Some have said that by running as a write-in candidate, Ray Rothrock will "split the vote" and the least desireable candidate will win the election. Ever since we asked Ray to serve, he has received literally hundreds of telephone calls and visits from people who have said they plan to cast a write-in vote for him. These people remember how Ray Rothrock turned things around 10 years ago, and they are ready for him to do the same thing now. To those who feel that Ray will "split the vote", our answer is simple. If enough people write-in Ray Rothrock, then Carolina Beach will once again have a qualified, problem-solving Mayor.

We have heard that some voters are planning to vote for a less-qualified candidate just to spite another. For example, we have heard some voters say that "a vote for Ray Rothrock is the same thing as a vote for Mr. Gilbert, or a vote for Mr. Macon. Our position is that you should listen to your conscience and cast your vote for the most qualified candidate, regardless of the outcome. Even if the candidate you vote for does not win, at least you can sleep at night knowing you did the good and honorable thing.

Do the right thing. Take the high road. Vote your conscience, and the most qualified candidate will win the election.