I remember to this day the first time I heard Kevin Madden make a speech. I was a relatively new member of the Democratic Party and Kevin was running for chairman of the Fayette County Democratic Committee. His words still resonate in my memory. He said, “Government still has a role to play in people’s lives.”

Is it possible that we could look beyond party affiliation and truly elect someone who will not play both sides of the fence? One who will take a stand even when it is not popular to do so?

I want to thank you for your support on Dec. 4 and I am looking forward to serving you as your new Post 2 councilman.

I’d like to recommend that voters on Dec. 18 cast a ballot for Steve Brown for the Georgia House of Representatives. Politicians are good at making promises about making hard budget decisions, helping seniors and giving the average resident a voice.

Steve Brown is a dedicated public servant. He has served the citizens of Peachtree City and this area tirelessly as mayor and as a private citizen.

In the article it is mentioned by former Mayor Brown that “he is not accepting donations because he doesn’t want to be beholden to any special interests.”

Congratulations to Mike King and Doug Sturbaum for engaging in the cleanest political race I have ever witnessed. It also proves that one does not have to have the most or largest campaign signs or the largest campaign war chest to win an election. They each addressed the issues without demonizing the opponent and each candidate seemed content to let the votes fall where they may.

Don’t just take my word for it; Google “Steve Brown” and see for yourself some of his many accomplishments. I did.

Whenever I talk to Steve Brown, whether at sporting events, or on the street, I walk away hoping that Steve will pick up the banner and represent the citizens of our city and county again.

I am writing on behalf of my friend and fellow Republican, Heidi Becker, who is running for state House of Representatives in District 72.

In response to the article, “Fayette County Democrats present local platform” (The Citizen, Nov. 28, 2007), item number four of their platform addresses the topic of crime prevention.

In response to my simple question to Kevin Madden about his position on abortion, Wade J. Williams and several other folks on The Citizen boards immediately side-stepped my question and challenged me on the Iraq war, the hypocrisy of Republicans, and separation of church and state.

Thank you to our Fayette County Fire Department.

My house at 219 Corinth Road caught fire on Nov. 14. It was very devastating.

I am writing you this personal letter to introduce myself and ask you for your vote.

Service is a part of my life. As one of five children of a single mom, I learned the value of hard work at an early age. In order to help the family make ends meet it became necessary to work after school and weekends. I have continued that hard-work ethic into my adult life.

Many have made inquiries to me about making campaign contributions and picking up yard signs, for which I am grateful.

In one week, early voting will begin to determine who will represent Fayette County in the Georgia House of Representatives.

I would like to add my voice of support for Heidi Becker who is running for state representative for District 72. She will make a great representative for our district.

The upcoming special election on Dec. 18 is extremely important to Fayette County. With issues like tax reform, transportation, growth, and resource management likely to take center stage at this year’s General Assembly, it is imperative that we in the 72nd District have a strong representative.

It is not every day that you can get six former mayors to see eye to eye, but on this one issue we all agree: Matt Ramsey is the right man to represent Fayette County in the General Assembly.

As an aviation professional with 26 years experience, my perspective on the crowded skies issue differs slightly from that of Mr. Robison.

This letter is to respectively request the continuation of Special Permission status for currently enrolled families to attend school out of the assigned attendance area.

In his Nov. 21, 2007, letter to the editor (“Questions for Ga. House Democrat candidate Madden”), Trey Hoffman raised the issue of “exactly how Mr. Madden or any Democrat will actually help veterans?”

I’ve heard some talk of a “moratorium” on development in Peachtree City while the City Council considers revisions to related ordinances.

Fellow citizens, the road abandonment issue is still on the table. The [Peachtree City] Council should have voted it down [at its last meeting] when they had the first opportunity. This issue of road abandonment is of concern due to state and case law that has been quoted in papers and emails sent to the council. The legal concerns were not addressed or acknowledged at the meeting.

We are living in times when many people in many places are rising up and fighting back against special interests and for their homes and neighbors. In Peachtree City the fight began with the current election of two council post seats and now should extend to the state representative seat.

I would like to add my support toward the election of Mr. Steve Brown to fill the unexpired term of Representative Dan Lakly for Georgia’s state legislature.

Heidi Becker has announced her candidacy for state House of Representative District 72.

Becker is committed to running a grass-roots campaign and feels strongly that Fayette County needs a representative who is accessible to all. She says, “I have no special interest groups behind me, I have no big axe to grind, only a passion to keep Fayette County the best place possible to live and raise a family.”

Being no stranger to the political scene in Fayette County, my thoughts on improving and defending our quality of life are well known. However, this time I am looking at the broader challenge of succeeding a very accomplished Rep. Dan Lakly.

The sudden and tragic death of our state representative, Dan Lakly, has left a somber note to the beginning of this holiday season. For those of us who knew Dan as a loving husband, father, grandfather and dedicated public servant, his easy smile and ready humor will be missed. Our prayers and sympathies are with the Lakly family during this difficult time.

I never realized growing up in Fayette County just how good I had it. What a great place to be a kid. I’m a husband and a father now, and it turns out that our community is an even better place to be a dad.