One Chance for Change: Why Monroe Can’t Afford to Split the Vote

When Change for Monroe first came together, it was with a simple, shared goal: remove Robert Burns from the mayor’s seat. Not because of party politics—but because his leadership style, priorities, and refusal to listen have divided and harmed our community for too long.

We believed—and still believe—that Monroe deserves better.

Now, as the mayoral race begins to take shape, two candidates have stepped forward to challenge Burns: Franco McGee and Surluta Anthony. On paper, that might sound like progress. More choices, more democracy, more voices. But in practice? It’s a recipe for disaster.

Who's the spoiler?

Let’s be clear: if we split the vote, Robert Burns coasts to reelection. No runoff. No accountability. No change. Just two more years of what we’ve already endured until he runs for higher office and appoints Michelle Ball as his de facto replacement.

We had hoped one strong challenger would rise to the occasion, uniting the opposition and giving our community a clear path forward. But instead, we’re left with two campaigns that—for reasons we don’t yet fully understand—have chosen personal ambition over unity. Maybe they don’t feel the urgency that so many in our neighborhoods do. Maybe one of them is playing a longer political game. Either way, this fractured approach plays right into Burns' hands.

Change for Monroe isn’t here to play favorites—but we are here to win. And winning means being strategic, informed, and focused. We will spend the coming weeks and months doing our homework: examining platforms, tracking community support, running the numbers, and listening to you—our neighbors.

But let us be perfectly honest: Burns is the target. That hasn’t changed. And it won’t.

So when we make our recommendation—and we will—it won’t be based on personal feelings or party labels. It will be based on who has the best chance of defeating Burns and building a better Monroe. If that recommendation doesn’t match your preference, we’re still asking for your vote. Because the alternative is too dangerous to ignore.

This is a moment for collective action, not division. If you want to be a part of the process, we welcome your voice. But we all need to remember why we started this movement in the first place.

Let’s not lose sight of the goal. Let’s not give Burns another easy win.

Let’s get this right—together.