Congressman Phil Gingery with Hayden Collins and Hayden Dwayne Collins

During an appointment with Congressman Phil Gingrey to discuss my son Dwayne’s interest in applying to the United States Naval Academy, we participated in one form of engagement with our elected representative.  Working with constituents – be it in negotiating the processes of government to apply for this kind of program, or addressing negative conditions affecting the community, or developing connections to new resources and opportunities – this is the “feet on the street” of serving the people.

Communities require representation, during good times and bad.  While providing for children in care, I have certainly seen the best and the worst we have to offer.  I am as committed to representing Bartow County as I was committed to protecting the children entrusted to me in my foster home – the children I fought for in the courts, in the schools and in hospitals, and who I continue to guide in their goals and choices for their lives.

This kind of representation for the community has to be a passion, a focus that represents one’s very home and the children of the community that they live and work in.  There is no hiding, no running away, no deferring of sensitive issues – they must be addressed and represented.  I have accepted that challenge in every corner of my career and my history. 

Being connected to the community and ready to respond to all of its needs is an example I have set throughout my life.  Through this campaign, I intend to take that experience to a higher level: I want the challenge of representing Bartow County.