I was heartened to read Now Habersham’s account of Democrat Nick Alex’s challenge to incumbent Rep. Andrew Clyde for the 9th District seat in Congress (Aug. 13, “Nick Alex brings congressional campaign to Clarkesville“).
Northeast Georgia residents deserve a change. Clyde has been an embarrassment to the institution since taking office four-and-a-half years ago. He has earned a reputation as one of the least accessible members of Congress, refusing to do town halls and rarely appearing at public events. Even social media engagement is rare.
Clyde’s conflicts of interest probably explain his reluctance to meet his constituents. Last month, when Congress was working overtime trying to come up with a sweeping national budget, Clyde held his critical vote hostage until his Republican colleagues agreed to a provision that deregulates gun silencers.
Clyde said he was protecting the Second Amendment, but really, he was increasing revenues for his multi-million-dollar Athens weapons business, Clyde Armory. The congressman sells dozens of different models of silencers at his store and online, some going for as much as $2,000. Deregulation means greater sales, which means more profits for Clyde.
This was a clear violation of longstanding House ethics rules, and not the first time the congressman has ignored ethical standards to push legislation that enhances his personal wealth.
The Democrats’ Alex, a retired Atlanta bank executive who lives in Clayton, comes without conflicts — and with an understanding of how much working families are struggling in today’s economy. He promises to be both accountable and accessible.
Clyde has been neither. Constituents deserve better.
Dan Moffett
Dillard, GA
