One Man’s Opinion: Knowing When it’s Time to Go Home

By Bill Crane

I first had the pleasure of meeting U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky in Scottsdale, Arizona, roughly six months into his first term. McConnell was energetic, vibrant, quick-witted, and thoughtful in his public policy position statements.

McConnell is now the U.S. Senate Minority Leader and has led the GOP Senate Caucus since 2007. While still a brilliant political strategist and tactician, the Senator is clearly missing a step after a fall and reasonably severe concussion that resulted this spring. Though given a conditional clean bill of health by the U.S. Senate physician, McConnell is pale, appears fragile, speaks slowly, and in a softer timber. In addition to the two highly documented “freeze” moments, some of his public speaking has occasionally been non-sensical.

That said, Mitch McConnell is a friend, a fraternity brother of mine from another school, and I have had the opportunity to have supper a few times with the Senator and his wife, Elaine Chao, a former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former Director of the U.S. Peace Corps. Love or loathe their politics, this power couple is devoted to our nation, and both are decades-long public servants.

Power and fame are two very highly addictive as well as fleeting circumstances in life for some. Letting go of either voluntarily is challeng-

Getting to Know Quinn Windows

By Kristen Eleveld

Every home needs quality windows that not only have the right look, but also offer protection from weather without wearing down too quickly. For many people, figuring out which window is the best for them while staying within their budget may seem like an impossible task. That’s why those in the Tucker and surrounding areas are turning to the experts at Quinn Windows to meet their needs with quality service.

Started in 1980 by Charles Quinn, Quinn Windows has continued to become a household name for many in the community as they offer their knowledge in windows and doors to every client in need. Today, Quinn Windows is owned and operated by Conor Quinn, who began learning his family’s trade at an early age. Starting as a window installer, Conor now leads the team in working with clients to help them find what they are looking for.

“Our goal is to tell clients exactly what we think they need,” said Conor. “We won’t try to upsell you for profit. We always want your windows and doors to be the right fit for your home.”

While the word “windows” is in the business name, Quinn Windows can also help you replace your doors and shutters. Just tell them what you want to work on and they can help you discover what you need. Whether you are looking to upgrade your out-of-date windows or are looking for a fresh new look for your front door, Quinn Windows can help you find exactly what you need.

The process is simple: once you decide to replace or update your windows or doors, just reach out to the team at Quinn Windows. True ing, and perhaps even harder for those who become accustomed to that life is knowing when it is time to go home

I started this column discussing Senator McConnell, though the effective service warranty and date of expiration on President Joe Biden has been blinking red hot for well over a year now. Yet McConnell (81) and Biden (80) appear as young pups next to Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) at 89. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) is 83 and announced that she will again be seeking re-election as a member of the House Democratic Caucus in 2024.

I don’t believe in term limits, and there is almost no place where more value is placed on seniority than on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Still, when senior moments become daily or weekly occurrences, it also becomes time for self-evaluation and medical assessment.

Congressional staff often tend to be closest, even making policy decisions in the White House or on the Hill for aging and failing elected officials. But that is NOT representative democracy. There is some incredible staff in government at all levels, but staff members’ desire to maintain their own power and position does not justify propping up public servants who also endanger their own health by staying past their effective expiration dates. No matter how much coddling you might receive from staff and some party officials, public life is no picnic. The hours are long, and the schedules are demanding.

Here in Georgia, Senator Johnny Isakson resigned when his Parkinson’s Disease had too fully compromised his ability to serve. And for several years after his diagnosis, he put in ten miles every day on a treadmill. Senator Saxby Chambliss, after receiving a cancer diagnosis, decided not to seek re-election and to focus on his family and remaining time, which thankfully has likely been years more now due to stepping back to that lighter and less demanding lifestyle and schedule.

I am not suggesting that we codify age limits, particularly as modern medicine and new treatments slow, or in some cases, roll back the clock advancing. But as with periodic tests for the re-issuance of a driver’s license primarily about keeping our roadways safe, we need to consider basic fitness and competency tests for continuing service after a benchmark birthday, such as 75.

Continued on page 19 to their commitment to excellence, nearly all of the staff at Quinn Windows has experience working on an installation team, meaning they can advise you with next steps using their industry knowledge and experience. From there, it’s just a matter of creating a plan. A Quinn Windows team member will reach out to you with a timeline and quote to help you make the decision that’s best for your home.

One important thing to Conor and his team is that this process is meant to be a no-pressure situation. While the team is always standing ready to help, they do not want anyone to rush into their decisions, and they encourage their clients to take their time in considering how they want to proceed.

“We’re a family business, but we can provide a high level of service,” said Conor. “We are able to give a more personal touch to every project.”

If you have been thinking of upgrading or updating your windows, doors, or shutters, there is no time like the present. You can schedule a consult with Quinn Windows today to talk with their experts about which of their many products and services will best suit your needs. Not sure what you want? No problem. Quinn Windows has a showroom with over sixty doors and windows on display, and anyone is welcome to browse the options available. From there, all you have to do is let the team do what they do best. Once you approve the quote they send, they will order the materials and set up a time to complete the installation. It’s quick and easy, and soon you will be enjoying a much needed update to the windows and doors of your home.

Give Quinn Windows a call today at 770-939-5634 to set up your installation consult.

More information at www.quinnwindows.biz