Wednesday, August 7, 2002
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Wednesday, August 7, 2002 |
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Will the 'real' Thomas Stephens identify himself Recall the once popular TV show, "To Tell the Truth." Three different people claimed to be the same person. A panel of celebrities asked various questions in an attempt to determine which of the three was who they purported to be. Commission candidate Thomas Stephens seems to be running a twist on that old show. Stephens appears to be at least three different people who cannot quite manage "To Tell the Truth." The first Mr. Stephens touts being a sixth-generation resident of Fayette County. However, despite these deep roots, records indicate that he did not bother to vote in Fayette County until the 2000 election. Deep roots are bestowed by your ancestors. With no past record of involvement in county politics, how do we know Mr. Stephens is not just some Democrat kudzu grafted on those fine deep roots? You just have to wonder if someone who only bothered to vote in the county starting last election is truly prepared to be an effective commissioner. The next Mr. Stephens is a Republican candidate for County Commission. It is interesting to note that he did not join the Fayette County Republican Party until two days prior to qualifying to run. Is he a Republican because he holds dear the tenants of the Republican Party? Or is he a Republican because his political puppet masters in the Sprayberry-Burrell gang reminded him that Commissioner Linda Wells defeated her last Democratic opponent by garnering almost 73 percent of the vote? There is strong evidence that Mr. Stephens is a RINO, Republican In Name Only. The third Mr. Stephens states on his web site that he has a "strong appreciation for the history of Fayette County and the many senior citizens who have served the community." However, he repeatedly tells people that one of the reasons he is running for office is that the current commission needs "more diversity" and that Fayette County should not be run by a bunch of "retirees and empty-nesters." He makes a lot of noise about protecting old houses but is ready to denigrate the value of "old" commissioners. Interestingly enough, Commissioner Wells is a ripe old age of 54 and is neither an empty-nester nor retired. As in the old game show, our panel of Fayette County voters needs to ask the questions necessary to determine the truth. Hopefully before Aug. 20, we will get the answer to the most critical question: "Will the REAL Thomas Stephens, please stand up?" Don Dickinson Peachtree City
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