To the editor:

The time to vote for new leaders is upon us, and it’s time for citizens to cast their vote for the right candidate for mayor of Suffolk.

The right candidate is Leroy Bennett, who has been on the City Council for 16 years, but was eliminated from the Nansemond Borough because he spoke out against the current budget and because other members decided on a redistricting process.

Bennett has the experience of vice mayor, and he has demonstrated his dedication to helping people solve their problems, not only in the Nansemond Borough, but all over the city. Other council members just give you lip service and won’t even answer their phones when you call.

Bennett is a man of his word, and he tries to do his best for the citizens of Suffolk — and not just for a chosen few. We need a mayor who will represent the entire city of Suffolk, and not just North Suffolk, as is being done now.

Bennett believes in Suffolk’s possibilities, and he’s the right choice in 2012 for mayor. After many years of division and difficulty among the city’s elected officials, it should be clear to Suffolk voters that it’s time for a change.

Bennett has been involved with many other organizations and has provided outstanding leadership. His willingness to speak up should have shamed those other council members who didn’t do so. In him, Suffolk has a candidate for mayor who wants to be there and will give decisive leadership.

Bennett has proven he’s up to the task. If he is elected, I truly believe he will put a stop to all the underhandedness that’s going on in this city.

He has a great and bright mind, he has plans for our city, and he has shown that he doesn’t give in to pressure to go along with the current mayor or others on the City Council just to remain in their good grace.

He wants to make this city better and to put a stop to letting people run Suffolk like they have been doing for years.

The future of this city and its citizens is dear to Bennett’s heart. That is why I will be casting my vote for Leroy Bennett.

Bernard M. Wright

Suffolk