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Dear Editor:

In an election year, sometimes real accomplishments are obscured by slogans. I would like to remind this community of a situation that demonstrates the kind of leadership that I value in a public servant.

In the spring of 2006, the Fort Craig School community was shocked to find that convicted sexual offenders were receiving group therapy in an office directly across the street. Some of these sessions were being held during the school day. We were also dumbstruck that convicted sexual offenders were receiving pre-sentencing evaluations at this same location. Via calls and e-mails, I (and other parents) communicated with our local officials in law enforcement, in the court system, city government and school officials. While all those folks deplored the situation, the bottom line was the same -- the practice was legal.

After our legislators were contacted, Doug Overbey took charge. It was late in the legislative session; there was not time for the processing of a new bill. But due to his commitment to our children and his knowledge of the legislative and legal system, he found a way to add to a bill that was already in the pipeline. I do not know the right language for what he was able to do, but I do know that in the waning days of the legislative session the bill was passed.

Doug gave me the bill number and told me how I could follow its progress via the legislature's web site. It was signed by the governor just weeks before Fort Craig children started back to school in July. Because Doug empowered me to follow this bill, I was able to make sure that our local authorities had the information long before any official communication from Nashville. His Herculean efforts meant that when school started back, sexual offenders were not allowed at that site.

Doug Overbey crafted a solution that improved safety not just for the children of Maryville, but also for all children throughout the state of Tennessee. He listened, he understood, and he acted. Doug was not paralyzed by the status quo or by the time crunch at the end of the session. Doug knew what was the right thing, he knew how to do the right thing and he was able to get the right thing done.

Sincerely,

Diane Pezick

110 Piedmont Circle

Maryville, TN 37803