Correspondent

On an unusually pleasant July afternoon, visitors at the old Head of Barren School on Saturday, July 8th, were treated to a variety of live music performances, a fund raiser dedicated to the maintenance of the schoolhouse, and the opportunity to meet and listen to over 20 local politicians. Each candidate was offered five minutes and most mounted the old wagon that served as a speakers platform with purpose. Some told about their family ties to the community and their desire to serve. Several addressed specific problems that ranged from the county's debt load to the need for budget controls and effective planning.

Most passed through the crowd with purpose, shaking hands, answering questions and handing out cards or flyers.

Thomas Tabor, candidate for General Sessions Judge, shook Robert Estep's hand (incumbent and candidate for the same job), handed him a card and asked for his support. Without missing a beat, Mr. Estep placed the card in his pocket, handed Mr. Tabor his own card, and asked for his opponents support as well.

Contrast this gentlemanly exchange with the carnage that seems to haunt the painful beginnings of democracy in the middle east. We have good choices in who we wish to represent us. Yet more than half of the potential voters in this country won't bother to even make a choice and go to the polls.

Tabor pointed out that "democracy cannot be measured without a choice."

While referring to his own candidacy, there is an implicit message for all voters that demands that we step up to the polls and cast our votes wisely.

Six of the seven candidates for county mayor (Casey Anders, Steve Brogan, Joe Tyler Duncan, Virgil Herrell, Phillip Mabe and Sam Owens) spoke to the crowd as did five of the seven candidates for sheriff (Brent Clark, David Honeycutt, Eddie Shoffner, Bill Sowder and Ernie Womack).

The race for state representative for our 35th District is also being hotly contested. Republican candidates Judy Swilling and Rick Brewer are running against incumbent Dennis "Coach" Roach for that job. Each of the candidates (as well as independent candidate Ed Baldwin) spoke to the crowd. Roach was not present for the session.

The Head of Barren School is located in the 2nd County District. Incumbent Juanita Honeycutt took her turn on the stage while candidates Ronald England and Jerry Arnwine worked the crowd.

Other candidates Public Defender Martha Yoakum and challenger Leif Jeffers; Betty Watkins and Joyce Hopson, candidates for Democratic State Executive Committeewoman; and unopposed candidates County Court Clerk Evelyn Hill and Circuit Court Clerk Billy Ray Cheek also came to solicit support and to give voters the opportunity to meet and learn about the candidates.

About a 100 people came to support their friends and candidates, donate to the Head of Barren School, and to listen to some good music.

Democracy requires participation to work. And the view from the creek is that democracy is still working.

On Thursday, August 3rd, go out and vote.