Good friend of Rep. Mitchell, Lawrence Sharp, introduces our speaker.
We were honored to be visited by State Representative for District 88, Mr. Billy Mitchell. Rep. Mitchell, a fellow Rotarian, had a simple message for both Rotarians and all citizens today.
Citizens who are engaged and involved and advocate for their community get better representation by their elected leaders and government. Those who are not engaged simply do not get the representation they desire. Representative Mitchell stated, “Nothing is more powerful than speaking with your elected representative and saying: ‘I live here . . . . These are my concerns’.”
He also spoke about what makes a good politician and leader: relationships. Bill Clinton impressed him because he met Mr. Clinton several times, but just for a brief moments in time. Each time Mr. Clinton greeted Mitchell warmly by name which amazed him. Mitchell stated that Clinton was a master at building relationships.
The second part of Rep. Mitchell’s talk was about the key issues facing Georgia.
1. Healthcare: It’s truly broken in his opinion. He gave a car analogy: Instead of maintaining the car and using preventative maintenance, we are waiting until it breaks down. This mentality is flooding our emergency rooms and costing us money.
2. Housing: Businesses have been moving to Georgia because of affordable housing, but now this is slowing down due to a lack of options.
3. Citizens Must Advocate: Rep. Mitchell again spoke about how important it is to be an advocate for your community. He mentioned the talent in the room that day and with talent comes responsibility. He reiterated it’s our responsibility to advocate for economic opportunity, better schools and housing and good government.
Rep. Mitchell closed by taking a poll of the members on how they felt about two hot topics in Georgia right now: legalizing gambling and as well as run-off elections, which he mentioned are very expensive for the state.
Rep. Billy Mitchell greets Decatur Mayor, Patti Garett
Rep. Billy Mitchell, Mayor Patti Garrett, President Alan Yorker, Charles Lutin and Lawrence Sharp
Pat Pattillo, Rotarian and dynamic community leader passed away recently. His memorial service will be held at Decatur Presbyterian Church on March 10 at 3 pm. 
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