As the former 26-year mayor of Black Diamond, I put my support 100 percent behind Keith Watson. There are many things a mayor has to deal with and Keith has shown an exemplary ability to handle many different problems.

As Planning Commission Chair, President of the (Black Diamond Historical) Museum, President of the Black Diamond Community Center, Commander of the Submarine Vets, one term, he has had to deal with many different situations and problems, which he is able to do with much wisdom and the ability to show no prejudice, but will listen to both sides of a problem and find the best solution.

As your former Mayor I know what a mayor has to deal with and Keith has demonstrated the quality and ability to be able to serve with much wisdom. I serve under him at the Black Diamond Museum and the Black Diamond Community Center so my knowledge of him is first hand.

How Mr. Gordon thinks he can run our city and work full time shows me he does not have a true grasp as to what it takes to run a city.

When I first became mayor it was possible to work and manage the city, but we were only 1,200 people with not much going on as far as building and development. Today a mayor should be at City Hall at least part time to keep up with everything and keep in close contact with the city administrator. The staff we have at City Hall are very qualified people, which Keith realizes and would continue to use them.

Our comprehensive plan covers all aspects of development, i.e. schools, streets, etc. Keith is the mayor who will work with YarrowBay and make sure they follow the comp plan so we have the kind of development that is good for Black Diamond..

As former Mayor, I can say without reserve that Keith Watson stands way out and above the other candidates and would ask that the people of Black Diamond make him our next mayor.

Howard Botts

Black Diamond