Local senator 'diligent, studious, hardworking'

Editor:

Your publication carried a column March 10 by Barry L. Paschal, entitled

"Whitehead to tackle Brush."

We feel obligated to respond to the author's comments because they have, we

assume unintentionally, unfairly mischaracterized state Sen. Joey Brush and

his reputation. We who work with him day and night for what's becoming half

of the year know only one reputation. He is a diligent, studious,

hardworking senator who works tirelessly for his district.

Sen. Peg Blitch, a Democrat who parks next to him, commented only recently

how his car was there when she arrived and still there when she left.

He has a deep passion for education excellence and is respected in this

Capitol among his peers and every education organization. As chairman of the

Senate Education Committee and the Appropriations Sub-Committee on Education

Funding, he has been called on to lead one of our most important issues. Dr.

Ben Scafidi, Gov. Sonny Perdue's Education Policy Advisor, has stated that

Brush has been an invaluable part of the team, along with the Governor's

Office and Superintendent Kathy Cox's Office for education reform.

Last year, statewide budget cuts had to be made to balance our budget, and

schools in Columbia County and across the state were facing tough choices.

One of the unfortunate cuts that had been proposed was in foreign language

programs. As sub-committee chairman, Brush personally led the Appropriation

Committee to restore funding for this program which he deemed vital to

Columbia County and Georgia.

It is easy to take shots at elected officials based on unfounded rumors. In

fact, we expect as much from radical left-wing media. We must, as

Republicans, stop this practice of eating our own. It only helps our

opposition!

Chairman of major committees are not chosen by chance. They are chosen

because they have exhibited leadership, effectiveness, diligence and

dedication. These are the traits and reputation that define Sen. Joey Brush.

Sen. Eric Johnson,

president pro tempore

Sen. Bill Stephens,

Senate majority leader

Atlanta