Watching the GOP debates and the candidates reminds me of how bad this country has fallen in its leadership skills.

We are seeing ideology and hypocrisy when we desperately need competency and democracy.

Bush and the GOP gave us two unfunded wars that have cost us over $1.5 trillion. The wars make money for the rich and made graves and hardships for our military families.

YOU could be a G.A.L.! “ What’s that?” you ask. A GAL (Guardian ad Litem) is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child. In court, the GAL serves as an important voice for the child.

Children who are abused or neglected are removed from their homes by the Department of Social Services. During the court process of finding a home (foster care, relatives, return to biological parents, placement for adoption) for these children, a GAL is paired with a court appointed attorney to seek the best solution for the child.

As every parent knows, raising a child is difficult and stressful. During these hard economic times child abuse and neglect has increased as parents stressed out over the loss of jobs and income sometimes take out their frustrations on their children. In one recent study in 74 counties in four states child abuse increased by 65 percent.

On behalf of the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Main Street Program, I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that helped make PumpkinFest2011 a tremendous success. This year’s event was the largest and best attended event ever held in downtown Franklin.

We have many people to thank for their contributions to the success of the event. They include:

At the end of another successful fund raising season, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks from the entire membership of the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club for the superb publicity you have provided for us.

Your publicity has been the key to our success, since so many more people have attended our functions.