I, Eddie Anderson, would like to announce my formal commitment in running for the Chief Magistrate Judge of Tattnall County. It is with great enthusiasm for me to run for such a prestigious office. I realize that I will have some very large shoes to fill following the previous Judge. My family and friends feel that I am qualified for this position. I have lived in Tattnall County for all of my 56 years. I graduated from Reidsville High school in 1971. My parents, both deceased, were Bennett and Margaret Brown Anderson, both of Reidsville. I began working in Reidsville at the age of 14 when my father passed away. Mr. Ralph Stewart hired me at Stewarts IGA and I have continued to work in Reidsville to this day. For the past 35 years, I have worked for Windstream Telephone Company. The Reidsville Fire Department has been a very important part of my family’s life and mine for 35 years, where I have served as Fire Chief for the past 30 of those years. I have also held the position as Deputy Director for number of years for the Tattnall Emergency Management association. I am also employed by Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Home.

My family and I are members of Reidsville Baptist Church, where I have been a deacon for 14 years. I have served as Worshipful Master for Masonic Lodge #32 of Reidsville. I am married to Phyllis Morgan Anderson, formerly of Candler County, for 26 years. Phyllis works at Tattnall Healthcare as Public Relations Coordinator. We have four children, Kelci, who works for the prison system; Agie, a senior at TCHS and twins Ben and Allie, who are sophomores at TCHS. I am very involved in our community, along with my family. I have been involved for the past 20 years with the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration, have served on the Christmas Parade and Festivities Committee for 24 years and have held the office of president for the fraternal organization, Woodmen of the World Tattnall Lodge 1761, for three years. I have served the people of this county in a working capacity and in emergency situations, which I feel gives me the experience to handle this office. As Chief Magistrate Judge I will pledge that I will treat each person of this county with honesty, fairness and with utmost dignity and will be committed and dedicated to the citizens of this county and this office. I humbly ask for your vote and support during the November 4 election. It will be an honor to serve the citizens of Tattnall County.

Eddie Anderson

I, Richard Bland, have qualified for Chairman of the Board of Education. I am a lifelong native of Tattnall County. I have been married to Sherry Jordan Bland for 35 years. We have two daughters, Hope and Heather. Hope and her husband, William Jones, reside in Reidsville. They have one daughter, Lily Kate Jones, who will enter Tattnall County School System in a few years. Heather is married to Jared Robinson and they have one daughter, Ansley Grace Robinson. My wife and I are members of Pineview Baptist Church.

I have farmed or grown poultry for Claxton Poultry since I graduated from Reidsville High School.

I have previously served for eight years as the 5th District Board member. Both of my daughters and one son-in-law are teachers. I understand the importance of education. There is nothing more important than the education of our children.

I will always work to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely. I am willing to listen and pledge to treat everyone with respect and fairness. I look forward to meeting as many people as possible. I ask for your prayers and support on November 4, 2008. It will be an honor to serve as your Chairman.

James Davenport Jr. has qualified as a candidate for Magistrate Judge of Tattnall County. His formal announcement follows:

I, James “Jim” Davenport Jr., have lived in Glennville, Georgia for the last three years, having moved to Tattnall County in 2005. I have lived in the Coastal Empire off and on for the last 25 years. My parents are Jimmy and Gennelle Davenport who reside in Newnan, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. I have enjoyed residing in Tattnall County because of the small town atmosphere that I was accustomed to growing up in Newnan before Atlanta engulfed that town with its rapid growth.

I have an Associate Degree in General Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas. I joined the US Army in March, 1983, and retired October, 2003. Afterwards I worked for Provost Marshal’s Office Police Services for three years in civil service at Ft. Stewart.

I have served on the Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Board of Directors since February 2006. I was instrumental in establishing the Junior Board of Directors for the Chamber and intend to establish a scholarship award for one student in Tattnall County. I am a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Fraternal Order of Police and the Reidsville Lions Club.

After joining the U.S. Army, I served three tours of duty in South Korea, three tours of duty at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, one tour of duty in Nuremburg, Germany, one tour of duty at Ft. Hood, Texas, and one tour of duty at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. I served during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, Operation Desert Shield in the Middle East, Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East, Operation Provide Comfort in the Middle East, Operation Hurricane Andrew at Homestead, Florida, Operation Desert Fox in Kuwait, Operation Desert Thunder in Kuwait, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, and the Global War on Terrorism.

I promise to the good citizens of Tattnall County a fair and unbiased approach to the Magistrate Court. I assure you the Magistrate Court, including myself and all employees, will be required to uphold the highest moral standards. Everyone summoned to come before the Court will be treated fairly without regard to race, creed, religion, gender, social standing or family ties. I am not encumbered with financial or family ties to Tattnall County, thus allowing me to make fair and sound judgments. I plan to run the office of the Magistrate Court in such a manner as to save the citizens of the county their hard-earned tax dollars. I feel my qualifications and education qualify me for this position to serve the folks of Tattnall County.

Gloria P. Dubberly has qualified as a candidate for re-election to the Office of the Probate Court, which she has held since 2005.

Dubberly is a lifelong resident of Tattnall County. She is married to B. Daniel (Danny) Dubberly III. They have three children, Casey D. Giddens, Justin K. McCloud and Bruce Dubberly. Gloria is the daughter of LeeRoy and Mary Purcell. Her in-laws are B. Daniel (Dan) Dubberly Jr. and Betty H. Dubberly, all of Glennville. She is an active member of the First Baptist Church in Glennville. She is a member of the Tattnall County Warriors’ Booster Club, Business Advisory Committee at TCHS, Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the SPLOST Election Committee. As Probate Judge she serves on the Council of Probate Judges and is currently serving on the Training Council, which is a four-year term.

Her announcement is as follows:

“I, Gloria P. Dubberly, do hereby formally announce my candidacy for re-election to the office of Judge of the Probate Court. I pledge that my staff and I will continue to meet each and every responsibility with compassion, dedication and integrity. I pledge to continue to be accessible to the citizens of this county and work diligently to assure that the citizens of Tattnall County receive professional, conscientious and prompt attention.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Probate Court Judge of Tattnall County for the past four years. I would appreciate your continued vote, support and prayers in the upcoming November 2008 election.

Sincerely,

Gloria P. Dubberly

I, Kenny Edwards, have qualified as candidate to represent District Four as Board Member for the Tattnall County Board of Education. I am a lifelong native of Tattnall County. I am the Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Evans County. I own and operate Edwards Construction Company of Glennville. I am a graduate of Glennville High School. I am married to Angie Rowe Edwards. She is a graduate of Glennville High School and is currently employed at Glennville Elementary School as a Parapro. We have four children, Seth, Claire, Caleb and Jacob. Seth is a 2006 graduate of Tattnall County High School. Claire will be in the eleventh grade this year at TCHS. Caleb and Jacob will be in the fourth and second grades at Glennville Elementary School. My parents are Rufus “Dub” Edwards and Lana Harvey of Glennville.

I believe education is vital for our children in Tattnall County. Having children in the Tattnall County school system at the elementary and high school levels and my wife being employed in the school system, I am reminded daily of the importance of a strong Board of Education to support the educational needs of our children in Tattnall County.

If elected, I will be committed to representing our district by supporting strong moral and ethical decisions for the betterment of our county and our children’s education. I look forward to meeting and talking with each of you in the next few months. I ask for your prayers and support on November 4, 2008. May God bless each of you!

Kenny Edwards

Tattnall County Associate Magistrate Judge Ronald “Chip” Fincher has qualified as a candidate for election to the Office of Chief Magistrate Judge. His formal announcement follows:

I am a native of Tattnall County. I have been married to Sharon Hutcheson Fincher for five years and we reside in Reidsville, GA. I have one step-daughter and son-in-law, Lee and Jessica Shuman-Willis of Reidsville, GA. We have three grandchildren, Alexis, Layne and Gavin Willis. I am the son of Ronald and Gloria Fincher of Glennville. My wife and I are members of Collins Baptist Church.

I am a 1981 graduate of Glennville High School. I served the city of Glennville as a police officer for seven years and for the city of Reidsville for three years. I am a member of the Rising Sun Lodge #32 and past President of the Tattnall County Shrine. I have been serving Tattnall County as Associate Magistrate Judge under the supervision of Judge Susie Rowland since 2001.

Serving as your judge, I have criminal and civil jurisdictions. My responsibilities include issuing arrest warrants and search warrants, conducting first appearance hearings and presiding over civil cases.

Being I have served this County for more than seven years and I am more than qualified and capable of serving our community as Chief Magistrate Judge. I have completed the necessary training for this position and I am also certified by the State of Georgia as a mentor Judge to train new Magistrate Judges.

I ask for your vote and support on November 4, 2008, in the Non Partisan Election, so that I can continue to serve you for the next four years as Chief Magistrate Judge.

I, Marcus Floyd, have qualified as a candidate for the Tattnall County Board of Education in District 1. I am a lifelong native of Tattnall County. I am married to Dawn Rewis Floyd who is currently employed at Collins Elementary as a Parapro. We have been married for 15 years and we have two children. Dylan is 13 years old and Natalie is 8; both are students at Collins Elementary. We are active members of the Lighthouse Church in Collins.

I am employed with Viracon, where I serve as the Production Manager of the IG Staging Department. I am also an Entrepreneur, serving as President of M & L Metal Distributors Inc. and Secretary of MLKD Inc.

The decision for me to seek this office is based on the two most valuable assets in Tattnall County. The children of Tattnall County are our first most valuable asset, and the citizens of Tattnall County are our second asset. Both are equally important and critical to the continued success of our great county. If elected, I pledge to never let a personal agenda become a basis for how I vote on any matter and to never forget the original purpose of a public servant, which is to fairly and equally represent the citizens of Tattnall County. I will seek guidance from the professional educators within our school system to fully understand their needs to provide our students with the best education possible while getting the most return possible for taxpayer dollars.

I would consider it a privilege and an honor to serve on the Board of Education for District 1. I look forward to the opportunity of meeting as many of you as possible over the coming months as I seek your support.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Marcus (Marc) Floyd

I, Donald Fountain, would like to announce that I will seek a third term as Chairman of the Tattnall County Board of Education. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Tattnall County the past few years and to work with the many dedicated employees of our school system. I would also like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to all 2008 graduates. My formal announcement will follow at a later date.

I, Brandon Johnson, have qualified as a candidate for the Tattnall County Board of Education District 2 seat. I am a lifelong native of Tattnall County and the son of Larry and Ann Johnson of Cobbtown. I am married to Ashlea Burkhalter Johnson. We have two children, Jackson (17 months) and Ava (5 months). We are members and attend New Life Baptist Church.

After graduating in 2000 from of Tattnall County High School, I attended Southeastern Technical College. My career in banking began in 2002 and I currently serve as an Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer with South Georgia Bank. Throughout my career in banking I have continued to seek opportunities for improvement by attending Consumer Lending School, Commercial Lending School and other banking seminars.

Civic responsibility is important to me and I am presently a member of the Reidsville Rotary Club where I have served as President and Treasurer. Also, I have participated in the Tattnall County Leadership program and Tattnall County Relay for Life, serving as Co-Chairman for two years.

As a taxpayer and parent, I am very concerned with how our tax dollars are spent in the educational system of Tattnall County. I believe that a solid education is the key to success in today’s society. We have one of the best educational systems in Georgia, however it is my conviction that there are always opportunities for improvements to be made. As a person who enjoys working with people, I would like to work with other BOE members to make decisions that would best benefit Tattnall County. If elected, I will always be available to anyone who has any comments, concerns or issues related to our school system. It would be a great honor for me to have the opportunity to serve as board member for District 2.

I, Edward Kennedy, have qualified as a candidate for re-election as commissioner of the First District. My formal announcement follows:

I am a lifelong resident of Tattnall County, living in the Collins community all my life. My parents were the late Barney and Lillie Green Kennedy. My wife, Linda, and I have been married 42 years and have two children, John and his wife Sherry, and Melinda and her husband Sean Collins.

I am a member of Collins Baptist Church where Linda and I attend. I am a member of the Cobbtown Lions Club and the Farm Bureau.

I am a school bus driver and I also farm in the district. I feel this helps me to understand the needs of the property owners and the taxpayers of Tattnall County.

In the past 3? years, I have honestly and fairly answered every need presented to me as best I could while following the rules and regulations of the county and state.

My work crew and I have worked hard to maintain and improve the roads of the district. We continuously look for ways to improve. I treat everyone’s need fairly and equally.

I believe I serve all the people of the First District as well as the entire county. The present board of commissioners has striven to work together to achieve the best for the county.

If re-elected, I pledge to you to work diligently to meet the needs of the First District as well as all of Tattnall County. I wish to continue to work and cooperate with all departments of county government.

I ask you to continue to support me with your prayers and your votes in the upcoming election. My plans are to visit each and every voter in the First District.

I, Jan E. Kennedy, have qualified for School Board District One. I am presently employed by the Toombs Co. Board as Transportation Director, and have been for almost 20 years, where I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the buses, drivers and student management. I also schedule the Prison detail that works for the school system. I am involved in the construction of our new school and daily upkeep of our system.

I live just out of Reidsville on Hwy. 280 E. My wife, Patricia, and I have been married for 28 years. We have four children, Clint, Andy, Lori and Ben and eight grandchildren. I worked with the Georgia State Patrol for nine plus years and with Georgia State Prison for two plus years. We are members of Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church and Gideon International (Tattnall/Evans Camp).

I hope to retire from Toombs County Schools this school year. I have farmed most of my life and worked hard to make ends meet. I know how hard it is to survive in this day and time with everything going up but what you bring home. We need to make sure every tax dollar is spent wisely and every child has what they need to succeed in our schools. Let’s keep our schools with the supplies they need to teach our children (our future) and help them be ready to go to a college to be able to find a good job. The choice is yours.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

J.E. Kennedy

Dale Kicklighter is running his formal announcement this week for re-election to District Five on the Board of Educa-tion.

Dale Kicklighter’s formal announcement follows:

I am a life-long resident of Tattnall County. My parents are Harris and Nancy Kicklighter and my wife is Darlene Waters Kicklighter, daughter of Merilees Waters and the late Earl Waters. We have four children; two daughters, Alisa Hagemann of Dallas, GA, and Missy Durrence, who resides here in Glennville and two sons, Clay and Josh Kicklighter, both of Glennville. Clay is a graduate of Tattnall County High School and Josh is a sophomore at TCHS. Also, we have three grandchildren who are in public school system and also a daughter-in-law, Amy Kicklighter, who teaches at Glennville Elementary School.

I, too, was educated in Tattnall County and the GA School System. I attended Tyson Elementary, Glennville High School, GA Military College and the University of GA.

My family and I are members of the First Baptist Church of Glennville. I am retried from the civil service at Fort Stewart after working for over 25 years. I have always taken a keen interest in the youth of our community and over the years I have played sports and coached many of our children for the Glennville Recreation Department.

I believe that our children are our most precious asset and that providing them with a quality education is our duty. The education process is always changing and these changes must have a positive impact on our children. Together we can make Tattnall County Schools the hallmark for other schools to follow. It is not an easy task and it will take our time, energy and devotion to make it happen. Our children are worth it! Help me to help them to be better future leaders and citizens of our community.

I have served on the Board of Education for eight years. During this period I have attended school functions, listened to parents, teachers and administrators and have diligently strived for a positive solution to the challenges that we have faced. When I became a member of the BOE my goal was to make our educational programs the best and at the same time use our budget dollars wisely to lessen the load on our taxpayers.

I think that I have helped accomplish some of these goals: our graduation rate has improved, our test scores have steadily gone up, most all of our facilities and buses have been upgraded, and our athletic and extracurricular programs are continually getting better. We have accomplished much without raising our taxes/millage rate, as a matter of fact, it is lower now than it was eight years ago. We have been able to accomplish many things even though our funding from the state is continuously being slashed.

We have a great group of educators that have taken the challenge to raise the education bar higher and higher to make Tattnall County Schools the best for our children.

I am proud to be from Tattnall County and even prouder to be a part of our school system. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve on the Tattnall County Board of Education for the last eight years. I am asking for your prayers, support and of course, your vote in the upcoming election. The future of our children is at stake. With your help, we can make a difference.

Marilyn Lanier announces her candidacy for First District Board of Education. She is a native of Cobbtown-Tattnall County and currently serves First District on the board of Education. She is a retired educator from the Tattnall County Schools with experience and certification in several areas. Marilyn’s diverse background in public education allows her the opportunity to be familiar with a broad range of educational issues.

Marilyn is married to Don Lanier who is also a native of Collins-Tattnall County and a retired educator. Don and Marilyn’s families are made up of many teachers. Marilyn is dedicated to teaching and helping children. She has volunteered many hours in working with many children, including minorities, providing tutoring, food, clothes, house repair, college tuition and part time jobs. She is an advocate for those in need, including the elderly.

In announcing her candidacy Lanier has provided The Tattnall Journal with her position statement: “I appreciate the opportunity to have served the citizens of First District as their representative on the Tattnall County board of Education. During the time I’ve served I’ve had the privilege of making decisions that have had great impact on the citizens and students of Tattnall County and Collins Elementary and Middle Schools. Many changes have occurred throughout the county, which include: no tax increase in the last seven years, a canopy, concessions and classrooms have been added at TCHS, seven classrooms at CES and nine at RES. Cutting edge technology and equipment (smart boards) are available in many classrooms. With exemplary technology, other school systems come to our schools to observe and try to determine how this is achieved with our current millage rate. Many of the expenditures have come from SPLOST dollars rather than local dollars. Student achievement has greatly improved with Tattnall County being one of only 29 percent of the districts in the state to make AYP (adequate yearly progress). Our graduation rate is at 70 percent while the state graduation rate is 58 percent. Also, TCBOE has been able to keep the millage rate for school purposes at 12.2, which is less than that of most of the surrounding counties. At the most recent June board meeting TCBOE announced that the millage rate would be reduced by approximately .8 percent of a mil due to retiring the bond debt on the high school.”

“I would like to continue to serve and work for taxpayers so that our money is spent wisely and one hundred percent in the interest of the public. I firmly believe that excellence in education does not have to be compromised and that children are our most valuable assets. With the current economic climate, $4.00 a gallon gasoline, increased prices for food, medicine, etc., sound judgment and good decision-making are more critical than ever before. I will strive to promote fair treatment and practices on all levels of the total school program. I am always available to discuss educational issues with the public, to seek your input and to try to be responsive to your needs. Your support will be appreciated.”

According to Lanier, “Accountability to the public for wise use of our tax dollars and continued improved student achievement is essential for a progressive school system, thus an improved Tattnall County.” She plans to qualify for First District Board of Education during the week of June 23-27, 2008.

Frank Murphy seeks re-election as Chairman of Tattnall County Commissioners:

Murphy stated when announcing that he has enjoyed serving with the present board and believes that the spirit of unity that the board seems to share has proved to be positive for Tattnall County.

Each board member brings something different to the discussion as each one has a different background and different opinions. But what I believe makes this board effective is the fact that when the discussion is over and it’s time to vote they put their personal opinions aside and vote for what is in the best interest of Tattnall County.

There is much work to be done in the way of tax reform. This board has worked to improve the amount of services provided per dollar of tax paid. This, I feel, is the reason there has not been a millage increase in the budgets for which the current board has been responsible.

The board has promoted a shift from a property tax based government through their efforts with the ACCG (Association County Commissioners of Georgia) and our local legislators.

I have enjoyed serving as Chairman and look forward to the upcoming election process and seeing as many citizens as possible to share our ideals and goals for Tattnall County.

Murphy’s formal announcement will follow at a later date.

Rob Murray has qualified as a candidate to represent District 5 on the Tattnall County Board of Education. His formal announcement follows:

I, Rob Murray, have qualified for the Tattnall County Board of Education- District 5. I moved to Tattnall County in 1992 when I married my wife of 16 years, the former Amy Wilson. We have two daughters, Allee, 13 years old, and Emma, 5 years old. Both are students in the Tattnall County School System. I have been working for Canoochee EMC for over 12 years, and have had the pleasure to meet many families, not only in my district, but all over the county through my job. I have served as President of the Glennville Elementary School (GES) Parent teacher Organization (PTO) Board for the last two years, and have also served in the same capacity on the GES School Council. I do realize how important education is for the children of our county, and as I have stated before: “I am dedicated to the future of our youth.”

Through the PTO Board and School Council, as well as the civic organization, Rotary Club of Reidsville, of which I was president from 2007 to 2008, I have realized that Tattnall County is blessed to have some of the most talented and professional teachers and administrators in the state. Tattnall County should be very proud to have these educators in our system. At the same time, these educators, and most importantly, “our children,” deserve the best school board they can get to work hard for them, offering the support and resources they need to be the best they can be, and to be proud to be called a Tattnall County teacher or student.
I have no hidden agenda. I do feel like it is time for a change. I think not only the parents of students in Tattnall County, but also the taxpayers of this county deserve a school board that will have everyone’s best interest at heart. There are three things in my life that are most important, and in this order: 1) My salvation, 2) my family, and 3) the education of my children.

To all the citizens in District 5, I want to be your representative on Tattnall County’s School Board. I ask for your prayers and support in the months ahead, and would greatly appreciate your vote on November 4.

Mary Ruth Oliver Ray has qualified as a candidate to represent District 4 on the Tattnall County Board of Education. She is a native of Glennville, a former Tattnall County Teacher of the Year, and the daughter of Mary Frances and the late Clinton Oliver of Glennville. Her family includes her husband Chuck Ray, son CJ, age 3, and step-daughters Holly, age 21, and Amanda, 18.

“Education has been my career and focus for over 15 years,” she stated. “I am convinced that a sound education is one of the keys to a successful life, and a sound educational system is essential to a thriving community.

“Mary Ruth is currently Manager of Student Groups for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, where she manages programs that recruit and nurture high school and college students for careers in education. “We are blessed in Tattnall County with some of the state’s most committed and talented educators, and it should be our goal as a community to provide them with the resources and support to do what they do best. As a member of the Tattnall County Board of Education, I will be committed to a quality educational system and to good stewardship of the taxpayers’ money. To the voters of District 4, I want to be your representative on our school board, and I humbly ask for your vote on November 4th.”

I am Wanda O. Rogers and I have qualified to seek election of County Commiss-ioner for the first district in Tattnall County. I have been living in Manassas for the last 29 years. I have been employed with the Claxton Housing Authority for 19 years and the last six years as Executive Director and I am planning to retire at the end of this year. I have been the City Clerk of Manassas for the last 26 years, working only part time.

I was married to Mack Rogers of Manassas for 26 years until he passed away four years ago. Mack and I have five children, who all live in Manassas.

I grew up in Savannah, graduating from Savannah High School and also attended Brewton-Parker College and Southeastern Technical College. I was on the women’s committee for Tattnall County Farm Bureau for approximately ten years, serving the county and district as a volunteer. I am a member of the Tattnall County Chamber of Commerce and was part of the Leadership Class of 1992 of Tattnall County. I enjoy working with the public in my community as well as the county and state.

The First District is large and diversified with close access to I-16 near Cobbtown, the railroad in Manassas and Collins and tourists follow the Wiregrass Trail to the coast. I would like to see more business opportunities in this area to keep young families in our rural communities and preserve that which keeps us here in retirement. I believe that there can be better utilization and equal dispersion of taxes — the obvious need for road improvement in the District is just one example —which could lead to possible tax decreases instead of increase. I believe the cities and the counties must work together as well as work with the State and Federal government in order to grow, no one can do it by themselves. I am willing to work hard for the First District in any way possible for improvement. I ask for your vote and support so that we can make the First District a place where people will want to live, visit and shop in the area.

During my campaign, I will try and see as many of you as possible to become aware of the needs in your community. Know that with me as your commissioner you will have equal representation from the farthest farm to the nearest town. So please go to the polls and vote for me as your new County Cosmmissioner in District One.

I, John G. Wingate, do hereby formally announce my candidacy for Tattnall County Board of Education Member District 2 in the upcoming election, to be held November 4, 2008.

I am a lifelong resident of Tattnall County. I am married to Sandra Jones Hutto Wingate. We are members of the Reidsville Baptist Church. I graduated from Reidsville High School in 1966 and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam during 1967-1968 sustaining severe wounds. I graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1974. I have been retired from insurance sales for three years.

I have a sincere interest in our school system and our children. I understand that our school system, like other poorer counties in South Georgia is facing very trying financial times due to the state’s refusal to fund public education in Georgia to the requirements of established law. I plan to be a strong advocate for fairness in the distribution of state funds to rural South Georgia so that the children of our county and other similar counties can achieve at the highest level possible.

Your support and vote on November 4, 2008, will be appreciated.

Best regards,
John G. Wingate