Concerning the Indictment of Mayor Mickey Thompson:

What a shame. I'm the last person to judge another person on these matters. I have made mistakes in my life that has cost me my liberty. I paid my dues to society and I tried to take a very negative situation and make something positive from it.

As an activist, I had been following the recent news stories and headline from all over the state about public corruption. In Gwinnett Co., Clayton Co. Fulton Co. and now Douglas Co. public officials are being investigated and many being indicted. A former Douglas commissioner is accused of forging court documents with the help of county employee(s)… etc.  

Those who take an oath to uphold the laws and the Constitution, must be held accountable. Those who make laws against US, must be held to a higher standard.

Mayors and public officials are paid well for the mostly part time work they perform. 

Perhaps the Douglasville situation was just a misinterpretation of the law; just a big mistake. Perhaps it was systemic conspiracy to put a few extra bucks in their pockets. Who is giving the mayor and council legal advice? What roll does the city manager have in payments to officials? 

The recent TSPLOST vote was mainly defeated because the public just doesn't trust pubic officials. I understand why. The headlines scream of the unethical and criminal actions of public officials. Too often they feel they are untouchable… above the law.

I hope for Douglas County this event will send a message to officials that if you think your actions may be unethical or illegal, they probably are. Unlike the average citizen, we don’t have a team of attorneys to advise us. We seem to know when we cross the line. And when we do we must take responsibility and face the music.

I believe in redemption. Regardless of our mistakes, most of us get a second chance. We can’t change what happened yesterday, but from this moment on we can choose our path.

We should pray for wisdom each day and value our freedom.