To the Editor:

By this letter, I am publicly endorsing Ms. Raystine D. Johnson as a candidate for mayor of the City of Franklin.

Ms. Johnson and her family are and have been vital members of the Franklin community.

Having grown up in Franklin, I remember Raystine’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Johnson, as pillars in the community. Upon my return to the area, I discovered that Raystine is positively impacting the city just as her parents did.

It should be noted that Raystine is the past president of the Virginia Morticians’ Association, a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, and a former chairman and member of the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority.

As a City Council member, Ms. Johnson represented her ward zealously in response to the citizens’ needs. As vice mayor, she has provided stability in a positive manner to the City of Franklin. I believe that Ms. Johnson embodies a level of maturity, professionalism, insight, focus and vision to move Franklin forward.

Therefore, I strongly encourage the citizens of Franklin to vote for Raystine D. Johnson for mayor. Having her as mayor would be a step in the right direction.

Clarence R. Baker
Franklin