As mayor, I recently changed the name of the long-time annual Christmas Celebration with a new Proclamation.  When I became mayor in 2008, this was one of my priorities but I moved methodically in the process.  

To leave Christmas out of the name all these many years just did not sit right with me.   Our country was founded on Christian principals and our priorities to that end have kept this country free!

I am tired of being “politically correct”; do we believe IN GOD WE TRUST or do we not want to offend anyone? Every religion has the freedom of speech and there are literally thousands, they have their rights; however, this USA has a heritage and foundation brought forward for over 200 years.

Our own Washington, D.C., has Christian Bible verses etched  in many buildings and structures built many years ago. I love America and the principles it was founded on so long ago.

I don’t agree with the places I spend my money during Christmas time saying “Happy Holidays”; it was “Merry Christmas” since I was old enough to remember and then almost overnight it changed, leaving Christ out of the season we celebrate as His birthday.  

In Tifton, our annual expressions will no longer be the Tifton Hometown Holiday Celebration. I am proud to say it is now officially the TIFTON HOMETOWN HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION as is evidenced by a new Proclamation I signed.

Our community is proud of the many changes made by our current city employees, City Hall and Main Street office. They work tirelessly, mostly after hours.  We also appreciate the local businesses that donate unselfishly of their money that is such a great help in making it all happen.

Thanks to everyone and we are about two months away from the new Tifton HHCC, so Merry Christmas early!

Jamie Cater,

Mayor of Tifton