Don't let party affiliation keep you from voting for best person

To the Editor:

I am registered in Athens as an Independent. I don't have any long-standing allegiance to either of the big political parties, and I really don't care to. I prefer to support the candidate who I feel has the best ideas and who I think can get the job done, regardless of what party he or she happens to belong to.

In the current Athens mayor's race, I'm voting for Randy Morris. Now, I have to disclose that I am his son-in-law and therefore a little biased. I know from firsthand experience that he's a stand-up guy, dedicated to this city, and a loving father and grandfather. But that aside, as a homeowner and businessperson in town, I really think he will do great things for Athens. 

But I'm not even writing to persuade you to vote for him. What I really want is for you to make up your own mind. Try going the Independent route if only for a half-hour and sit down with a really open mind and take a good hard look at both of the guys running for mayor. It's as easy as going to each of their websites.  (www.morrisforathens.com and www.paulforathens.org) Just for a few minutes think about their ideas for the future and the skills they have to do great things for Athens. For you.

What I'm saying is, please don't just check the name by the "D" box or the "R" box without really thinking about it first, without knowing what your alternatives are. In a town like Athens, every single vote is important. Your voice can be heard. Make sure you know what you're saying. I guarantee, if you just check the box that you've always checked just because that's what you've always done or because you think the other side is too different from you (without knowing the truth), you're missing out on some great opportunities for change and progress.

Tony Servedio
Athens