By Representative James Burchett (176th District)
I love living and raising my family in our South Georgia community, surrounded by neighbors who want what’s best for South Georgia, our state, and our country.
Last week I had the privilege of visiting Waresboro Elementary School to see the amazing elementary school agricultural program they have in place. These kids have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from and to share in the pride our friends and neighbors have in raising crops and livestock to feed Georgia and the world.
I also had the chance to visit General Coffee State Park – a great state park for camping, hiking, and horseback riding right in our backyard in Coffee County. The park is a blend of natural beauty and history, featuring the Heritage Farm with its historic log cabins, cane mill, and farm animals.
Programs and facilities like these are some of those I take pride in advocating for in Atlanta.
But our elected leaders are best able to advocate for you when they hear from you. That’s why I encourage you to contact our US Senators – unfortunately they’ve voted against legislation to end the federal government shutdown, keeping important federal Hurricane Helene relief funds from reaching our impacted friends and neighbors. You can reach Senator Ossoff at 202-224-3521 or https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/contact-us/, and you can reach Senator Warnock at 202-224-3643 or https://www.warnock.senate.gov/contact/.
Of course, the best way to be heard is to vote. This year, all Georgians have important elections to weigh in on. The Public Service Commission, which regulates for-profit energy and utility providers is elected statewide – with two of the five commissioners on your ballot right now. Recently, the PSC has voted to freeze electricity rates so your power bill does not increase exponentially. It is important that the Public Service Commission members are mindful of how rate increases affect South Georgia families.
Further, if you live in the city limits, we have municipal leaders on the ballot as well – mayors and city councils that serve us close to home.
The people serving in each of these roles have a direct impact on our life – so please remember to get out and vote.
Early voting began on October 14th and runs through October 31st – each county in the 176th District has a countywide early voting location, or you may vote on November 4th at your regular polling place. Look up information on where and when to vote at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/
In recent days, stories I see on the news have continued to remind me of the importance of not taking our freedoms for granted.
The passing of my colleague Mandi Ballinger – a Representative from Cherokee County who served as a tireless advocate for Georgia’s children in Atlanta during her years of service.
And the recent freeing of the last hostages in Gaza after months of fraught negotiations led by President Trump that have many hoping for a lasting peace in the region, while holding Hamas to account for its actions.
These events on opposite sides of the world should show all of us what a dedicated leader can do with the support of his or her constituents at home.
I am humbled by your continued support for my service, and I again encourage you to get out and vote in the ongoing elections today to select leaders on the Public Service Commission and in your cities.
Representative James Burchett represents the citizens of District 176, which includes Atkinson and Lanier Counties, as well as portions of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and currently serves as the House Majority Whip.