This showed up on The Rant’s radar prior to the election, but we’re glad to have seen it continued through yesterday, when city voters cast their final ballots for the new makeup of the Sanford City Council.
Republican Richard Porter, who was defeated Tuesday by Democrat Linda Rhodes for the at large seat on the council being vacated by Democrat Chas Post, visited the Lee County Democratic Party’s election night party to congratulate Rhodes and wish her well, according to a Facebook post by Lee County Democratic Party Chairwoman Vonda Reives:
Even before Election Day, The Rant had been made aware of the competitors’ willingness to not only be civil, but even worship together. A reader let us know that Porter and Rhodes attended church together on July 17 to show how two people competing for the same seat could also commit to respecting one another in the process:
We’re not convinced yet that this will be the model for elections going forward, but it’s great to see it happening at all. Congrats to Porter and Rhodes both for treating one another as the humans they are, running a clean race, and putting the people of Sanford first.
YES!!! Thank you for sharing this example of humility and humanity. May this be the example we ALL follow! I, for one, commit to following the model that was lived out before us all!!! Well done, Richard, well done, and thank you!!!
I will not be passing a yellow ballot with your name on it this fall and will encourage everyone not to vote for you. Your action is pathetic.
My point exactly!
How unbelievably outstanding and encouraging!
That was truly a class act. In the end no matter who wins the goal for all opponents is to do what’s best for the city of Sanford and the county of Lee. ALL of us can learn from that simple act of kindness.
Thank you Mr. Porter.
I remember when this was a common occurance locally and even nationally! Proud of them both.
Just wanted to alert The Rant that local director of Salvation Army (Tracy Staley) has resigned
Thank you to The Rant for this article. Neither Mr. Porter nor I had planned to conduct a clinic. Both of us knew the type of campaign we wanted to run and we did that. At times, there were certainly outside factors that attempted to force their antics on us, but we both stood our ground. I am grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Porter for their gracious and warm friendship. It just goes to prove, you can be civil and respectful if that is what you choose to be. Our campaigns made the right choice. And keep your eyes open, we’ll be making a dinner date with the Porters very soon!