Many have said nice things about me since I ran for state representative several years ago.

I must have had thousands of people say they voted even though only 5.5 percent of Troup and West Point actually did. Little tongue in cheek there. All the candidates I am sure want to do well and make our communities thriving and proud. However, these are tough times calling for tough people, not afraid of special interest, not tied to conflicts and troubles, and succesfull with experience in their background.

So, while on the sidelines this time working for the Tea Party movement, here are some of my suggestions, based mostly on three of the Core beliefs of the Tea Party. These are: 4. Special interests must be eliminated. 6. Government must be downsized. 12. Political offices must be available to average citizens. State Representative- John Pezold. John has established a strong independent campaign aside from special interests.

He is from a Columbus area that has power but at the same time has managed to gain support from community leaders in West Point and LaGrange areas. Real success in family business. Frank Barnes- School Board District 2- Seems a good choice for new blood, less spending. Good reputation, great family and no conflcts Debbie Burdette- Works her self silly for Literacy and she is a Granger who loves Troup and Callaway. Amazing. Stable. Ellen Gilmore- County Commissioner. Ellen knows West Point. Gray Hill and Southwest Troup County. Ellen knows Kia world. Ellen knows the politics as it is and how it could be better. Again, Ellen knows Kia. We need that for my old family roots there. The free tax party should be over soon for Kia I hope and we need more Georgia workers and residents, not Alabama, as Forrest Gump would say. I am sure I left out others but I can only speak for those races or people I know best or have asked me, wishing luck to all, but please please vote this time.

I won Troup County and West Point when I ran against Kip Smith for State Rep. in 2010, with only 5.5 percent approximately voting.

Can you do better? I think so. Vote like it’s November. it will be good practice!

Steve Earles

202 Smith St.

LaGrange