Evaluate Broun on record in office, not 'old personal information'

Editor:

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Many things disturbed me in the June 20 paper:

First of all, an article about Paul Broun in The Augusta Chronicle. If all Barry Fleming can find wrong with him is something that happened in his life 20 to 30 years ago, then it is not worth printing.

Then, in The Columbia County News Times, a letter to the editor from Mildred and J.C. Butler writes what a faithful Christian Fleming is. Well, it is not very Christian to bring up 20- to 30-year-old personal information on his opponent. I'm sure Fleming is aware of the lesson: "He who is without sin cast the first stone."

I am almost sure that most of us do not behave in our 40s and 50s the way we behaved in our 20s. Thank God. Life is all about learning from our mistakes and becoming better people, better citizens and better servants to God. Jim Whitehead, who ran against Broun, responded by saying he did not think it was the right thing to do and I agree. Please tell me your political ideas, Mr. Fleming, not your gossip about Mr. Broun that happened so long ago. Look at Broun's record and you will see he has represented us well.

As far as Ben Harbin is concerned, I am very disappointed he wasn't honest and took his punishment. I would have voted for him then. I have seen a dishonest side to him that I don't like. He has been a good representative, but I'm just not sure now. I will have to educate myself on Lee Benedict before I make my decision. Others like me are just very disappointed in Harbin not because he made a mistake but because he didn't own up to it.

Also, Barry Paschal wrote in one of his articles that he was upset with Gov. Sonny Perdue for taking money from our county. That is what is wrong with this country - all about me. We have so many counties that do not have the financial resources like we do. There are counties that need the money more than we do. We are fortunate to be able to invest in our children and in our educational system. Let the counties that need the financial help get it and let the children that need it get it.

I would also like to tell the citizens of Columbia County to please be active in obtaining knowledge of your school board members. Only 30 percent of voters have children in the school system, which might explain why the same people stay in. These children are our future. The school board's general belief is they do not micro-manage. In my opinion that is their way of saying that they do not become involved.

Case in point, Regina Buccafusco gave parents the wrong date for summer class. They are clueless has to what the children are dealing with on a daily basis. We have a good system but not a great one. If only a few board members would be more involved, I believe we could become a great system.

Please be informed and don't forget to vote!

Sissy Hobbs

Martinez