EAST POINT, Ga. — Georgia voters will play a critical role in the race for the White House and 11Alive's Sunday politics show, The Georgia Vote, is working to make sure they're at the center of the conversation.
Meet East Point florist Richard Ramey
The Metro Atlanta native has owned and operated Flower Cottage on Main in East Point for over three decades.
His work provides a window into some of the most impactful moments in his customers' lives.
"It's really special because you are there for people during some of the biggest times in their lives," he said. "Whether it be the birth of a child or their wedding or, unfortunately, the passing of a loved one."
Ramey said those experiences remind him to treasure the moments in his own life.
"My friends say I live life to the fullest," he said. "And I do."
His biggest worry headed into the election
As election day nears, Ramey said he's most concerned about the possibility of former President Donald Trump returning to office.
"I just really don't think he's a kind person," he said. "Some people may not think the president needs to be kind, but I do."
He said he votes for the person and not necessarily for the party.
"I think he's very dangerous for our country; I think he's dangerous for democracy," he continued.
Issues he cares about
Representation
Ramey said that he's going to vote for the candidate that he feels is right for him as a person and as a business owner.
"I think as far as me being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, that concern always comes up every four years for me," he continued. "I've got to have a candidate that's going to support my right to be me."
Democracy and divisiveness
Ramey said that it's not a difficult decision for him to decide who should be the president.
"What's kind of scary for me is to think that there's probably 70 million people that think it's okay to have a felon as president. I'm just not one of them, I'm sorry," Ramey said.
He added that he's for people's freedom to choose who they want for president.
"That's what America is all about. This hatred and all of this culture that's going on right now in the political world about how we have to hate one another or not be friends with somebody or, you know, disown family members, that's got to stop," said the florist. "I'm 60 years old; I've never been mad at someone for who they voted for. That's part of being an American, to choose who you want."
What he's optimistic about
Ramey said he's ready for the divisiveness to end and for things to be back to the way they used to be.
"I'm optimistic about that we can do all the things I've been talking about. I'm optimistic that we come back together as a country and that we learn how to love thy neighbor and not to worry about the political sign in their front yard," Ramey said