Page 48 - Demo

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Rep. Jason Shaw, and his father, Jay Shaw, are joined by Rep. Amy Carter, and Speaker of the House David Ralston at the State Capitol.
going to do all he could to help,”
Sam Shaw said. “He was concerned about healthcare and the employees. He wanted to provide jobs close to home so that they could work in the communities where they lived and go home at the end of the day and attend their kids’ ballgames or school events.”
Not only did Jay Shaw work tirelessly advocating for the needs of South Georgia, but he also served as a mentor to other legislators, including Representative Amy Carter.
Carter said it was while student teaching in Lanier County that she rst met the Shaw family.
“I had the kindest and most self- assured young man in my class named Sam Shaw,” Carter said. “At that time I knew of Jay Shaw, as he was in partnership with my dad and others in a hunting facility. As I was completing my teaching experience, Jay announced he was going to seek the elected o ce of State Representative, District 176.”
Carter had volunteered in a few local campaigns earlier, so she o ered her support to Jay Shaw.
“Twelve years later, my opportunity
to run for o ce presented itself with the retirement of Representative Ron Borders,” Carter said. “Jay showed
me every step of the way ‘under the Gold Dome.’ He taught me to listen more than I speak, especially in my early years. He taught me that South Georgia is the highest priority, and we should work together as a group to get things done in the state capitol.”
“Libby Shaw is a saint and the sweetest woman. I have known her for many years; I remember as a young boy when she worked for my dad
at the health department,” Golden recalled. “I have known Jason and Sam since they were little boys. Jason is a lot like his father. He has the courage of his convictions and cares passionately about South Georgia. Sam has his father’s keen business sense. He is one of the most likable and approachable people I know.”
The Legacy Continues
In 2010, while Jay Shaw transitioned to representing the eighth congressional district on the State Transportation Board, his son, Jason, began his political career as State Representative for District 176, the same seat his father held.
“Public service was a higher calling for my dad, and it didn’t matter who you were or where you were from or even if you had voted for him,” said Jason Shaw. “If you called him and you needed help, he was going to try his best to help you.”
Having the Shaw name has helped Jason become acclimated to political life, and his father’s example and advice still guide him personally and politically.
“It has helped me to have his good name to follow,” Jason Shaw said. “Everyone liked dad. He was the kind of guy people really respected.”
Jason said the best piece of political advice he received from his father was to always look after the people in his district.
“He told me never to forget who sent me to Atlanta,” said Jason Shaw. “I
try to remember that every day, and every time I make a decision I think about how it will impact the people in my district.”
A strong work ethic and the desire to help others was something Jay Shaw instilled in both of his sons.
“Dad always wanted us to treat people the way we wanted to be treated,” said Sam Shaw, who serves as city president for Farmers and Merchants Bank in Homerville. “I have always remembered my dad being
in public service, either as mayor of Lakeland, a state representative, or on the transportation board. He always wanted to take care of people.”
Sam recalled his father’s passion for healthcare, especially at small hospitals.
“He told me that rural hospitals are hard to keep going but that he was
48 SG MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017