May 3, 2010

The phone rang a lot last week. Lowell White while at the Gold Dome had heard that I was going to be running for the state legislature filling the seat once held by the honorable Thomas B. Murphy. I never understood why voters would unseat the most powerful man in Georgia when the gavel was held in this district. I was called by several people wanting to know if I indeed was going to make a run for the house seat. I talked to a number of people encouraging me to go for it. I did a lot of praying over the decision. I was praying for guidance in one of the most important decisions I've made in a long time. I obtained legal advice in the event my eligibility might be challenged since I do have two residences with Tallapoosa being "home" and the other house in Marietta is where I stay during the week because it is near work. I found a legal case the Georgia Secretary of State's office lost in court in opposition to a candidate's ability to represent a district when he had two places of residence. I felt that no one would fight more for our district, especially Haralson County than I would. I know that when you serve the people you are held accountable. I wanted that chance. My prayers were answered last Saturday morning while making breakfast for the kids. Presley asked me "daddy, would being in the legislature at the capitol in Atlanta take away time from Callie and Me?" A revelation came instantly. Lights came on as bells and whistles sounded. I knew what my decision had to be. I looked at her and said "no honey, nothing is more important than you and your sister." I have decided that I would not seek election to the legislature this go around. I will never rule out not running in the future. Whoever is elected is going to be scrutinized as they should be. Accountability to the people is something that everyone seeking election should carefully consider. Representing the people isn't for the faint of heart. I think the race for our state senate seat is going to be one of the most interesting races in the state. I look for a huge voter turnout for the primary election this summer. I want to thank Mayor Pete Bridges for his tireless leadership for the only place I've ever called "home." Isn't it about time our city named a street in Pete's honor? I'm just sayin'. Congratulations to Tallapoosa for our mayor pro-tem stepping up to serve as mayor. Jackie Roberts was the first woman elected to the city council and am proud that she is our town's first female mayor. My grandmother would have said "'bout time." The CVS finally opened the doors to the new store at the corner of Spring Street and Bankhead Highway. I think it is great because I can go to Burger Chick for a Big O cheeseburger and step across the street for Zocor. I see where the Holcombe's Foodland location is now under contract. I sure do miss Johnny Holcombe. Last Sunday afternoon after much encouragement from the kids, we went to the new K and M Coffee. The kids got hand dipped ice cream and it reminded me of Skinner's Store when Mr. Skinner scooped up the best butter pecan ice cream I'd ever tasted. Robert's Rexall Pharmacy had the best fudge ripple ice cream I ever had. The lemon sours and orange smashes made there by Mr. Hucheson were pure magical elixirs. The husband and wife team at K and M Coffee brews a mighty fine cup of joe too. My neighbor Marcy says their sandwiches are especially good. I never thought I'd ever see the time I could get a bagel with a schmear and a latte or an espresso in my hometown. Life is good. Now if we could only bring back Alex Lake. I'm headed to Macon this week to address the convention of the Georgia Retired Educators Association. I really doubt that I'll ever retire from teaching. I don't like golf enough to retire.