We deserve representation that shows up

By Michael Dockery

I believe our communities deserve representation that actually shows up.

Not just during election season. Not just at ribbon cuttings. But consistently — in classrooms, in neighborhoods, at community events, and at kitchen tables where real decisions are felt.

As a teacher and coach, I don’t have the luxury of being distant. When a student is struggling, you show up. When a parent calls, you return it. When something isn’t working, you fix it. That’s accountability. That’s responsibility. And that’s exactly how I believe public service should work.

Too often, people feel like their concerns disappear into the background. Roads go unfixed. Questions go unanswered. Families feel like they’re navigating rising costs and everyday challenges without anyone truly listening.

That’s not how it should be.

South Georgia doesn’t need flashy politics. We don’t need noise. We need steady leadership rooted in the values of our small towns — hard work, faith, personal responsibility, and community.

We need someone who understands that decisions made in Atlanta affect real people here at home. The power bill at the kitchen table. The small business trying to make payroll. The young family wondering if opportunity exists close to home.

I live here. I work here. I’m raising my family here. This district isn’t a steppingstone — it’s home.

And when something is home, you fight for it differently.

We can support small businesses without burying them in red tape. We can strengthen workforce development so our young people have real opportunity. We can invest in infrastructure without losing what makes our communities special. But that only happens when leadership listens first and puts people ahead of politics.

Politics isn’t about slogans. It’s about service.

It’s about whether our district has someone who is accessible, accountable, and present — someone who will return calls, show up to meetings, and answer hard questions.