Dear Editor:

In a very short time, the governing body of the city of Covington will choose a new city manager to replace Steve Horton. Steve is too modest to realize that he is almost irreplaceable. Nevertheless, progress requires change and I write to voice an opinion about one finalist.

It has been said that two of the finalists have no top administrative experience. I do not know Leigh Anne Knight well enough to even make a comment, but it has been my good fortune to have known Craig Treadwell since he was a young man, and he is a remarkable person.

Captain Treadwell realized early in his career that education is important and when he completed the FBI Academy, he enrolled at Mercer University and finished while working full time. He then completed a master’s degree at Troy State University. He testified many times before me when I served the Alcovy Circuit as a juvenile court judge. He was without a doubt the best prepared witness to appear before the court.

When I started the criminal justice program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (formerly DeKalb Tech), Captain Treadwell taught classes for us. While teaching, he served the city of Covington Police in several administrative positions.

I remember my first few months as a young lawyer in the U.S. Air Force and though I started off with no practical legal experience, I learned quickly what was required of me. Captain Treadwell may not have experience managing other city departments; he will not falter as he learns what is expected of him.

Please do not fret about Craig Treadwell’s abilities. They are superb.

Sincerely,

J. Virgil Costley Jr.

Starrsville