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Health & Fitness

Woodstock/Towne Lake: Don't Give Up Your Power!

July 31st election, reason why voting incumbent is key for residents of Towne Lake.


As a lover of politics, I am happy to see so many of my friends and neighbors getting involved in the local elections, especially the one here in Towne Lake for both state house and senate. The good news for those of us who tend to lean more toward conservative Republican is that we have two very good choices for each of these seats. For the average voter, it can be difficult to choose because all of these candidates share similar conservative views. But for someone like me who has worked down at the capitol during several General Sessions, these candidates are light years apart.

 

The first rule of politics is that power comes from influence. In order to get that influence, it takes time to build respect and trust from your peers. Both Senator Chip Rogers and Representative Charlice Byrd have had several years to do this. Senator Rogers has done a great job differentiating himself among his colleagues, a task that is difficult to do among so many strong personalities.  His achievements are many and accolades abound. Since 2009 he has served as the Republican majority leader in the senate, a position right under the Lieutenant Governor. That’s a lot of influence!

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Now on to the state house election of Representative
Charlice Byrd against Michael Caldwell; for a small district election, the
drama has gotten pretty heavy. Michael Caldwell is accusing Rep. Byrd of
changing her vote regarding the Sunday liquor sales.  For those of you who don’t know, Rep. Byrd voted for it and then changed it later to a “no” vote, something not unprecedented and completely in her right to do. Changing her vote did nothing for the outcome but assuaged her conscience when she found out that a tax was hidden in the bill. Politicians are famous for sneaking non-associated items in important bills. It happens in our state house, and it happens in D.C. It’s a way of getting “pork” passed because no politician wants to be seen as voting
down these important bills. As I step back and examine this whole situation I
realize what a squeaky clean record Rep. Byrd has if that’s the only bit of
“dirt” Michael Caldwell can find!


As to the allegation of being a career politician, Rep. Byrd
has had a professional career for many years in the private sector and has
chosen to serve the people of Woodstock for the past six years. Her
accomplishments and accolades abound just like they do for Senator Rogers.
Michael Caldwell touts himself as a wunderkind of sorts, finishing college
quickly and establishing himself in a successful career. My favorite part of
his bio is when he mentions how he “was highly recruited away from social media
giant Virtue…by his father.” Gosh, that was a tough sell. I used to think I
could conquer the world at 22, just like him. I admire his tenacity but
question his methods.

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My call to those of you who live in the Woodstock/Towne Lake
area is to consider very carefully before you vote on July 31st. I
urge you not to give up the power and influence your incumbent representatives
have worked hard to achieve for YOU!

Cynthia Lyerly, Woodstock

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