To the Editor:

Linwood Johnson cares about our community and the children in it.

Mr. Johnson teaches a martial art class at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center every Wednesday at 6 p.m. He does not charge a fee for this service even though he could.

We believe that he is trying to make Franklin a better place to live by giving our youth an opportunity to develop into mature adults who can give something positive back to our community and the world.

Mr. Johnson is the right person to teach martial arts. His training method is a powerful learning tool that builds confidence, determination, focus and physical fitness.

Some kids have low self-esteem, while others struggle with confidence. With an increase in gang activity in Franklin, we find many kids are being bullied and pushed around — intimidated into joining groups that are going in the wrong direction.

Mr. Johnson’s traditional martial-arts training teaches the values of honor, respect, integrity and self-discipline. It also imparts the benefit of increased focus. What he does helps instill in a child the strength to resist gang and criminal activity.

We believe that this activity says a lot about Dr. Johnson’s character. He is selfless and a tireless community worker concerned about our youth and willing to try to make things better for all.

For these reasons and many more, we endorse his candidacy for the City Council seat representing Ward 4. We ask you, the citizens of Ward four, to vote for Linwood Johnson on May 1.

Justin Driver
Calvin Blow
The Rev. Purlie Banks
Franklin