As a Freshman in High School, I debated in opposition to my beliefs on a controversial legal issue because few would support the then unpopular perspective. As a youth, I found myself challenging the teachings of the church, not to discredit but to verify. I strive to confirm my ideas by understanding those that are contrary. I am convinced that truth can best be found unrestricted by belief; and belief can be most strongly held honestly seeking truth.

     I entered college at eighteen declaring a pre-law major. Although my dreams and goals were set, the course would not be as straight as I had hoped. Inadequate academic dedication and financial resources led to early set backs. I determined to obtain a position which would afford me the financial resources to maintain a modest standard of living while also providing a means to continue my education. I sought out and began work as an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

     As an ATCS, I worked in Indianapolis, Key West, Miami, and Macon, Georgia. This position requires vigorous study, adaptability, analytical and communication skills as well as the ability to make crucial decisions quickly. I negotiated for employee rights as Union President and held other offices in the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. I represented the FAA in negotiations with military bases and local airports and also provided educational programs in the community. I served as legislative representative and lobbied Congress on national issues for over five years.

     As I sat in the Minority Whip’s office, I listened as my two more experienced associates explained to Newt Gingrich a proposed bill and its value to ATCS. It was my first trip to DC and my function was mostly as observer. Mr. Gingrich asked three times “So all of this is about more money?” As the probing question was about to be met again with defensive justification, I interrupted and said “Yes, everything in this bill is about money.” He responded, “Give it to me. I’ll gladly sign it. I know the work that’s done and the benefit to our country.” Sometimes understanding a question is as important as having the answers.

     While living in the mesh of the many cultures of Miami, I desired to know Spanish. After being transferred back to Macon, where at the time there appeared little use for the language, I began studying Spanish at Macon State College and involved myself in a local Hispanic church. I accompanied the church on several trips to Latin American countries and served as an interpreter for a medical group providing aid during a malaria epidemic in the Amazon.

     In Iquitos, Peru, as an indigenous band played, we laughed, talked and ate. We were readying to leave the poor albeit healthy city and travel to the malaria plagued, famine ridden “aldeas” on the banks of the Amazon. I knew where we were going and savored the journey even in the midst of poverty and sickness. The fragility of life rarely appears so ominous. Here, I more clearly realized the value of my unique ability to embrace, learn and understand, not only the words, but the culture and circumstances of a group or individual and convey these to people who otherwise may never comprehend. This trait is evident on the banks of the Amazon, the Senators office in DC, the negotiating table at Robins Air Force Base, the prosecutor’s office, the courtroom in front of a jury, and in my conference room speaking with clients.

     My strength is my character. Though not flawlessly, I live what I believe, while I stand for others’ right to believe differently. I not only tolerate, but also celebrate the uniqueness of all people and yet maintain that tolerance should stop at the point of encroachment on others. I have experienced significant things first hand. I have weathered Hurricane Andrew, swam with piranhas in Peru, visited ruins in Spain and Mexico, taken pieces of the Berlin Wall, and sailed across the Great Barrier Reef. I have been fortunate but do not overlook the plight of others. I have served Big Brothers, Foster Care, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), International Student Exchange and more. I integrate service to my occupation as well as to my daily life.

     It is my ardent desire to help protect the virtue of our youth and to unite cultures both here and abroad. We are working in an effort to better the quality of education in Macon and Bibb County. I believe that a Godly influence must rise up to confront the depravity facing our youth. Our mission is to educate, to make our community more aware of the issues we face; to protect our youth, to help provide an environment in which they can learn and grow; and to unite the cultures which comprise us. Liberal, Conservative, Republican, Democrat, White, Black, Latino and other, we have an obligation to conduct ourselves in a manner which doesn’t intrude on another’s rights, to respect the laws which govern us, and to take personal responsibility for where life leads.

     It is my commitment to operate a business based on the ideals here set forth. As a Real Estate closing office we have the opportunity to meet people of our community from varying walks of life. We work to help our community understand Georgia laws and how they affect the purchase and finance of their homes. With our Hispanic Services division, we educate on how the changing immigration laws affect the community. This includes the effect of lack of enforcement with regard to our present system, and how this affects businesses as well as individuals. In our Bankruptcy division we explain how the Bankruptcy law has changed and what effect this has on consumers’ options.

     Lastly, in the criminal law division I strive to better the community by ensuring that individuals’ interest are protected as well as the community at large. A seventeen year-old, for example, found himself accused of a crime of Theft because his grandparents instructed him to move a scooter which had been abandoned on their property. He made the mistake of trying to sell it. It is theft to attempt to sell what a person should have known was stolen. Here, though technically guilty of a felony to be treated as an adult, I believe that he and the community are better served by having him make restitution by paying for the scooter and thereby avoid the felony record, jail cost, court monitoring, and loss of job potential - consequences which seem disproportionate to his crime. Among our aspirations is an effort to enter our schools with programs designed for the ‘at risk’ student, accompanied by people such as this young man who relate to the ‘at risk’, and yet now, through their circumstances and new life awareness, are able to encourage advancement and dedication in place of stagnation and apathy.

     My goal is to be part of a movement to make Macon a more prosperous and inviting place to live. We begin through educational events in the community, literature, editorials, and brochures which help understanding of legal issues. In addition, I intend to remain true to spiritual convictions to provide quality service and to use my position to promote what I am convinced are true moral precepts. This country was founded on a belief in God; however, as business people, we have strayed, bowing instead to a guise of political correctness. Conversely, I am often disconcerted by companies who seem to trade on the call of their religion. Nevertheless, I cannot refrain from the practice or promotion of principles and beliefs, which I hold true, simply for fear that they will be interpreted incorrectly. While I realize that we may all be deficient, even as measured against our own belief, we must at least acknowledge to what we aspire.

     We strive to provide the best legal service offered in this community for each of our specialties. We purpose to make each client aware that their interests are protected in the best possible way. We promote individual responsibility, community involvement and decisions to live according to truths, sought out and tried, and teach that Peace, Love and Hope outweigh corrupt fiscal gain. We are not a charity; we are here for a profit; we are here as a business, and we are here with a purpose.

     I hope that when you have need for an attorney, you will consider us.