To the Editor,

There are issues in our community, county, state and nation that need to be addressed or at least we should be concerned about. The Robesonian is constantly printing valuable information that we need to read to become familiar with what is happening in our communities.

We all are interested in a place where we can learn, grow and achieve economic success while raising our families. We all should be concerned about how Medicaid cuts threaten our local hospital and how this well affect your family. Education funding is another big issue.

Another ongoing complaint is that public and public-supported agencies are creating jobs and filling vacancies without proper advertisements or announcements. Prerequisites for employment should be clear, concise and stated before applications are submitted. Procedures for seeking and submitting applications should be made clear to would-be applicants.

There is the belief that when some positions are announced it is only a formality. It seems that we are still operating in the past, when it was not how qualified you are but what mattered was who you know or what relation you are to the person doing the hiring. We are beginning again to consider what political party you belong.

The job market is being flooded with returning college graduates. We hope and pray that those who are seeking employment in our county will have the assurance that they have been afforded just consideration.

This letter is to make everyone aware of the need to become knowledgeable of politics in Robeson County. When forums are held for candidates, make every effort to attend. Make your neighbors aware of the place and time. Go listen to the candidates. note how candidates respond to question of concern to you. We are just before electing people who will be controling hundreds, maybe thousands, of jobs and perhaps the future of your graduating son or daughter.

Ask yourself these questions: What have their hiring practices been in the past? How do they influence the job market, in education, health, social services, government, industry and business in general? How have they affected your quality of life? Can you see any visible evidences of your needs being addressed?

We are our brother’s keeper and what affects one, affects all.

Wyatt Johnson

Lumberton