Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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Im very pleased and proud to be honored with the award, said Burton, who also received the 2007 MLK Community Service Award. I guess they saw some interest in me as an elected city official.
In fact, the steering committee, under the leadership of Chairman David Norman, recognized Burton with the honor because of his efforts to improve racial relations as a councilman.
George has been behind the plow so to speak for many years, Norman said. He is a leader who any day, time or night, you can call with a problem in reference to the City of Thomasville. He will take it on, if it is the right situation, so everyone is happy about it.
Burton was the second ever African-American police officer in the Chair City, and currently is the only African-American councilman. Looking back on his 17 years serving on City Council, Burton said he has tried to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr.
The motto I follow is, I have a dream, he said. I do have a dream for the City of Thomasville.
Part of that dream is helping citizens have a better quality of life.
Burton has been very outspoken for the need of adequate recreational facilities, a movie theatre and bowling alley in Thomasville. His number one priority is bringing jobs to an area that has lost many manufacturing and textile jobs.
I was elected by the people to serve the people, he said. I am trying to deal with issues the best I can.
Burton has served the longest tenure on City Council. When asked how long he plans on serving on City Council, he said, As long as I live.
Since he was a youngster, Burton said he has always been interested in politics.
I feel like it has been a calling for me, he said. I have always had some concern for politics.
Aside from serving on City Council, Burton is a salesman at Carolina Motors on National Highway. After serving for the High Point Police Department, he went to work at Friendly Ford in Thomasvillle and then moved to Crescent Ford in Thomasville.
Burton and wife Mattie Fant, a Thomasville native, have two sons, Scott and Manta.
Rev. H.N. Goode and Kenny Dorsett of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church also received 2008 MLK awards from the Davidson County MLK steering committee. Goode was honored with a 2008 Minister award and Dorsett received the 2008 Minister of Music award.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.