Dear Supporters,

We are writing to inform you that we have had to close the Clean Slate Petition online due to a disturbing act of sabotage. It has come to our attention that individuals, likely those with the most to lose from our efforts, have resorted to deplorable tactics to try to invalidate our petition.

Specifically, we have identified a series of entries using the names of prominent deceased members of our Zebulon community. These and other suspicious names were entered in a concentrated period, coinciding with the activity of a known fake Facebook profile, "Bruce Crawford." We believe this was a deliberate attempt to "prove a point" that "anyone" can sign, thereby discrediting the hundreds of legitimate Zebulon voices who have signed in support.

Let us be clear: thanks to the Change.org platform, we have methods to verify signatures. We are confident that prior to this malicious flurry, the vast majority of signatures (save for the last dozen or so) were genuine expressions of support from real individuals who stand for what this petition outlines.

Out of respect for the families and loved ones of the deceased individuals whose names were misused, we have made the difficult decision to shut down the online petition at this time to prevent further abuse.

This act of desperation will not deter us. It only strengthens our resolve. Clearly, we have made a significant statement. Clearly, our collective voice has instilled fear. And clearly, they underestimate just how fed up Zebulon truly is.

Stay tuned. We are already working on a way to continue this vital effort and ensure your voices are heard. We will not be silenced.