Sage Edwards Seeks Office of Mayor Pro Tem

Shirley Ann Gude Edwards “Sage” is no stranger to the Monticello community having served as the director of the state sponsored Better Hometown Program from 2005-2009.

Her energy and vision under the program helped to revitalize the Square and created a gathering place for the community which brought several public events to the Square. Most notably were the Hot Air Balloon & Jazz Fest, the children’s Christmas parade, the popular “My Cousin Vinny” skit, the Bicentennial Celebration, and a collaborative effort with the Extension Service that started the ongoing Market on the Square.

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Ms. Edwards grew up in the community of Shady Dale and graduated with honors from the Jasper County Training School in 1965. She went on to attend Clark Atlanta University majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. Additional studies include Marketing at New York University, Fashion Merchandising at the Fashion Institute of New York and Trust Banking Services at Houston Community College.

She is a writer, producer and part owner of a theatrical production company as well as a tourism company.

Ms. Edwards is the fifth child of 12 born to the late Andrew Jake and Eva Gude and is a member of her childhood church, Greenwood Baptist in Shady Dale.

Born Shirley Ann Gude she acquired the name Sage when she became involved with live theatre shows in New York, Houston and San Francisco. When she married in 1976 her friends started calling her Sage Edwards and she has been known by that name ever since.

While spearheading the Better Hometown Program and the Downtown Development Authority here, it was Ms. Edwards’ vision to create the Red Clay Galleria & Café which was accomplished with funding through a grant from the USDA. The project brought renewed interest in downtown Monticello and became a favorite meeting place for a great meal, buying incredible antiques, and beautiful and unique collectibles from a varied assortment of small local vendors.

Candidate Edwards states, “I pledge to work hard to reclaim the honor and respect Monticello enjoyed in earlier years. We need an economic boost to counter our declining employment and job growth and equally as important, we need a workable and affordable solution for structuring our utilities costs for our citizens and our local businesses. As a city we must help our community to prosper again and to regain its footing as we claim and nurture our next generations of home grown Monticello leaders.”

Ms. Edwards asks that donations to her campaign be mailed to Sage Edwards, P.O. Box 873, Monticello, GA 31064. She can be reached at 706-468-1524..