In the interest of full disclosure, I am a newcomer who decided to pull up stakes and move to North Carolina to be closer to family. We bought a beautiful, old house, and have set to work bringing it back to its original glory.

Each morning I take my hound on miles long walks through the neighborhoods and town, having coffee at Peedie & Aubrey's, using as many of the businesses as I can - the dry cleaners, the bike and lawnmower repair shops, a gift from Wits End and every local contractor I can get my hands on all in an effort to support what seems to be a town that has some very good things going for it, but also seems to have lost its way. Personally, I would rather chew my own arm off than drive yet again to Knightdale for something I need - and I mean it.

I have been to the library and carefully reviewed the Lawrence Group Plan and its conclusions about what Wendell is and what Wendell could be. I wonder what Wendell wants to be and whether Wendell's people are willing to take the steps that are needed to make Wake County's "best kept secret" something Wendell's children will be able to continue to grow, thrive or even live in.

Since arriving in July, I have been at six board meetings and the candidates' forum to educate myself to the issues facing Wendell and to figure out how I can support the hopes and dreams shared by many.

There is big talk and a lot of hope pinned to the Wendell Falls development getting up and running, but I ask this question: When those houses are built and full of families with lots of needs, why will they come to Wendell?

An election approaches for mayor and town council members and we need to think hard about who has the vision needed to move us forward, who has reached out to developers, who has attended meetings and conferences with other mayors and town councils from similar towns facing similar issues. We need to think about who is able to move out of the past and into the future.

My research tells me that person is Harold Broadwell. Along with Mr. Parham and Mr. Laughery, these men have been able to keep their "eyes on the prize." Now, Wendell has some serious choices to make. We can let go and move on and up or stay mired in the old hurts and politics, and watch the area develop around us as we become the town people drive through to get to where they are going.

Cathrine Evans

Wendell