State Sen. John Bulloch served the people of Decatur County and Georgia’s District 11 well for almost 12 years. It will certainly be a difficult task to select a person to fill his shoes, but we feel that Bainbridge’s own Dr. Dean Burke is the best choice for the job.

Our state senator should be someone who understand the needs of small-town business owners and the working class, but also someone who has some experience in the government sector. Burke, who is running as a Republican candidate, is uniquely positioned to satisfy both roles.

As a obstetrician and gynecologist, who has served many patients in Decatur County and surrounding counties, Burke has worked for 25 years in the private sector. As a business partner, he has been responsible for maintaining budgets and keeping expenses in check. Far too many career politicians in Atlanta have never had such real-life business experience, and thus do not understand how a government cannot spend more than it takes in. He knows the different between signing the front of a paycheck, and signing the back of a paycheck. We believe that Burke will be able to bring conservative fiscal policy to the Golden Dome.

In addition, Burke’s chosen profession as a physician will serve him well in the coming years, as the federal and state governments deal with “Obamacare,” Medicare, Medicaid and other health-care related challenges. Burke is also no stranger to the agricultural heartbeat of this community, as his family maintains a herd of cattle and he has many friends in the agricultural field.

However, Burke has also shown his political chops as well. He has served as a member of the Bainbridge City Council since 2007, earning re-election in 2011. He has also been a member of the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce and the Lower Flint District Water Planning Board. Water remains an important resource in Decatur County, and Burke’s familiarity with those issues will serve us well in Atlanta.

Finally, it is important to note that Burke is from Bainbridge. While that is not the only reason to endorse a candidate, it is certainly a major positive. He and his family have friends, acquaintances and ties not only here in Decatur County, but also in Seminole County and other parts of the District. Because he is a Bainbridge citizen, we believe that Burke will keep our community’s best interests and needs in mind.

There are six strong candidates for the State Senate District 11, and each brings his own unique knowledge and experiences to the table. However, we feel that Dr. Dean Burke is the best combination of political savvy and business common-sense, and The Post-Searchlight endorses him for the seat in next Tuesday’s election.