Now that the citizens of Augusta have expressed themselves as to how they regard the leadership of the Augusta Commission, a young man with intelligence, dedication, enthusiasm, ability and many other fine qualities steps forward to offer himself as a candidate for mayor. It is time to put Augusta's future in the hands of Deke Copenhaver.

It is time that the citizens of Augusta put the past behind and push forward to the betterment of our community. There are many opportunities ahead the next few months: the election of a mayor and five commissioners, and another opportunity to vote for a judicial center and entertainment center.

Deke Copenhaver has already indicated that he is the one to pull our entire citizenship together. He has reached out to the entire population, and the voters in Augusta should respond by putting the most qualified person in the office of mayor.

Already he has devoted hours of his time as a volunteer in improving the environment of our city. He is earnest in wanting to improve our community, and has the ability to lead in that direction.

It is not important that he has not been in politics before now. That gives him the opportunity to bring forth fresh ideas, to work with the entire commission and bring cooperation and agreement to that body.

Let's give Deke Copenhaver this opportunity!

Doug Barnard Jr.

Martinez

(Editor's note: The writer was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1993.)