The power of the press...

I am so thankful to live in a country with a free press. Whether it's the local Patch or a printed newspaper, we citizens can stay informed. Here is a Letter to the Editor a local papers invited me to submit. I very much appreciate that opportunity!  
To the editor:

Thank you for this opportunity to let the citizens of Winder know that I am running for the At Large position on the Winder City Council currently occupied by Bob Dixon. Our city faces many challenges. I believe I can bring fresh perspective, new ideas, and an infusion of enthusiasm and energy that will benefit Winder and its citizens. 

Winder has been my home for 24 years. My husband, Ed Clark, and I raised our children, Dylan Clark and Emmi Braselton here. They are proud W-BHS graduates. My son teaches in the Barrow County Schools. We live in an historic house that was condemned when we bought it; restoring and maintaining it has been a labor of love.

I have a stake in Winder and a deep appreciation for all that it is and all that it can be.

I’ve worked in a variety of jobs including healthcare, education, and as a small business owner. I also spent nine years reporting for two local newspapers. My eight years as an EMT, then emergency room social worker, taught me how to solve often complex problems creatively, caringly and efficiently. In the ER, my job was to meet the patients wherever they were and serve them, not wait for them to come to me. I will take the same approach with the citizens as a councilman.

When my children were young, I was actively involved in their schools. Later I served as a student mentor. Currently I teach a GED class in Winder. I understand the challenges young families face, as well as the hard work and dedication it takes for an adult learner to become more employable. As your councilman, I pledge to work with the schools, civic clubs and other organizations to support education and build Winder’s work force. There is already much to be proud of, but improvement can always be made.  

My years as a housepainter and later, as a wedding and family photographer, taught me how hard it is for a small business to survive and thrive. Winder needs to support the businesses that are here and work to attract new ones. Yet, I am hearing that Winder is not a particularly “business friendly” city. That needs to change and as your councilman, I will work to change that.  

During my nine years as a reporter/writer/photographer for local newspapers, I have covered meetings, social events, police and school news. I KNOW Winder; I understand the perspective of the various stakeholders in our community. As your councilman, I will put that knowledge to good use, listening to and addressing citizen and business concerns. I will strive to build greater cooperation between the various entities that shape our city. I will support local charities and causes and make sure our public servants have what they need to fight crime and keep us safe. 

I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado. My political affiliation is Independent. I am involved in local animal rescue work, efforts to feed the hungry and events supporting local historic preservation.  

I have a servant’s heart and the ability to lead. I am approachable and open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. I am also clear that public service requires conviction and a clear sense of right and wrong. I do not believe government should respond based on “who you are” and “who you know.” As your councilman, I promise to listen to and be ever responsive to all of the citizens of Winder.

This race is the only issue on the ballot this year, so EVERY vote will count. I urge you to vote with conscience and conviction. I welcome and appreciate your support. I look forward to serving you. Together, we can make our city a better place to live and work.

Lorin Sinn-Clark

Winder, GA 30680

770-867-5669