Up The Creek Without A Paddle
Now is the time
by Terry Toole

A citizen came into the office last week to check to see if I remembered something back in 1998. I was quick to admit that I didn't, but if I went to the incident, I would probably have some record of it. It took me a few minutes to dig out my files, and we found it. The notes, records and photographs made me remember what had happened.

I asked this citizen how his wife and children were and he was shocked that I didn't hear that they had left him awhile back.

He said she told him she just couldn't stand him anymore.

I told him I was sorry since they had a good number of children. It's always hard on the children. I told him I could understand to a point. My first wife left me last Friday and went to Florida alone. I must admit, she did invite me to go with her. I thanked her but offered to stay here with her mother. Tammy, Kent and Joanna were going to be out of town at ball games all weekend.

Uva stated that she really didn't want to go back to the beach, especially with one bedroom. She might have remembered that three families were in one condo last time she went.

Betty Jo invited some girls to go with her to the beach and stay until I get there after this edition is in the boxes late Tuesday. Tammy will be back to stay with my favorite mother-in-law by then, maybe.

With all the extra expenses we've had lately, somebody needs to stay here and work to pay some of those bills that we didn't know we were going to have.

We've got a good crew here at the Liberal, but when one or two are not there, it puts a real strain on those who are left to get out that edition and get it into the mail and newspaper boxes.

This is the week that candidates for the city election must qualify for mayor, District 2 and District 3. To date, I have heard that one is going to offer for re-election. One is not going to run, and one is not speaking to me at this time.

We need our best citizens to qualify to run for these posts. We need someone who has an interest in the future of Colquitt with some ideas that will help it grow without continuing to raise the rates and taxes for those trying to live here and make this their home.

It doesn't take too smart a candidate who only wants to up the cost for the citizens in taxes and services to a point that it is literally running people out of town and stopping the building of homes and businesses.

If you are interested in the betterment of our very small city, go to the city hall and offer for one of these most important offices. By the time this edition gets to most of you, the opening for qualifications will be over one half over. The opening qualifications started Monday, August 27, and will close Friday, August 31, at 4:40 p.m.

We have already seen what can happen with candidates who only know how to up the taxes and the price of services. Four more years of that could be too much for some of our citizens.

We are fortunate to have some of the best officers anywhere who do a great job in the city and the county for those they work for, the citizens. We are also plagued to have some of the worst we have ever had in my many years of living in this city and county, and we have had some losers.

If you are willing and capable of leadership, the citizens of this city are in need of our best for the next four years. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their community by their willingness to serve and help make this area the best to live and work in.