When I graduated from college in 2004 with a degree in political science, I knew that I wanted to work in politics. However, I wanted to work with a politician of great integrity.

In the following days of moving back to Fayetteville and looking for work, my father encouraged me to go and speak to the man holding a campaign sign on the side of the road. My father spoke highly of him, “He is an honest man.”

Reluctantly, I decided to telephone Dan Lakly. When I left a message on his answering machine I felt certain my attempt would be met without a response.

Surprisingly, Mr. Lakly quickly returned my call, simply saying, “Meet me on the same street corner tomorrow morning.”

The next day, I was invited to be help in the campaign to elect Dan Lakly to the new 72nd district.

For the next six months I stood on the side of the road with him holding a campaign sign. I honorably walked in the 4th of July parade, attended campaign events, and placed campaign signs throughout the district.

Dan was very good to me; he took me under his wing and taught me how to act and treat people during a campaign. In fact, in that short time, he made me feel like family.

When Dan was elected in November 2004, he offered to take me to the Capitol as his legislative aide. There, I got know Dan even better.

When I was doing a good job, he always encouraged me and, when I screwed up, he was quick to let me know and taught me how to handle future situations.

If you remember the big issues of the 2005 session (tort reform, smoking, and district voting), Dan and I did not agree on every issue, but we agreed on these three. When asked why I would work for Dan Lakly, I just smiled and said, “Because he is honest.”

When the session was over, I left Fayetteville in preparation to get married and start a new life here in Jefferson, Ga., with my wife.

As time went on, my interactions with Dan grew less and less. However, I have not forgotten the lessons that this amazing man taught me: Always be honest to your constituents, never back down from what you believe in, and when votes don’t go your way, hold your head up high and move on.

To this day I have a photograph on my desk with Dan, Glenn Richardson, and myself. Dan signed it with a note, “Thank you for your help and friendship.”

Dan Lakly did more for me than I ever could have done for him. May God bless Donna and the Lakly family.

Michael George

Jefferson, Ga.