My son, an excellent, professional guitarist, is also an adequate vocalist. As a young musician, he sometimes lamented not being the “total package.” This term comes to mind as we approach our municipal elections. Salisbury is fortunate to currently have this “total package” concept on the Salisbury City Council in Mayor Al Heggins.

Well educated and articulate, Al encompasses those qualities often attributed to true leaders: honesty, integrity, decisiveness, courage, passion and humility. Al brings vision and strategic thinking to our City Council. She sees the whole picture and moves forward with purpose. As a retired educator, I can’t help but observe that our mayor reminds me of those teachers and administrators who planned with their students’ needs first and foremost. For Al, the city’s needs are the needs of our residents. Her agenda is the community’s agenda.

I recently attended a roundtable discussion at City Hall about opportunity zones, an opportunity described by the White House representative as specifically designed as an initiative to bring true revitalization to communities rather than being just another government program. Mayor Heggins planned this important meeting to include the public as well as elected and business folk.

The White House representative was clearly impressed at the large community turnout and praised Mayor Heggins, reminding the audience that we are lucky to have her. This is just one everyday example indicative of Mayor Heggins and her wisdom to anticipate the logistics of moving Salisbury forward on a local, regional, state and national level while being inclusive to all her constituents.

On Nov. 5, vote for Al Heggins a woman with a positive attitude, genuine smile and welcoming arms as she invites all to City Hall or, as she regularly reminds us, The People’s House.

Early voting starts Wednesday.

— Pam Bloom

Salisbury