When people ask me about my
choice for governor, my answer is Brian Kemp.
I’ve never met a perfect politician,
but I can tell you why I’m voting for my down-the-road neighbor. One reason is highlighted by a mutual friend,
David, who was invited to a rally at Brian’s home.
Earlier
in the day, Brian had mowed. When David
arrived, Brian was setting up tables and chairs. “Brian
Kemp is a roll-up-his-sleeves-and-go-to-work fellow,” David said. “I know
he will work for me, too.” Those two
sentences say plenty.
Brian
is a worker. As a young man, he put
calluses on his hands digging ditches and swinging a hammer. As a diversified businessman, he’s been a
jobs creator. I have special admiration
for those candidates who have met a payroll.
Brian’s entrepreneurial experiences—through good times and not-so-good
times—give him a special edge in 2018’s gubernatorial race.
His
family is an asset, too. My relationship
with his extended family goes back to before Brian and Marty were married. Decades ago, I met her parents, Bob and Jean
Argo. Bob died in 2016, but he and his wife were quintessential good citizens
and civic leaders in Athens. I believe
that behind every good man is usually a great
woman. Brian and his late father-in-law
are classic examples of that belief.
While
I make my living—primarily—from what you are now reading, I also consider
myself a farmer. I like livestock, tractors and digging in the dirt. Our secretary of state, who aims to be our
governor, shares those affinities.
Brian’s an outdoorsman, too.
Most mornings,
on the way to work, I drive by the turn-off to his farm. I’ve witnessed him in
action in our favorite country-store biscuit place. Brian Kemp is comfortable with Georgians of
every walk. He understands people, and
they feel comfortable reaching out to him.
I
like his “Putting Georgia First” campaign platform. Georgia can be proud of being repeatedly judged
the nation’s best state in which to do business. Atlanta is our state’s economic engine, but
what about the communities more than 100 miles away from Hartsfield-Jackson
International Airport? Brian is proud of Georgia’s ranking, but he also
understands that much of rural Georgia is hurting. I trust his leadership to make a difference,
especially with small businesses.
As
a grandfather of eight, I worry about gang violence in Georgia. I am confident Brian has the backbone to
stand up for the safety of our law-abiding citizens. I applaud his vision on
education, health care and improving life for Georgia’s 10 million.
I
repeat: “I’ve never met a perfect
politician.”
Brian
Kemp is not perfect, but neither are you or I.
I am more of an
independent voter than anything else, but I admire Brian’s common-sense
approach to issues that matter. His core
values are strong. I like his roll-up-your-sleeves-and-go-to-work
attitude. That’s why I’m voting for my
friend, Brian Kemp.
I hope you will
consider doing the same.
dnesmith@cninewspapers.com
