BY MILES LAYTON

Per Colleen Nicholas of Edenton – see below. 

“People need to know some facts about election manipulation before they vote in the Edenton Municipal election. It has publicly been stated numerous times by a very reliable source that ‘Craig may be a registered Republican but he votes Democrat.’ Do his donors and constituents know that? That statement is partisan in what is supposed to be a nonpartisan election. Why then, is Craig Miller campaigning for Haywood Coston, a Democrat, to unseat his fellow councilman, Aaron Coston, a Democrat. On Sunday at a meet and greet for the candidates, Haywood, acknowledged that Craig is campaigning for him by putting up yard signs and knocking on doors. Too bad Craig didn’t attend the meet-and-greet on Sunday (Oct. 4). He could have explained himself directly. Friendship is one thing. Interference and undermining a colleague is another. He probably should have stayed out of it altogether and let it be an honest race.”

Colleen, I’m aware. Other folks have shared these thoughts with me.

Now that I have a free moment to put pen to paper, here is my response to you and other folks who have approached me.  

Believe it or not, I find politics distasteful.

However, I’m obligated to report on politics from time to time as the public needs to know what’s what before an election, aka silly season.  

An At-Large candidate, Miller is running for reelection against Regina Bond, and Haywood Coston is running against Aaron Coston, who is running for reelection to represent the 3rd Ward.

Let me address some things.

There’s nothing wrong with Edenton Town Council candidates Miller and Haywood Coston campaigning together any more than is Bond and Aaron Coston working together.  

That said, reading between the lines, with Miller supporting Haywood Coston against fellow council member Aaron Coston, that’s likely to cause stress between the two councilmen, but that’s politics. I’m optimistic the two public officials, both dedicated to Edenton, can work it out.  

Another point — Town Council races are nonpartisan, but that’s not how things work anymore in the reality that has become polarized by the partisan divide.  

Democratic leaders have openly expressed their support for Town Council candidates Bond and Aaron Coston, although I suspect they have support from all corners of the community, regardless of political affiliation. 

Republicans are supporting Miller, though I strongly suspect that he has support from all quarters – Democrats, rich, poor, Black and White and Hispanic, Episcopalian, Baptist, etc.  

And Haywood Coston – I’m not sure of his politics, and to be honest, I’d rather not know what political party he identifies, because it’s more important to know where he and other candidates stand on the issues. 

Then there’s the charge that Miller votes Democrat, though he’s a Republican.  

Let me make myself very clear – how Miller votes is his business. 

Moreover, though I trend conservative Republican on some issues, I’ve been known to support Democrats in the past – just depends on the candidate and the issue. Trump used to be a Democrat! 

Good leadership, especially when it comes to serving the community, transcends party labels. 

Honestly, like everyone else, I don’t care what political jersey you wear as long as you govern wisely. That’s radical thinking these days.  

I respect both Bob Kirby, a staunch Republican, and John Mitchener, who is passionate about Democratic issues.  

Last note, a wise old editor ended political candidate forums this way – by asking opposing candidates to say something nice about each other. Since the Albemarle Observer doesn’t believe in endorsing candidates, here’s what we’ll say:

• Miller has a long resume of civic volunteerism, Army veteran, leadership and public service to Edenton and Chowan County. He’s earned our respect and trust.  
• Regina Bond has a compelling underdog story of redemption, faith and life’s second chances. We’re glad you are running. 
• Aaron Coston is a dedicated public servant who cares about the community, is a leader on the council, unafraid to ask hard questions, and he represents folks from all walks of life, including people like me who can only afford to buy the marked-down meat and generic food brands at the town’s only grocery store.  
• By all accounts, Haywood Coston is a man of honor with a solid reputation – no one I’ve ever talked to has ever said an unkind thing about the man.  

I’m hoping that whoever wins seats on council will be able to represent everyone and work together toward making Edenton a better place.  

I’ll say it – our town is growing as people have come to realize that this is a great place to live, work and raise a family.