Editor's Note: Rick Perry is running against Powder Springs resident Edith Page Gude and incumbent Rosalyn Neal for the City Council's at-large Post 1 seat in November's elections.

By Rick Perry

I have lived in Cobb County for 28 years, the last 13 in Powder Springs. An Atlanta native and graduate of Mercer University, I have lived in metro Atlanta all of my life.

God has blessed me with my beautiful, loving wife Grace and two wonderful children. My daughter, Emory, is 13 and a student at Tapp Middle School.  My son, John, is 10 and a student at Varner Elementary. 

Grace works at Varner in the media center, and we are very active in both schools. As a family, we belong to the McEachern United Methodist Church and participate in many activities. 

I am retired from Sears and Allstate, where I spent 26 years in sales and as a insurance agent. I also spent 10 years as a real estate agent with Keller-Williams Realty. I believe my experience in business will help me as a council member. 

I currently have more time to devote to my family and my community, where I hope I can make a difference. The city of Powder Springs needs to attrack more businesses to increase the tax base. 

We must also explore all grants available from the federal government to improve our quality of life. As citizens we must all share in the American pie.