The folks of Griffin and Spalding County have lost a valiant warrior for open, transparent and accountable government. Janet Bailey worked tirelessly throughout her adult life here to diversify the tightknit structures of influence and decision-making that is so characteristic of former textile communities throughout the South.
Janet gave courage to the consumer and homeowner in Spalding County to voice their concerns where policies adversely affected them. She refused to be silenced when speaking out in defense of those who felt their own voice was not heard.
She gave thought less for her own material well-being than for the well-being of those in the community who otherwise would have endured greater sacrifice had she not given so selflessly of herself in service for them.
Janet gave encouragement to those who served with her, strength to those who remember her, and hope to those who follow her into service on behalf of the common good.
SINCLAIR HOLLBERG
Griffin resident
By the way, many of the schools were built by and on property donated by the textile companies. I do know the textile people I worked with donated the greater portion each year to the Community Chest that was later called The United Fund. I do know the textile company I worked for paid associates for their time and was a big supporter of the Red Cross Blood Drive. I do know the company I worked for supported with time and money the Renewal Education where many of our associates went on to better their education. How about the Dundee Fire Department? We had it long before we had a county fire department. I could tell you about the scholarships and on and on. Our textile companies were good citizens and now most of them are gone thanks to Free Trade. If you ask former associates most of them will tell you they miss their good paying textile jobs.
I know some people look down on people who do manual work for a living, especially people who worked for textile companies. We use to be called "Lint Heads" but that's alright. Most of our workers made more money than the jobs downtown paid. They just didn't get to dress as nice. I'm not ashamed to say I worked in a textile plant for almost 45 years along with many friends and family members.
I didn't know Ms. Janet Bailey and I'm sure she was a great person in the community and will be missed by her friends and family and I'm sorry for her loss. I don't know you Mr. Hollberg but I do know many wonderful people who were the top managers, middle managers and associates in the textile business. I had the privilege of working with many of them over the years and I hold them in high regards. They are like family to me.
Your characterization seems to imply something sinister and does not paint a true picture of our textile industry in Griffin. It's always easy to pick the negative while disregarding the positive. There are a lot of positives about our textile businesses. Forgive me if that was not your intent.
David Baugh
45 Years Proud Former Textile Worker