To the editor:

Most of my adult life, I have witnessed editors and writers come into this city and align themselves with certain individuals.

They proceed with bias reporting and opinions against those who are not their favorites, and obviously I am not one of them.

I’m writing in reference to one article by Cecil Williamson that was printed in this paper on May 7, 2007. Because in his article he referred to me as “creating confusion, animosity and division” needed to undermine, and overthrow a government; I felt this needed to be addressed.

This coup Cecil assigns to me seems to be more fitting for him. I am not the one who at every council meeting stacks the agenda with every item thinkable in any effort to paint the mayor and city in the most negative light positive.

More, emphatically, of the 25 items on our May 14 council agenda, 12 or more items of confusion were placed there by Cecil.

I am not the person who uses TV, radio and this newspaper to incite “gloom and doom” on our city. This is done with the effort to try and scare citizens into thinking that the city is going broke and is not a safe place to live.

Selma is in better shape than it has been in many years. Unlike Cecil, I don’t go around using the old Willie Lynch approach of pitting certain department heads against each other.

On the other hand, I have tried to promote justice and equality on the council by speaking up when certain issues need to be addressed. I have even tried to provide parity and lift up all people, especially those who are less fortunate and have traditionally been denied the fundamental benefits of city government.

I want to see our city grow and prosper. I want children, black and white and others, to take part in the governmental process, because they are our future.

I respect Mayor James Perkins Jr., as he is doing a great job under the circumstances. I

am proud to serve with Johnnie, Jannie, Sam and Jean, who is a longtime friend and colleague.

May God give us all the love, peace and understanding to make Selma a better place to live.

Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw

Ward 7