Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Attacks nothing but judgeship politics

Wow! For several weeks now I have sat by and read several letters to the editor concerning my use, as Fayette’s solicitor general, of a county car. As a servant of the people, I owe it to them and to myself to evaluate such criticisms as to whether or not they are legitimate.

After such an examination, I have concluded that they are not.

In no instance has there been one allegation of misuse or personal use of the county-assigned car. In Georgia, most elected prosecutors have a county or state car assigned to them for their use.

In our district attorney’s office, not only does the D.A. have a car, but each assistant prosecutor, the investigator, and the victim’s advocate.

I mention that not to criticize, for as I stated, it is the nature of the business. I was elected not for 40 hours a week, for four years.

I also looked at the letters attempting to discern if there was a hidden political agenda contained within them. The letters also chided me for being a bad Republican, and one alleges I use to be a Democrat in Palmetto.

I have never worked, nor lived in Palmetto, nor have I ever been a Democrat. Being a Democrat, and living in Palmetto are similar in that neither are bad, but I travel a different road with my life.

Finally after much thought, I have realized that this is typical, dirty, “Roy Barnes” style of politics. I use that description because, 2004 is an election year.

I have announced that instead of running for my third term as solicitor general, I am running for superior court judge. I will be opposing Barnes’ lame-duck appointee from Upson County, an appointment based on cronyism and party loyalty instead of qualifications.

Therefore the Barnes’ Democratic machine has cranked up early, and right here in Fayette County. Dirty politics is a campaign based on lies and attacks, instead of touting your own credentials in a head to head comparison with your opponent.

This new year will be an opportunity to say “NO” to that style of politics. It will be a time of affirmation of candidates that serve to make a difference in people’s lives, instead of candidates who serve for power, prestige and pension.

It is time to “finish the drill” by eliminating Barnes’ appointment the way we eliminated King Roy. I know the attacks are just beginning, but that is what happens when someone stands up to the big boys. With God’s help, the support of my friends and my wife, I will weather the storm.

To the former patient who defended Dr. Cano, and decried his conviction: Dr. Cano was convicted by a unanimous jury after hearing from live witnesses and victims. No letters were ever shown to the jury, and your name was not on any of the “other victim’s” letters within the prosecution’s file.

Steve Harris

Fayette Solicitor General