Editorial missed 'lonely minority' in numbers, locale

Editor:

If memory serves, the Dec. 16 News-Times editorial, "Lonely minority paved the way to power," was off both geographically and numerically.

Former Republican state Reps. Bob Beckham and Bill Sams were from Richmond County, not Columbia County. And they were accompanied by a very nice lady, Bootsie Calhoun.

However, the Democrats made short work of these "pioneers" at the next election. They were followed by a very lonely minority of one for a few years in the person of state Rep. David Swann. I don't recall Columbia County being represented by a Republican during the 1970s, strange as that may seem in today's world.

Clyde Wells

Martinez

(Editor's note: The editorial should have noted that Beckham and Sams both are now Columbia County residents, though their service was in Richmond County districts.)