Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dear Editor, 

I write this letter in support of my friend Gary Walker. Let me open by saying that Gary neither solicited nor had any input into this letter.

Let me start by sharing a story that was told to me over 30 years ago by my friend and cousin, Jimmy Andrews. Many of you may remember Jimmy as the owner of Andrews’ Supermarket and a former member of the Board of Supervisors. At the time there was a controversy going on in the county, as there often is, regarding the building of the County Administration Building. The Supervisors were catching some heat, as they often do, about the size and expense of the building. 

Jimmy and I were discussing the project and he shared the following thought: “You know when a person stays pretty much to themselves and rarely has anything to say in public, many people will say – yes old “Joe” is a good old fellow, everybody likes him. However, when a person enters the public domain by running for an elected office, he or she often becomes a target of controversy and criticism.” Fortunately, we have people who are willing to endure scrutiny and criticism to serve their community and fellow citizens. Jimmy was such a person, as is Gary Walker.

I have known Gary for over 60 years. We were in school together, both remained here in the county, and have stayed in touch throughout the years. During that time, I have known him to be nothing but friendly, open to varying opinions, and willing to serve the citizens of the County in various capacities. As many of you know Gary has served on the School Board, represented his District as a Supervisor for many years, often serving as Chairman. Gary has also been a very successful Dixie Youth baseball coach for many, many years. He played a large part in getting the Dixie Youth field in Charlotte Court House built. Gary has also faithfully served his church throughout the years. I would challenge anybody to name someone that has done more for the County than Gary Walker.

Although I have no insider knowledge as to the charges being brought against Gary my guess is when the “dust settles” what he is accused of will be a trivial matter and perhaps a simple mistake. I believe that he will be found innocent of all charges.

I am proud to be a citizen of Charlotte County and would like to thank all the many people who serve and have served in our local government. These folks strive to make Charlotte County a better place in which to live and work. Gary Walker is one of those people.

Dexter Andrews

Charlotte County