New leadership coming

It was both a surprise and a disappointment to learn that Mayor Jesse Stone and veteran City Councilman Neal Leonard will not be seeking re-election this year. Both men have made significant contributions to the city during their tenure.

Under Mayor Stone we have seen an unprecedented effort to restore and maintain Waynesboro's historic district and a renewed attack on dilapidated and substandard housing. We hope the momentum he has generated will not deteriorate under new leadership.

Neal Leonard leaves a legacy of steady, dependable representation of not only the citizens of his district, but of the city as a whole. He could always be counted on for thoughtful, reasoned consideration of all issues coming before council. His leadership will be missed.

We don't know all the names that will be on the November 6 ballot, but two candidates for mayor have already stepped forward. Former Mayor George DeLoach and former Vice-Mayor Pauline Jenkins have both declared their intentions and it is likely that at least one more experienced candidate will join the race. No candidate has emerged for Leonard's council post.

We hope that all the candidates will pledge their support to continue the quality of life improvements started under the current administration.