Rick Phillips is a Toccoa businessman. The opinions expressed in this letter are his.
The Gasaway clan posted some atrocious words about our support for Chris Erwin; we respond to some recent LIEs put out by them!
1. Never met either of the Giles; just feel that everyone should have a right to voice their thoughts on a subject that’s important to them. Especially about an elected official who can’t manage his money, loses his property and takes his revenge on his new neighbor. Nothing in it for me, just an offer to help someone get their story out and fight the bully tactics!
2. The Gasaway clan states “The Giles’ first round of newspaper ads last May were paid for by Rick Phillips of Toccoa. This Phillips is the same guy who took out all of those TV ads (spring, summer, and fall) against Brian Kemp during the Governor’s race, and almost got Kemp beat by Stacey Abrams. The current Giles’ ads are again being paid for by the Phillips.” The only truth to this is about paying for the Giles ads again. I couldn’t, so my wife did. The rest is just a bald-faced LIE.
3. “Over the past year, Phillips spent a tremendous amount of money on those efforts. And over the past year, Phillips has contributed over $10,000 to the Erwin campaign”. You would think these “educated” folks would use the same method to look up that fact, to look at Stacy Abrams contributions where anyone will not find my name anywhere. Fact of the matter is, I am friends with both Brian and Casey. I told them both I would support the winner of the primary. After litigation started in a business dispute, I gave my support to Casey. When Casey lost and even when the litigation was still ongoing, I gave my support to Brian Kemp. Yes, I was interviewed by two TV stations, but not liking their spin on the story, I had no further comments.
“Never met either of the Giles; just feel that everyone should have a right to voice their thoughts on a subject that’s important to them.”
Finally, I have an agenda like many honest folks. I want to serve God and be a good husband, father and grandfather. I want to give back to my community in whatever small way I can. That’s pretty much it. I’m not a “Wealthy Financier.” I’m just a kid that grew up on Cotton Mill Hill and was taught a strong work ethic and a desire to do better. What some may not know, 15 years ago my family and I almost lost everything. We did not hide behind the face of legal outs from our responsibility. We faced them and trusted in God to see us through. There was another thing I learned on that Hill. Fight a Bully! Stand up to him or her. I am proud to see a lot of people are standing up to the bullies of the Gasaway clan!
To those that support Dan Gasaway, no harm no foul. That’s your right. That’s the American way. Just don’t Lie about me to further your cause.
Rick Phillips
Toccoa, Georgia
