When I discuss with others my life, I tell them that when I found out I was HIV positive was a blessing. It has helped to transform me from being a self-centered individual into a compassionate one.

Augusta, there is so much I want to say to you, but I only have 300 words. I am proud to call myself a native. You have given me so much and I am grateful.

Renita Crawford of WJBF Channel 6 news said on June 27 of this year, my 47th birthday, that "...Augusta is third in the state for the number of newly diagnosed HIV case, and we are fourth in the state for the total number of HIV cases....our district has the highest number of individuals living with HIV, AIDS."

WRDW Channel 12 reported that "...unemployment in Georgia rose in September to 6.5 percent." This is a fact ladies and gentlemen. We are now second only to the state of Michigan.

It disturbs me when I read that Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority wants to spend up to $250 million to build a 20,000-seat facility and pay someone another $150,000 a year as a special consultant.

We have people going without proper health care. We have children going hungry at night. We have gang crime and drugs running rapid in our city.

This is my humble suggestion.

If you want a place for entertainment then spend about $15 million to help Mr. Knox restore the beautiful and historic Miller Theater and use the other $235,000 million to bring secure jobs back to Augusta and help the underserved of this wonderful city.

As we bring the year 2008 to a close let us remember the words of George Bernard Shaw, "A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out."

W. Michael Strickland, Atlanta