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Dear Editor:

I have been a registered voter for my entire adult life. I have always exercised my voting privilege, but I’ve never written a letter encouraging my friends to consider a candidate for the General Assembly until now.

Last year, our state was in the middle of a major change of direction regarding services for young children who have disabilities. I had spent over 30 years of my life working with children with disabilities and had always tried to put their needs at the forefront. When the reorganization headed in a direction that I could not professionally support, I used vacation days and traveled to Nashville to meet with members of the legislature. Every member of the Blount County delegation greeted me and listened to my concerns.

However, one person - Doug Overbey - took action. He spent his personal time learning the issues. He made appointments with people in leadership positions. He arranged meetings that would not have occurred without his help. He “showed up” for meetings where his presence made a key difference. He made an impact that was far greater than would have occurred without his help.

We are blessed in Blount County with fine people who are seeking to represent us in the General Assembly. It is certainly not my intent with this letter to question the character or integrity of any of the candidates - all are good people with values that I share. I simply want to encourage you to give full consideration to Doug Overbey before casting your ballot. Doug Overbey is a person of character who is wiling to take a stand, even when the issue is hard or unpopular. Doug Overbey is candidate who is committed to children - the unborn, newborns, and children who have disabilities.

I’ve never been good in sports, but I enjoy being a spectator. I know that you can have two players who each are fine people and you have to choose which one is the “go to guy” when it is third down and 10 yards to go. For me, Doug Overbey is the “go to guy.” Coach Fulmer has to decide each year who will be his quarterback. Many good players come forward and they are all quality guys, but there are just a few Peytons! When it comes to being a leader in the legislature, Doug Overbey is a Peyton! He will do the homework. He will check out the issues, and he will take a stand. Thank you for giving him consideration before casting your ballot.

Sincerely,
Don Thompson, Ed.D.
233 Candora Crossroad
Maryville, TN 37804