Our community lost a strong voice in Atlanta earlier this week, when State Sen. John Bulloch (R-Ochlocknee) announced his resignation from the Georgia General Assembly on Thursday.

Bulloch, whose district includes all of Decatur County, was elected to the State Senate in 2002 after previously serving four years in the State House of Representatives. He was the chairman of the Senate’s Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee and vice chairman of the Natural Resources and Environment committee.

Perhaps his most famous legislation was sponsoring the bill that allowed Georgians to vote locally on whether to allow Sunday alcohol sales. Whether Bulloch agreed with Sunday alcohol sales or not, he knew it was important to let the people have the say on the issue.

As a farmer by trade, Bulloch was intimately familiar with the issues that are important to farmers and agriculture — one of Decatur County’s most important industries. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said that Bulloch had a “fighting spirit” and a “commitment to always doing what is right.”

Bulloch has been reportedly facing health issues in recent weeks, and we join his friends and family in prayers for a speedy recovery. We will miss his leadership and strong character, and we thank him for his years of service.