From Julian Bond to Cyril Pessoa, 2 July 1968

July 2, 1968

Dear Mr. Pessoa,

Thank you very much for your letter. I sometimes wonder myself what I am accomplislhing, if anything, in the Georgia Legislature. You are entirely right in asserting that it is greatly different from any of my past experiences. I don't feel extraordinately frustrated by it, because I realized in advance that it was by nature a slowly-moving body and one not used to or capable of effecting great change in short periods.

It has had its rewards, however. They have included committee work in which I hope I've beenable to contribute something to raising teachers' salaries in the state, toward developing a program for exceptional children in Georgia, toward effecting some small steps toward a gun law in the state, and in beating down repressive welfare legislation.

What has been the greatest reward, however, has been in exercising the peripheral power which comes with the job. In other words, because of my position with the state, I am able to ask for and receive a greater share of services from the city and county for my constituents that I might have been able to do had I remained a private acitizen.

(more)

Mr. Cyril Pessoa July 2, 1968 Page two

I am sure that the paving of streets and the collection of garbage is not the first step toward the institution of revolutionary change in the lives of the people I represent, but I do think it constituestes improvement, and I do believe they are pleased to have that improvement made.

I am now coampaining for re-election, and have no opposition in eitherthhe Democratic primarey or General election.

I am enclosing a terrible picture of myself with three of my pages, which may not be what your daughter wants. At any rate, it is the only one I have to spare. I hope it will suffice.

Let me wish your little girl good luck in whatever she undertakes, and success in her future.

Sincerely,

Julian Bond

:nb Enc