The Covington News has been one of Baxter International’s biggest advocates, standing behind county leaders in their efforts to make the company’s landing in Stanton Springs industrial park a smooth one.

And we’re eagerly looking to working with the company in the future as they become a major player in the development and growth of Newton County.

In light of what the company is bringing, we supported the huge tax breaks and other infrastructure incentives given to them. That’s how the game is played, and Baxter held all the cards.

However, at some point, enough is enough, and we’re torn on the ZIP code change being pushed in eastern Newton County.

The benefits for Covington and Newton County are obvious. We get free, valuable marketing by having the Baxter name attached to Covington, as opposed to Walton or any surrounding counties.

However, at the same time, 616 families or property owners could be affected by the change, and it appears many of them aren’t in favor of having the inconvenience of changing their address on all of their bills and documents.

If you live in the area but aren’t yet sure how to vote, we suggest you go to Tuesday’s town hall at 7 p.m. at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 55 Ga. Highway 229, Social Circle.