I echo the sentiments shared in the article “Lack of payment from East Spencer, Spencer contributed to city manager’s transit proposal” that suggests that municipalities should do everything in their power to continue an over 50-year public transit service offered to East Spencer and Spencer. 

As we maneuver through the challenges of COVID-19, let us make the essential needs of the citizens priority. 

Many citizens in Spencer and East Spencer not only suffer from food deserts and employment shortages. They also use public transportation to enter Salisbury to shop, patronize local businesses and contribute to Salisbury’s economy. 

I strongly suggest and recommends that these municipalities come together to find a solution that does not require detrimental lifestyle changes for our neighboring citizens. 

While we have fiscal obligations, our main focus during this pandemic should continue to be to create opportunities where our citizens in all municipalities can thrive and maintain a livable quality of life for them and their families. 

— Gemale Black

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Gemale Black is president of the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP.