It’s about a week before Dr. Monica Newton will step down as Ward 3 councilwoman in Selma.

Her voice has been a strong one on the council. She has pushed hard for quality of life issues, her forte because in part she is a physician and because she is the parent of a young child. She understands the value of such touches to a community.

And, she has been successful. Take a look at the safe route to school project under way and the results of her work with other agencies to ensure a better farmer’s market and safer playground equipment around Bloch Park.

The Old Town Neighborhood Watch group has grown stronger because of her support as a councilwoman and before she entered the local political fray.

While there are issues on which we will always disagree, we did so amicably and maintained our separate positions.

During meetings, she has taken notes and participated in the Selma Times-Journal blog of those meetings, explaining some issues there on the spot. Most of our readers were grateful. Others took pot shots at her for “not paying attention during meetings.”

I can assure you as one who has attended nearly every city council meeting for the two years she’s been on the council: Newton pays attention to what’s going on and what has been said.

Newton also has reached out to the greater community, helping establish the Doc in a Bus to bring healthcare to those who could not afford to visit a physician’s office.

Newton is an example of a citizen giving back. Selma needs more of these type people.

— Leesha Faulkner