Dear Editor:

The right to vote is a right given to most of us by the sweat, blood and tears of those who paid the price so that everyone can have the right to exercise their freedom of involving themselves in out political process. The power of voting is one some take for granted, not realizing that their “voice” can only be heard by utilizing one’s right to vote.

I would like to take this special opportunity to express words of gratefulness to everyone who exercised their right to vote in the Nov. 4 primary election. Thank you to everyone who garnered the courage to run for the political office, which is an awesome challenge to undertake.

To those who won outright, congratulations! Please remember you have been elected to serve the people. To those who make it into a runoff, keep pushing forward until Dec. 6. To those who did not win outright or that didn’t make it to the runoff, please keep working in our communities to help make our city and parish better.

With everyone working together, we can continue to build a Bogalusa and Washington Parish that we are proud to call home. Please remember to vote on Saturday, Dec. 06. Whether we “progress” or “regress” is depending upon it.

God bless our city and parish.

–Minister Keith D. Merrill

Former candidate for the Bogalusa City Council, District B