Editor’s note: This letter was submitted in advance of the March 12 voting, but the verification process took longer than anticipated. Many apologies to Mr. Sweat for the delay.
Dear Editor,
Lately some members of the Columbia County Republican Party, even some in leadership roles, have spent time being critical of other Republicans because of the candidate they have chosen to support in the Georgia House District 125 special election runoff.
Rather than calmly allowing all Republican voters to select the party’s candidate at the polls, as the rules require, some have found it necessary to accuse any Republican who does not support their candidate for HD 125 of just ‘going along to get along.’ Included among those accused are our elected county leaders who have chosen to endorse the candidate they have worked alongside to make a positive difference in Columbia County.
This causes me to wonder, can anyone seriously consider the benefits of living in Columbia County and think our elected officials are individuals that just ‘go along to get along’? Do they genuinely think that the quality of life we enjoy just happened? Or is it more likely the result of good judgment, continuous effort, and having the skills required to work together?
Is it possible that our Board of Commissioners, Tax Commissioner, Sheriff, District Attorney, State Senator and other elected officials just happened to make decisions that continually resulted in a balanced budget while miraculously providing a safe, clean, and growing community with increasing opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and shopping by just ‘going along to get along’?
Or is it more likely that the individuals we have trusted and elected to make the best decisions for our county have the good judgement necessary to wisely endorse the candidate most qualified to represent Columbia County in the Georgia General Assembly?
It seems prudently intentional that public servants would endorse a candidate who has also acquired valuable knowledge while dedicating years of service in pursuit of the ongoing improvements that we continue to enjoy. For these reasons, it is my hope that voters will support our local elected officials and the candidate they have endorsed for HD 125.
Vote for Gary Richardson on Tuesday, March 12, at your assigned precinct. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Anthony Sweat
Evans
