Campaigning is not only hard work but dangerous, too. I knocked on one door, stepped back as the door opened, misjudged the step, and fell flat on my back, twisting my ankle — quite the dramatic entrance.
Thank goodness my “political injury” was not in vain, though. The man told me I had his vote.
But my ankle swelled into a ball, and my bruised foot was the color of Republican and Democrat yard signs smushed together.
Missteps aside, I have covered a lot of ground in my campaign for the District 2 County Commissioner seat. I have knocked on over 750 doors with my supporters and had hundreds of conversations. My signs are in 300-plus yards district-wide. It is heartening that many Putnam residents felt able to put aside party labels at the local level to focus on people and policies.
I am running because I want to see our commissioners pay more attention to the big issues we face as a community (e.g., economic development, housing, and the long-term viability of our local hospital) and engage in more meaningful public discussion. I want to avoid a repeat of the SPLOST 10 debacle, where a major source of capital spending was at risk because of poor official communication and a cavalier attitude to debt.
We can do better.
I cannot guarantee that you will always agree with me, but I can guarantee I will work hard, be open-minded, and get things done.
Early voting has started, and by the time you read this letter, perhaps 30% of registered voters will have cast ballots. But most people are yet to have their say.
So, please ask your family, friends, and neighbors whether they have voted. Let us work together for a record turnout so the result truly reflects widespread public opinion.
If you are still undecided, Commissioner Daniel Brown (incumbent) and I are holding our second-and-final candidate forum, moderated by Ian Tocher of The Eatonton Messenger, beginning at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 24, at The Plaza Arts Center. Bring your questions!
We’ll be happy to answer.
Thanks again to everyone who has given me their support. If you have any questions, please call me at 617-704-8481 or email Richard4D2@gmail.com.
Richard Garrett, Eatonton