Dear Editor,
Campaigning for political office is an unpredictable and enlightening experience. (I am running for County Commissioner in District 2.)
Dog wrangling and toddler chasing are just two unexpected duties I’ve performed while in Putnam neighborhoods.
Knocking on doors is perhaps the most effective way to reach people. A one-on-one conversation with an engaged citizen on the doorstep beats flyers and ads any day.
After a couple of hundred conversations, I’ve learned that whatever presidential sign folks may have in their yard, people triumph over the party. With few exceptions, Putnam residents soon put aside partisanship and are eager to talk person-to-person about local issues. Sometimes, we may have to agree or disagree on a hot-button topic, but there is always common ground.
One or two people turn deathly pale when they discover I’m running as a Democrat. The much more typical response (among Republican-minded voters), though, is appreciation for a candidate coming to their door and agreement that county issues need addressing without the distraction of national politics.
Of course, Democrat-leaning voters (the majority in District 2) are delighted that someone is running on the Democratic ticket locally. It has been almost ten years since that happened in Putnam County, even though 30% of county votes in recent elections went to the Democrats.
But local Democrats, too, put vision, hard work, and results over party.
So, thank you to everyone who has taken a few minutes to speak with me. I’ve visited corners of the county I have never been to before. Thanks also to my supporters who knock with me. A friend or neighbor at my side encourages people to let their guard down.
With about four weeks until election day, many more doors remain to knock on.
Richard Garrett, Eatonton