Susie Ealum says she’s ready for School Board challenge

ALBANY — As the daughter of State Rep. Darrel Ealum, Susie Ealum is not unfamiliar with the stress of working a campaign. But this time is different, she’s taking her own first shot at political office.

On May 24, she and Geraldine Hudley will vie for the Dougherty County School Board at-large seat being vacated by Lane Price.

Ealum has scraped knuckles from knocking on doors during her quest; nonetheless, she has found life on the campaign trail to be a fulfilling experience.

“People have been so kind and appreciative to me as I knocked on thousands of voters’ doors over the past three months. Voters of Dougherty County are excited about my plan to keep us at the cutting edge of technology in the classroom,” Ealum said. “They have told me they do not want to go backwards to a time of failing schools and a failing school system.

“My family is my foundation and Dougherty County is my home. From the time I was a young child, the importance of an education has been ingrained in me. Proper education prepares our young adults to enter the work force, and I want to be part of that.”

Ealum said the hours have been long and hard, but she has enjoyed interacting with the people she has met.

“I have worked tirelessly during this campaign to meet voters, answer questions and share my positive vision of the future of Dougherty County. I fully anticipate winning the School Board seat,” Ealum said. “We developed a detailed plan from the beginning, and I have no regrets about the campaign our team is waging.”

Ealum, a captain in the Marine Corps Reserve, reminded voters to ask for the right ballot on election day.

“Voters are telling me they understand the importance of voting in the Democratic Primary on May 24,” she said. “Voters must know they have to pull the Democratic ballot in order to have a voice for our School Board election. Our School Board is not about the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. It’s about improving our quality of life and developing a quality work force where businesses will come to Dougherty County and bring jobs.”