This battle must be taken straight to the people! No longer can the people we elect, neglect the people who elected them. Our mayor knew when he vetoed the Big Box ordinance that there would be opposition. I admonish all persons of faith and goodwill to exhibit the same, if not, more courage than the mayor by opposing him and his minions. We must use the ballot box by way of the advisory referendum process to override comfortable politicians who have turned a deaf ear to their constituents. A powerful two-pronged approach is as follows: rally for the referendum at Mandell (which happened on Tuesday morning) and protest the mayor’s veto at City Hall on Wednesday. Lastly, the referendum will be the “peoples’ mandate.” Those seeking election/re-election must hear the people, or find new employment.

Rev. Gregory Livingston
Pastor of Mandell United Methodist Church