Dear editor:

I first came to know Moultrie well as a student just up the road at ABAC, when I would come for dinner at the home of my college roommate’s parents – Mr. and Mrs. Bill Christopher. Since then, I have returned often to town and become familiar with the good work of the Observer.

In fact, I worked for newspapers very much like this one in my hometown of Bainbridge and in Gainesville. So I appreciate the importance this paper has in the life of the community, and I’m thankful to the Moultrie Observer for a chance to answer a few of the questions raised on these pages.

First, party-switching is not my style. I was born into my party and will remain part of it until the day I die. But I’m not running for governor to advance the same old partisan politics or bickering. I want to move our entire state beyond the partisan games that prevent us from reaching our full potential. I’m proud to have support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents, because that’s what it will take to move our entire state forward.

We are the 10th largest state in the nation, and there’s no reason for us to lag behind. We should be in the top 10 of every category that counts. But we’re not, and it’s because of a political leadership that would rather engage in partisan games than work for all the people of Georgia.

That’s why I’m running for Governor. Growing up in Bainbridge, I learned that we must all pull together if we want to make progress. When I am Governor, anyone with a good idea for Georgia will be welcome at the table.

I want to thank our many friends and supporters in Moultrie – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – who helped to host and attended gatherings for me recently. I shared my vision for nonpartisan leadership with both groups and talked about how we address the needs of Georgia, and especially our corner of southwest Georgia. I look forward to the day when we can all join together and do great things for our state, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Georgians, and I look forward to returning to Moultrie in coming months.

Cathy Cox

Secretary of State