I’ve become far too cynical to make yet another political endorsement. But Jerry NeSmith, running for my old District-6 ACC commissioner seat, is different. And here’s why.

Yes, I‘ve been burned far too often to waste more money and energy on mostly well-meaning folks wanting my election support. I’m cynical, because all too often in my 50-year voting lifetime my enthusiasm for a political candidate has been disappointed by the elected reality—and no place more grievously than locally by our city/county mayors and commissioners.

I attribute no particular fault to the good intentions of most elected officials—all genuinely desiring to serve both their community and themselves. But good intentions are not enough.

One problem is that most candidates embody more arrogance than humility, being hugely under-qualified. Indeed, they are not well versed in public issues and governmental functions, and underestimate the intelligence, initiative, independence, time and learning commitment necessary to be productive. Thus, as cover, they become dependent upon the staff experts, rubberstamping the recommendations that best serve their bureaucratic employees, rather than the electorate whose money they spend.

But the greater problem is that most candidates are fundamentally not suited for public service, because they lack an understanding of the common good and the public interest to be served: the ability to look beyond individual or special interests, to scrutinize issues and not bend to the loudest voice or follow the crowd—the vision and wisdom to do good, to do no harm and the foresight to look beyond the transient present, to the sustainable future.

Oddly, moreover, elected service seems only to diminish the capacity for improvement—any likelihood that decisions will reflect, increasingly and foremost, the public’s interest—as politicians bask in the pleasurable notoriety of liking and being liked, accommodating community “leaders” whose business is getting other people to pay for the things that they want.

I make no guarantees. But if anyone is likely to break this mold it would be Jerry.

First, he is even more knowledgeable about governmental functions and bureaucratic machinations than were States McCarter and myself when we ran against the establishment back in 2000, as neighborhood and environmental advocates.

Second, Jerry has not only served on the planning commission for nine years, but his diligence and constructive scrutiny earned him a reputation as being difficult to work with—to the point that his reappointment to a second term was not a slam-dunk. But as the only county commissioner regularly attending planning commission meetings, I can attest that Jerry’s contributions were always constructive and informed, if discomforting. He was the best—knowledgeable, deliberate, independent and always focused on the public interest. He asked the tough questions, sought the right answers and voted with integrity.

Third, Jerry’s public service extends far beyond the planning commission. Most notable has been his quiet and effective work establishing and sustaining the Saturday farmers market at Bishop Park, plus this year’s Wednesday-evening supplement adjacent to City Hall. Even better, as the market’s treasurer, Jerry has done it on a shoestring—unlike the M&C, who rarely spend public money as if it were their own. That is a demonstration of the innovative, visionary and dedicated public accomplishment that I seek of a county commissioner.

Finally, Jerry is not a short-termer or this year’s product of political partisans. He has a history of involvement in public service—all his life, everywhere he has lived—in addition to his considerable professional accomplishments, most recently at UGA. It is in his blood. He’s the real deal. He is knowledgeable, genuinely cares and is sufficiently committed to act on it. Check out Jerry’s informative website at http://jerrynesmith.com/ to see for yourself.

Thus, I believe Jerry is unusually qualified to serve Athens in City Hall—a person whose commitment to public service matches his rare recognition of public interest. For me, he can’t get started soon enough.