Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Amid speculation as to why I have decided to run for a second term as District Three commissioner on the Democratic ticket, I want to provide the answer.

Our county politics are, in general, non-partisan. I believe that most local political decisions should be. State law provides primaries for only two political parties. Many local elections are decided in these primaries. Such is the case with the sheriff's race. While the sheriff's position requires a non-partisan, neutral and unbiased stance, the candidates are still treated in a partisan manner. They are required to declare a party affiliation.

In order for my supporters to exercise their vote for me in a primary, they would have been required to forego their ability to vote in the sheriff's race. I believe that is wrong. In order to give all the citizens of District Three a voice in the important race for sheriff, it is my decision to run in the same primary as all three candidates for sheriff. This was not a difficult decision. I believe it best serves the people of Jenkins County.

I will continue to listen to, and represent all of the people of the Third District in a bi-partisan manner. I am dedicated to a rapid economic recovery and industrial development for this county.

Tommy Lane

District Three commissioner

Dear Editor,

When the tornadoes did serious damage in the Wrens and Matthews area, there was no one to blame. When the wildfires scorched the Okeefenokee swamp area, there was no one to blame. But when Judy Holton resigned as principal, there was someone to blame. Seventy-five percent of the blame goes to our superintendent and the chairman of our board of education, with the remaining 25 percent going to the four other board members who have followed along and, by lack of example, contributed to the decline of morale in our school system.

I spent my seven years in school administration collaborating with six superintendents, six special education directors and 23 school principals, and could have always done a better job. In all my relationships with school leaders, I would place Judy Holton near the top of the list of caring, responsible, Christian leaders who always put students, staff and parents first. Her leaving is a loss this county will not quickly recover from.

Our superintendent continues to demonstrate a lack of communication skills, lack of integrity by telling half-truths or not telling anything, lack of leadership by not recognizing the struggles of individual employees and visiting in our schools and lack of concern by not honestly and spontaneously being visible. Allowing herself to remain secluded in the board office is not leadership.

Is it possible that our superintendent and board chairman are glad Dr. Holton has resigned, because they have someone from the Candler area in mind to replace her - Michelle Cliett, perhaps?

Connie Fields

Millen