Whenever you redistrict, using race to guarantee the results, you cause division. When any candidate wins election, their victory should be based on merit. It’s supposed to be an honor and privilege to have the trust of the people. But how can there be trust when the election is set up in advance to determine who will win? How can voters have an interest to vote under these conditions?

If Commissioner Dixon really wants another black on the Pasquotank Board of Commissioners, and really means it, I have some suggestions, and what I’m suggesting is far more democratic than redistricting.

First things first. Commissioner Dixon should resign from the Board of Commissioners. If he’s willing to walk the walk, and not just talk the talk, he will do this.

Second, he should suggest to the executive committee of the Democratic Party that it appoint a black — man or woman — to complete his term. If this appointee does a good job, I next to guarantee this person will be re-elected on merit.

If this person proves to be worthy of the people’s trust, I will work to help their re-election.