and grace during that terrible event are the same qualities we need in a mayor for the future.

We need a leader who will not only represent us on the local scene, but nationally, and if necessary, on the international stage when required, with a clear message that will make us all proud.

Mayor Johnson has demonstrated that she has the skills to represent the best of Suffolk, not only in the good times, but also during the difficult times. She has my vote on Nov. 6.

Jennifer Johnson
Suffolk