In 1992, as I drove home, Martha Dixon and I passed each other. About 10 minutes after I got home, the phone rang. It was Martha. She said, “I just met you, and it came to my mind that you would make a good Justice of the Peace for District 4.” We talked briefly. Then I told her my wife was not at home, and we needed to talk before I commit myself. Martha told me, “You need to hurry and make a decision because filing ends Tuesday at noon.” My wife came home and we discussed the matter. She said, “Why not? You have my support.” I filed. This is my 15th term and when completed, I will have served 30 years. Again my wife and I talked, and I made the decision that it was time for me to end my service as Justice of the Peace.
For many years I ran unopposed. However, when the opposition surfaced, my loyal voters and supporters were there for me every step of the way. Therefore, it is with a grateful heart that I say “THANK YOU” to the many voters and supporters who have been there for me. Carrying the aforesaid a step further, I would like to bullet point some of those to whom I would be remiss not to say “Thank you.”
• Those who said give me a list of some of the voters in District 4. I will do some calling.
• Those who said, “Stop by my office. I have something for you.”
• The gentleman who called and said, “I see in the paper you have an opponent; look for a check in the mail.”
• The person who used his automobile and his time to carry voters to the poll.
• The gentleman who called and said, “I know it’s raining, but while I’m in town I wanted to stop by. I have something for you.”
• The person I met coming out of the doctor’s office and said, “I have something for you.”
That person who, while we were at a gathering, came to me with an envelope and said, “This has your name on it. Stick it in your pocket.”
• The person who gave me a check, came over with his truck for us to load my signs in and helped to display my signs throughout District 4. When the election was confirmed, I walked to our carport the next day. He had taken up my signs and returned them.
Going a step further, thanks to my God who gives me the strength I need. Last but not least, thanks to my wife who gave me 100% of her support just as she said she would. She is the wind beneath my wings. Again, thank all of you for your vote of confidence and your support throughout the years. God bless!
— Albert Neal