The community came out to support change and unity.

Rev. Jerry A. James, a candidate for council representative for Ward Seven in the City of Laurel, conducted a campaign kickoff/rally at Oak Park Stadium this weekend.

James outlined his vision for Ward Seven and the City of Laurel. He also encouraged everyone to take part in the efforts to bring about change in the community.

“There are a lot of issues that we need to address as a community,” James said. “We want to encourage the city to make improvements to the water lines, sewer lines and infrastructure while we also work to clean up in our community and show pride in where we live.”

Along with James, several community leaders and residents spoke on the program and encouraged the residents of Ward Seven to become involved in making changes for their neighborhoods and community.

Civil Rights workers, local ministers, dance teams/steppers, choirs, youth groups and a male chorus all came out to support the event and show their concern for the community.

James, who is one of the founding members of the more than 20-year-old local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, is the pastor of Second Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church on Queensburg Avenue and Anderson Street. James, a member of the city-wide Methodist Ministerial Alliance, currently serves as the president of the Queensburg Residential Association and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the City of Laurel's Community Family Center.

Various speakers attending the community event this weekend encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote and remember to take part in the city’s upcoming elections.

“It takes all of us working together to bring about change,” James said.

Election for the city’s mayor, the seven-member council and the Democratic Executive Committee will be conducted this summer.

The first primary will be held on May 5 with a runoff, if needed, to be held on May 19.

The general election will be held on June 2 with the new four-year terms for elected officials to begin in July.