Allow me to share with you

information about one of my good friends here in Fayette County, one Kenny

Melear.

I have personally witnessed

nearly four decades of his concern for his adopted county, which came

in many forms. Besides serving as a volunteer fireman, for many years

he served soft drinks and coffee to fireman, police and sheriff's deputies

when a crisis arose, day or night.

When I served as a volunteer

emergency medical technician here in the mid-1970s and early 1980s, we

always knew we could stop by Melear's Restaurant when returning from a

hospital run, and coffee would be waiting. Yes, even if the hour was 5

a.m.

Those who have served through

the years in the voting precincts in the greater Fayetteville area can

all recall Kenny bringing them sausage and ham biscuits early in the mornings,

and a bit of lunch at noon. Nonprofit organizations years ago could count

on Kenny contributing a big tub of cole slaw or barbecue for their charitable

events.

He has served this county as

a judge for the past 28 years, and has served as the chief magistrate

since 1983. He was the first to serve in this capacity and was always

reappointed by the chief judge of the circuit.

Do his employees stay with

him? Consider that there have been at least 40 employees who were with

him for over 10 years, 12 who were with him over 20 years and two who

have been with him for 28 years.

I am sharing all this information

with you to point out my concern for this man who has just been attacked,

and survived, an uncalled-for character assassination. He was accused

of using the "n" word in his court.

Kenny told me he has never

used that word in either his courtroom or his chief magistrate's office.

I believe you, Kenny. I also

believe that you will continue hiring and keeping for many years African-American

employees. You will also continue to help out all churches, regardless

of the color of their members' skin. You will continue, when a church

brings you a hungry person and tells you to send them the bill, to feed

that hungry person at your own expense.

If those who have participated

in this character assassination will contact me and point out what they

have done for four decades in a community, I will be glad to give them

equal space.