The next Mr. Stephens is a

Republican candidate for County Commission. It is interesting to note

that he did not join the Fayette County Republican Party until two days

prior to qualifying to run. Is he a Republican because he holds dear the

tenants of the Republican Party?

Or is he a Republican because

his political puppet masters in the Sprayberry-Burrell gang reminded him

that Commissioner Linda Wells defeated her last Democratic opponent by

garnering almost 73 percent of the vote? There is strong evidence that

Mr. Stephens is a RINO, Republican In Name Only.

The third Mr. Stephens states

on his web site that he has a "strong appreciation for the history

of Fayette County and the many senior citizens who have served the community."

However, he repeatedly tells people that one of the reasons he is running

for office is that the current commission needs "more diversity"

and that Fayette County should not be run by a bunch of "retirees

and empty-nesters."

He makes a lot of noise about

protecting old houses but is ready to denigrate the value of "old"

commissioners. Interestingly enough, Commissioner Wells is a ripe old

age of 54 and is neither an empty-nester nor retired.

As in the old game show, our

panel of Fayette County voters needs to ask the questions necessary to

determine the truth. Hopefully before Aug. 20, we will get the answer

to the most critical question: "Will the REAL Thomas Stephens, please

stand up?"

Don Dickinson

Peachtree City