Sam McGrew says thank you, Wakulla
Editor, The Sun:
To my friends and neighbors,
This campaign has been a true blessing. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for inviting me into your homes, making me laugh, and opening up about your needs and hopes. Running for office is hard. But every day, you’ve inspired me with your love, grace, and sincerity. You’ve taught me so much, and—win or lose—I’ll always be grateful.
For those I haven’t met yet, I hope to use this final opportunity to tell you who I am. I’m a proud 5th-generation Wakulla man, raising the 6th with my wife, Janice. Growing up, I had a home filled with love and a church blessed with joy.
There was plenty of space to hunt, fish, and explore. Wakulla County gave me the freedom and stability to grow.
From a young age, I was taught to work hard, and football gave me an outlet for that. I eventually became an all-state linebacker and impressed Coach Bobby Bowden. As a Florida State Seminole, I’d sack quarterbacks on Saturday and be dressed for church Sunday morning. Whether I was in a deer stand or on the porch with my family, I found my peace in Wakulla County.
As a professional football player, I got to see the world, but I couldn’t wait to come home. I moved back to Wakulla 15 years ago to start a family and a small business. Janice and I had three kids, and we started a childcare center, where we keep prices low to help families afford care. To keep Wakulla strong, I started a youth sports nonprofit, served as a motivational speaker in the DARE program, and worked to become a deacon in my church.
Unfortunately, the peaceful place that so many of us love is not being protected. Our tax dollars are being used to subsidize infrastructure for developers and to support projects that pollute our water. Meanwhile, the sewer system is overwhelmed and our youth seem not to be a priority.
I’m running for office to restore strong values to the Wakulla County Commission: fiscal responsibility, responsiveness to citizens, and a youth focus. I even put “Defend Wakulla” on my campaign signs. Somebody has to play defense and I know a thing or two about that.
As we approach Election Day, I want to again say thank you to all I’ve met on this journey. No matter the outcome on Tuesday, you have reminded me of what makes Wakulla County so special.
If I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you yet, I hope you’ll call me this week at 850-280-6706.
With gratitude,
Sam McGrew
Editor’s Note: This letter was received prior to the election but did not run last week because of our policy on letters from candidates.