Coach Q can bring us together

When Quentin “Coach Q” Pullen first appeared at a Saturday morning meeting of the local chapter of a political party, he asked a question that cut straight to the heart of our community’s future: “Where are all the young people at?”. He was 100% correct. I have been in both political parties. Few people under 40 are ever there.

It was a simple inquiry, yet it carried the weight of a newcomer who wasn’t here merely to observe. Pullen came to engage, challenge, and help strengthen the civic fabric of our county. That moment was Fayette County’s introduction to Coach Q, a man whose presence has since become a familiar and welcomed part of our community landscape.

Over the months that followed, I encountered Coach Q and his wife, Nora, at various events throughout the county. Their love and support for one another was obvious, sincere and beautiful to witness. They make a formidable team.

Nora is also an exceptional person, a humble but extremely articulate activist for the downtrodden. She is also a Rumanian immigrant, born not far from the Transylvania birthplace of my paternal grandmother. That may be the subject of another column someday.

Their consistency was striking, not just showing up, but mutually participating, supporting, and listening. When I finally asked Quentin about his background and what brought him to Fayette County, he invited me to visit The Fitness Ranch, the wellness and community hub he and Nora were building in North Fayette County.

What I witnessed at The Fitness Ranch spoke volumes. They had just finished a fitness session with residents of Two Sparrows Village, a program demonstrating not only their commitment to physical health but to inclusion and service. In an era when community engagement can feel performative, their work was quietly genuine and compassionate.

I learned that Quentin grew up in Georgia, served his country through the military, and traveled extensively before returning home to Georgia to begin a new chapter. Since arriving in Fayette County, he has done what true leaders do: join hands with others to improve our community. Whether through the Fayette County NAACP, civic organizations, or grassroots initiatives, he has contributed not by seeking the spotlight but by offering solutions, sweat equity, and a steady presence. He is a quiet and humble man who does not seek accolades. He seeks mutually beneficial solutions to problems facing our community.

In 2024, when he announced his run for County Commissioner, I asked him why he chose to step into the political arena. I have been through 4 BOC elections myself in a rural Georgia county, getting elected twice. Running for office is very difficult and stressful.

Coach Q’s response was straightforward and honest, as typifies the man:
“I believe Fayette County could use some new energy in leadership.” That clarity of purpose is rare and needed both in our County and our state.

For quite a while, I have been following the evolution of Quentin “Coach Q” Pullen in regard to Fayette County. I view him as a wonderful neighbor who believes in the potential of this county and is willing to selflessly work for its betterment.

His leadership is 100% grounded in service, not the self-aggrandizement that caricaturizes many other political animals. Coach Q’s approach is rooted in accessibility. His positive vision is one of community uplift, rather than complaining about the national politics of others (as many of us witnessed in the recent Peachtree City elections, which backfired on the offenders).

Where he goes next is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: Fayette County is better because he is here. He wants to bring us together, rather than divided us. For that reason, I am glad to count him as a true friend.