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Pete and Cindy Castello are what I call salt of the earth. Every time I talk to Cindy she's helping somebody with problem. Dr. John Peacock, Dr. Mike Litrel, and Dr. Scott Harden; I've never had to see any of these guys as a patient, but spend 10 minutes with them and you know why they've been successful. They care about people. Deborah Durham at the HOPE Center is a gift from God. If everyone knew all that she does, we would make her Governor (after Sonny retires, of course). Coach Terza at Etowah is a great example for young men. In fact, most of the coaches I know have a significant positive influence on our kids. Alan Shinnall has been a leader in southwest Cherokee for decades. Georgia needs more people like Alan. Juanita Hughes is what Woodstock is all about; southern charm and wisdom at it's best. Bill Long is the political leader I try to emulate. There's never a question about his motives. Mr. Jack over at the barbershop; he's a marine and proud of it. The Brummell family - they are good people, good friends, and a good example of what the word 'family' should mean. Johnny Hunt, Richard Hunter, Larry Baker, Monty Guice, Ted Worley, Carl Moore and all the other religious leaders have an incredible positive impact. One thing I know for certain, government can never accomplish what our local churches do in helping people in need.

Vickie Benefield is as nice a lady as you could ever meet. As director of Congressman Linder's office, she helps a lot of people and does it with a smile. Wayne Kosbe helps quite a few people stay in shape, more importantly he supports a lot of worthy causes. Valerie James is new to the area, but her efforts in bringing great entertainment to our community deserves credit. Brenda Biehl at the Rose Creek Library does more for our community than she gets credit for. Skip Shipman makes the events in town look nice with his flowers, and he's a good friend. Sonia Carruthers; she's another example of someone who just wants to help others. Doug and Sarah Steingraber seem to volunteer for everything. Where would we be without people like the Steingrabers? I know a lot of great teachers and Jeff Bennett and Camay Sanchez at Etowah High School among the best. Dr. Ruth Summerlin at Bascomb is a credit to education. We're lucky to have her. Cherryl Greenman with this magazine is someone special. No, I'm not trying to win points with the editor, she just happens to be one of the nicest people in town to do business with. The late Al Stone was a mentor to me - a great man. He is sorely missed.

I suppose I could fill 10 articles with the names of people who make this a great place to live. I apologize to those I didn't mention there's only so much space and a lot of good people. At the end of the day the question is answered very simply, "Why do you want to be a politician? Because I get to represent the best people in Georgia."

Chip Rogers is the State Representative for District 15. You can call him at (770) 516-0543 or fax him at (770) 936-1967. You can also e-mail Chip at ChipRogers2@comcast.net. Chip also serves on The TowneLaker Community Board.

Friends
and
Neighbors

by Chip Rogers

The last three years of campaigning have allowed me the opportunity to literally meet thousands of people, most of them at their front door. I often get asked, "What do people want to talk about when you go door-to-door?" They expect the answer to be traffic or taxes or transportation or any of the big issues of the day, but the reality is the one question I hear most often has nothing to do with issues. The question I hear most is, "Why do you want to be a politician?"

I realize that politicians are just a notch above lawyers on the popularity scale, and I might add it's not at the top of that scale. So certainly popularity is not what drives most people to serve. Some might think it's the money. Ask any local elected official how much they make and you will probably be surprised. State Representatives and State Senators make only $16,200 per year. Of course we willingly pursue these jobs, so I am not complaining about the money. But as you can see, no one enters local politics to get rich.

Perhaps why people serve is not the story the media wants to tell and there is legitimate skepticism for the motives of some politicians. However, I truly believe an overwhelming majority of elected officials do what they do because they care about their community.

I count myself to be among the most fortunate because I have the honor of representing the best people in the state of Georgia. I know I am biased, but I make that statement with confidence. The citizens of this area are the best the state has to offer. The TowneLaker has been gracious to allow me space to write each month and I am taking some liberty here, but I want to tell you about a few of the people that make our community so good.

Mark Hess positively impacts a lot of young men as our local scoutmaster. His influence will be felt for years. Chip over at the Bar-B-Que place makes sure to stop by all the tables and see that everyone is doing well. I don't know what it is, but it's nice to see a restaurant owner actually cooking the food and greeting the customers. Speaking of good customer service, Rob at Featherstone's and Mike at the 1904 House deliver time after time. Julie Brennan seems to often be in the middle of the efforts to help out other people. And she always has something nice to say. Vickie and Deborah work over at my local bank. They actually make going to the bank a pleasure. Steve Sandridge wants everyone to think he's tough, but once you get to know him, you realize he's got a heart of gold.