AHOSKIE – What’s the best way to stay informed on the decisions that shape your town? Become involved in that decision-making process.

Linda Blackburn, elected last fall as Mayor of the Town of Ahoskie, is in the process of making town government, &uot;citizen friendly.&uot; In regards to that effort, Blackburn will become a monthly columnist for this newspaper where her writings – entitled &uot;Mayor’s Update&uot; – will give Ahoskie citizens an inside look on the issues facing the town.

Blackburn’s first column is included on page 8A in today’s edition.

&uot;Through these updates I hope you will discover ways in which you, as valuable residents of our town, can have a positive impact over your neighborhoods and help to bring positive changes to the area,&uot; said Blackburn, Ahoskie’s first female Mayor.

Blackburn said the information shared at a recent retreat by the Town Council would go a long way in helping to map out strategies Ahoskie needs to take in order to bring about positive change.

She encourages town citizens to take part in their local government by attending the monthly Council meetings. They meet at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The March meeting is today (Tuesday).

One of the new features at Town Council meetings is a public forum. Town citizens that want to share their concerns or address specific problem areas can do so during this time. They do not have to pre-register to speak, but will be limited to a certain time limit.

For those unable to attend the monthly meetings, Blackburn said she would make herself available to answer any and all concerns. Blackburn also said she was in the process of organizing neighborhood meetings in order to meet her constituents face-to-face and discuss ideas that will prove beneficial to Ahoskie.