Hello, my name is Rob McCarthy and I would first like to apologize to those neighbors who took the time out of their day to sign my nomination papers for Ward 7 Alder. Due to the Monroe City Council vote on Jan. 3, 2012, I have decided that it's in the best interest for the residents in Ward 7 that I not run. The lack of leadership and courage that this council has been missing for several years was on full display once again during the vote to hold a spring primary in Wards 7 and 5. The vote failed and the Ward 7 incumbent didn't even have the decency to vote but rather abstained.

The right to and our votes are what makes this country so wonderful. The cost to hold a primary for two wards is around $3,000 and another excuse that I heard was about traditionally poor turnout in past ward-only primary elections. The landscape has changed drastically over the years and folks are more apt to go out and express themselves with their vote. I guess we'll never know now.

I very much looked forward to serving my ward and the people of Monroe, but having our votes split amongst the four candidates does nothing more than favor the incumbent. I don't mind a fair fight but the risk of the incumbent winning re-election due to this was reason enough for me to step aside and even the odds. Mr. Armstrong or Mr. Gratz, offer the people in Ward 7 a chance at progress and moving the city forward with professionalism, passion and dignity. They will treat this position as an honor to serve, rather than a status symbol. Please listen to them when they knock on your door and discuss their vision of the future of this great city. Thank you and God Bless the City of Monroe and the United States of America!