Muarlean Edwards officially kicks off bid to unseat Darrel Ealum in House 153
Edwards says she is grounded in the community and knows the needs of the people in the district
Muarlean “The Hat Lady” Edwards officially kicked off her campaign to unseat incumbent Darrel Ealum in Georgia House District 153 on Tuesday. (Staff Photo: Terry Lewis)
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — Maurlean Edwards officially kicked off her run at Georgia House District 153 with a news conference Tuesday to discuss her bid for the seat of incumbent Darrel Ealum. Political newcomer Antonio Screen is also in the race.
Edwards, who served two terms on the Dougherty County Commission, is known as the “Hat Lady.” She did not disappoint Tuesday as she wore a cowboy hat while the supporters gathered behind her all donned colorful chapeaus of all shapes and sizes.
“I’m excited about my candidacy to represent my house, your house in the Georgia House of Representatives,” Edwards said. “My platform is derived from the knowledge I have about the needs of the district I have observed and experienced from many years of public and private service. This campaign will be about accountability, accessibility and visibility.”
Edwards added her strong grassroots connections will be an asset in the House.
District 153 is composed solely of voting precincts in Dougherty County. I clearly know what goes on in your house because the same things go on in my house,” Edwards said. “I know what things keep you awake at night because the same things keep me up.”
Edwards wants to expand health care options, broaden educational opportunities, family programs, veteran services employment empowerment and decrease incarceration and reduce repeat offender rates.
“You can expect the same from me as you always have received from me while serving as your neighbor, your county commissioner, your social worker, your teacher or whatever services at the particular time, Edwards said.
She criticized Ealum for approving the creation of the Opportunity School District referendum which will appear on November’s ballot.
“Approving the referendum will eliminate local control of public schools and silence the voices of parents, community members and locally elected leaders,” Edwards said. “And to make matters worse, this overreach will be paid for with local tax dollars without representation. I understand the political landscape, I can analyze difficult issues, and I will arrive at common ground.”
The three contenders will square off in the Democratic primary on May 24.
Related Articles
Dougherty Jail graduates first class of female GED recipients
“It was an escape. I can say this has been challenging. I want to express my gratitude for being able to attend this program.”
From cotton to cloud: In the data center debate, is rural Georgia once again being asked to carry the cost?
Across much of rural Georgia, the abandoned cotton warehouses and shrinking tax bases remain — enduring reminders that industries built to serve distant markets do not necessarily stay rooted in the communities that first sustained them.
Dawson Council approves $400,000 lifeline in emergency meeting as financial accountability remains elusive
Less than a week after city officials publicly acknowledged the City of Dawson cannot continue operating without additional financing, the Dawson City Council convened a hastily called emergency meeting Tuesday evening and unanimously approved authority to borrow up to $400,000 through a tax anticipation note.
