The citizens of Fayette County,

who included local elected official as well as those aspiring candidates

running in the primary elections, were made aware of the Melear allegations.

The story was covered by three newspapers: The Citizen, the Fayette Neighbor,

and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, as well as a local TV station, WGCL-CBS

Atlanta.

Ironically, only one elected

official, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown and only one aspiring candidate

for the Georgia House District 48, Virgil Fludd, openly attended the Melear

press conference on July 27.

The press conference was held

on the grounds of the Fayette Administrative Office complex in the heart

of downtown Fayetteville. A second aspiring candidate, whose name I will

not divulge, did not make his appearance known among the group, yet chose

not to be part of the press conference photo shoot. After all, he is trying

to get elected. He did not want to align himself with such a controversial

issue and run the risk of losing votes.

I know for a fact that some

of the local elected officials seeking reelection as well as those aspiring

candidates had been informed of the Fayette County Branch NAACP press

conference. I am aware of side-bar conversations denouncing the Melear

allegations, yet few wanted to publicly denounce the alleged egregious

allegations against Melear. However, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown

hit the issue head on by going on record with the NAACP by speaking out

in the press conference.

Well, for those of you who

are not aware, Melear submitted his resignation on Friday, Aug. 16. He

has chosen to leave office effective Sept. 1 to spend time with his family

and to pursue business interests. He stated he would prefer not to defend

possible charges not yet formulated against his long and honorable tenure

on the bench. Believe it or not, he made a wise decision.

I perused the information included

in the Voters Guide 2002 for each candidate. I find it quite hypocritical

for the topic of accountability and ethics to be listed under their top

priorities for the upcoming election. Oh, well, I am told that politicians

have a tendency to say anything to get elected!

Wanda Robins, President

Fayette County Branch, NAACP