Sounds strange, but it’s the truth, and truth has long been credited with being stranger than fiction,
please read on . . .
For readers who don’t know me, let me preface my comments by stating that I like basketball almost as much as I like living in Columbia County. Maybe you’re not a basketball fan, but what I’m about to suggest will apply equally to your sport, or discipline, of choice.
At some point, just about any kid in elementary or middle school who enjoys sports has dreams of playing at the professional level and some do – but that’s not where they start. To acquire the skills needed to perform on a professional team – training is required. To function effectively at advanced levels, those new to the gym spend time conditioning, expanding their skills, learning the rules of the sport and the league, developing strategies, embracing team culture and more. Regardless of the talent possessed in the beginning, it’s a process that calls for the development of all skills if an athlete is going to make it to the next level of competition.
By now you may be wondering how this relates to House District 125. You see, as a Columbia County resident, voter, taxpayer and citizen invested in my communities and schools, as well as the surrounding areas, I want someone in the General Assembly that knows and understands how things work in Evans, Appling, Leah, Grovetown, Harlem, and Dearing. Someone who can interact effectively with Augusta and Richmond, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties as well as Fort Eisenhower and the federal government.
MORE: Special election for House District 125 – What you need to know
I want to send someone to Atlanta that understands the existing local policies, infrastructure matters, and the ever-present daily living issues, someone who has steadily focused on improving Columbia County, and who knows what is needed from the General Assembly to assist us in making our county even better. The state legislature is not the place for on-the-job training, we need someone who has firsthand knowledge, information beyond the headlines.
I want a representative that has been focused on what matters in HD 125, a representative whose only agenda is the well-being of House District 125 and everyone in it. Someone who will continue to be committed to the residents, taxpayers, business owners, voters, and citizens right here where we have all been living. Though not perfect, the governance of our County Commission has resulted in an excellent credit rating, multiple departments with national accreditation, and a standard of living that received national recognition noting our community as a great place to live. Gary Richardson has served us well on the Board of Commissioners.
For the same reason that college coaches do not put players with no experience in the game, I submit that there is only one person qualified to legislate at the state level. He has demonstrated sound judgement and effective interaction with all parties and will continue to do so. Please vote for and elect Gary Richardson to represent House District 125 on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your regular precinct!
Anthony Sweat
Columbia County, Ga.
