Mr. Ward was collecting signatures long before the first primary. I am an unaffiliated Bladen County voter and I do not know enough about Mr. Ward at this point to make a decision about who to support. We can only hope that the commissioners have enough wisdom to appoint someone who is not involved in the race to fill out Bunn's term. We must also hope that the voters will think long and hard about both men and make an informed decision. As for the race issue, the race card is losing its value. Invariably, someone will bring it up when things do not go their way, but few people take it seriously. It is simply a tool used by the weak when there is no valid argument. Let the debate be on the issues, and may the best man win.