To the editor:

As an African-American, I know how important it is to exercise your right to vote. I encourage each of you who are planning to vote on Nov. 6 to please base your decision on who can build consensus and deliver.

Mayor Linda Johnson became mayor in 2006. Her commitment to the citizens included reforming the dire financial condition of the city, building consensus among the council to get projects completed that had been delayed for years in many communities, creating job growth and expanding and recruiting businesses.

Now, let’s review the deliverables. The city of Suffolk now has an AA+ rating from the national bond rating agencies, which in turn results in millions in savings to the taxpayers.

In addition, because a vote of one cannot get anything accomplished on City Council, Mayor Johnson was able to build consensus among the members that resulted in the following: almost $7 million being dedicated to complete the renovation of the East Suffolk High School and transforming it into the East Suffolk Community Center; $15 million being invested in the construction of the Health and Human Services building that served as a catalyst for the implementation of the Fairgrounds Redevelopment Plan for residential development that lingered for years; more than $14 million was approved for the construction of a new elementary school in Holland; and more than $60 million approved for roadway, street and drainage projects and other neighborhood improvements, including Nansemond Parkway, Towne Pointe Road, Route 10 and the communities of Huntersville, Orlando, Saratoga, Boston, Williamstown and others.

Finally, under Mayor Linda Johnson, more than 5,000 jobs have been created and more than 250 new or expanded businesses call Suffolk home.

On Nov. 6, I am casting my vote on who can deliver and build consensus. I am voting for Linda Johnson.

Carrie Diggs

Suffolk