Initiate a referendum to change term lengths in Rocky Mount, NC

Recent signers:
Dawn McGlohon and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Living in Rocky Mount, NC, I've experienced firsthand the frustration and dissatisfaction stemming from ongoing corruption, malfeasance, and conflicts of interest within our City Council and Mayor's office. As a dedicated member of this community, I've witnessed decisions made that do not always reflect the best interest of the citizens but instead serve personal agendas and established power structures. The system as it stands allows for these problems to persist, unhindered by accountability measures that must come from the very officials currently in power.

Our local government needs a reevaluation of its leadership terms. Currently, the longer terms allow situations of power misuse to become entrenched, allowing corruption to fester and grow. By shortening the term lengths, we introduce a more dynamic and accountable system. This would not only enable the electorate to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction more frequently but also encourage officials to act transparently and with integrity, as they are regularly evaluated by the community.

Allowing the residents of Rocky Mount to vote on a referendum regarding the term lengths of our City Council Members and Mayor provides a platform for direct democracy and accountability. Shorter terms could potentially lead to more responsible governance, as elected officials would need to be more attentive and responsive to their constituents.

Moreover, by creating an environment where citizens can more regularly intervene, we can better safeguard our community from prolonged corruption and ensure that our needs and voices are genuinely represented. This initiative stands to strengthen our local democracy by ensuring fresh perspectives and ideas have a chance to influence our city’s direction.

We urge the authorities to take immediate action in initiating a referendum. By signing this petition, you express your support for a democratic process that holds our city government accountable and gives power back to the people. Sign to demand transparency, accountability, and integrity in Rocky Mount's leadership today.

avatar of the starter
Steve CederbergPetition Starter
Media inquiries

196

Recent signers:
Dawn McGlohon and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Living in Rocky Mount, NC, I've experienced firsthand the frustration and dissatisfaction stemming from ongoing corruption, malfeasance, and conflicts of interest within our City Council and Mayor's office. As a dedicated member of this community, I've witnessed decisions made that do not always reflect the best interest of the citizens but instead serve personal agendas and established power structures. The system as it stands allows for these problems to persist, unhindered by accountability measures that must come from the very officials currently in power.

Our local government needs a reevaluation of its leadership terms. Currently, the longer terms allow situations of power misuse to become entrenched, allowing corruption to fester and grow. By shortening the term lengths, we introduce a more dynamic and accountable system. This would not only enable the electorate to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction more frequently but also encourage officials to act transparently and with integrity, as they are regularly evaluated by the community.

Allowing the residents of Rocky Mount to vote on a referendum regarding the term lengths of our City Council Members and Mayor provides a platform for direct democracy and accountability. Shorter terms could potentially lead to more responsible governance, as elected officials would need to be more attentive and responsive to their constituents.

Moreover, by creating an environment where citizens can more regularly intervene, we can better safeguard our community from prolonged corruption and ensure that our needs and voices are genuinely represented. This initiative stands to strengthen our local democracy by ensuring fresh perspectives and ideas have a chance to influence our city’s direction.

We urge the authorities to take immediate action in initiating a referendum. By signing this petition, you express your support for a democratic process that holds our city government accountable and gives power back to the people. Sign to demand transparency, accountability, and integrity in Rocky Mount's leadership today.

avatar of the starter
Steve CederbergPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Rocky Mount City Council
7 Members
1 Responded
Richard Joyner
Richard Joyner
Rocky Mount City Council - Ward 3
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts about term limits for members of the Rocky Mount City Council and the Mayor. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to think critically about how we can strengthen our community’s leadership and future. There is no shortcut to building a healthy community. As I near the end of my service — with just three more meetings before we install the next Ward 3 leader — I am focused on ensuring a smooth transition and continuing to serve as a strong community leader after leaving office. Over the past six years, I’ve worked to promote transparency and shared leadership in Ward 3. I attend roughly 80% of our ward meetings and meet with residents, businesses, and faith-based organizations regularly — both individually and collectively. We’ve built 12 active community organizations in the ward that come together to discuss goals, challenges, and sustainable solutions. I have always believed that leadership should be shared and that others should have the opportunity to serve. That’s why I chose not to run again and gave my community two years to identify and prepare new leadership. I’ve spent that time working with residents to create a robust succession plan for Ward 3. If I had a choice between term limits and succession planning, I would choose succession planning every time. In a healthy community, people are empowered to make informed choices — whether that means electing someone for one term or one hundred. Strong communities manage their leadership through engagement, accountability, and participation, not just legislation. I also plan to discuss this petition and others like it in my upcoming Ward 3 meetings, because it’s important that residents’ voices are heard and understood. I encourage my constituents to continue raising these topics with our newly elected leaders once they take office, so that this conversation about leadership and accountability continues beyond my time on the council. My hope is that Rocky Mount continues to grow into a place where: - Families have the freedom to live out their creativity and thrive. - Retirees feel safe and supported in their neighborhoods. - Children can grow up in a healthy environment, free from adversity. We must build leadership across party lines and generations — empowering our neighbors to take ownership of the city’s future. If we commit to succession planning, transparency, and community involvement, our city will be led not just by elected officials, but by the people themselves. Respectfully, Rev. Richard Joyner City Council Member, Ward 3 Rocky Mount, North Carolina”
Tom Harris
Tom Harris
Rocky Mount City Council - Ward 6
Reuben Blackwell
Reuben Blackwell
Rocky Mount City Council - Ward 2
Sandy Roberson
Sandy Roberson
Rocky Mount City Mayor

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Petition created on October 9, 2025