To the Editor:

I’d like to congratulate Randolph Cooke on his win and on the campaign.

I will take full responsibility for losing the election. I should have worked harder.

I was disappointed that more people who had expressed their concerns earlier did not come out to vote.

I hope that we do not experience higher taxes and increased county debt in the near future, which would adversely affect future generations. Southampton County must live within its means.

The lower-income and middle-class residents living on fixed incomes must be protected.

There are some issues that we disagree on, and I will continue to fight to save our way of life in our county.

One good thing that came from the election was that our 7-year-old grandson stated that he wants to run for office when he grows up so he can hand out his own flyers!

I wish Randolph the best.

Glenn Updike
Newsoms