January 3, 2009

I would first like to congratulate the new District 4 Hall County Commissioner Ashley Bell.  Since he won the Democratic nomination over incumbent Debra Mack, he automatically won the November election because he ran unopposed by any Republican.  I am fortunate to have been able to get to know Commissioner Bell through some political functions, and I will say straight up – I really like him personally.  He is charming, polite, funny, and has the enthusiasm I have as an elected official. 

 

Now before you all tongue lash me because I like a Democrat, because I am a Republican, as well as the direction politics has gone in the last several years, I have to tell you what a wise man told me this past year.  “At our level of government, city and county, partisanship does not really matter because we are the core of serving the people and we, as elected officials, make laws that directly affect all of us not just a certain group as does many other levels of government.”

 

If you read the articles (here and here), Commissioner Bell made some strong statements about clarity in government and zero-based budgeting.  He also talked about getting the corruption out of government.  There may be a little Republican in him and I may have to try and convert him to the other team.  That may be my New Years resolution.

 

I look forward to working with Commissioner Bell in the future as well as the other Commissioners on a number of important issues this coming year.

December 24, 2008

First and foremost I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you, from my family to yours, a Merry Christmas.

 

Now that I am not PC (politically correct) because I wished you all a Merry Christmas, let me say I do not care about being PC.  I am a Christian and Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I will always wish someone Merry Christmas – period.

 

To all those businesses, who will not allow their employees, especially in the retail word, wish the customers a Merry Christmas – shame on you. 

 

Here is the definition of Christmas from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.  Please read where it says “literally” and it says “Christ’s mass”.  As I tell the city attorneys when they try to tell me a definition based on law dictionaries, I usually reply, “I only use the Webster Dictionary”.

 

This political correctness has gotten way out of line.  Was it politically correct for our founding fathers to go against England?  I think not and because of their wisdom and vision, we now live in the greatest country given to man by God and I refuse to be PC to anyone for any reason.

 

Once again, Merry Christmas.

November 11, 2008

I would like to thank all who have served in the United States Military.  You are true American heroes.

October 25, 2008

LOCAL

Saturday was an eventful day.  I started the day off at the Boo Run if downtown Flowery Branch where I ran the 5K in 43 minutes, but I was pushing my son in his stroller.  Then off to the Spout Springs Elementary Fall Festival followed by the Sterling on the Lake Life is Good Pumpkin Festival where all proceeds went to charity. Oh did I mention I was in the dunking booth from 1:00 – 1:30 and the weather was perfect for a penguin to be in water.  Well it was for charity. 

October 12, 2008

LOCAL

Saturday I attended the conservative forum at Ryans located at 2415 Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville.  There is a forum held there the second Saturday every month.

 

There were a number of elected officials there including our US Congressman Nathan Deal, State Senator Lee Hawkins, State Representative James Mills, Hall County Commissioner Billy Powell, and a number of judges and other Hall County Republican Party officials.

 

I would like to thank the Chairman of the Hall County Republican Party Paul Stanley for another great event.

 

Please come and join us at the next forum the Saturday after the national election to celebrate the election of John McCain and Sarah Palin.

September 21, 2008

LOCAL

 

Yesterday I took my, almost 3 year old, son to the 5^th annual Car Show and Chili Cook Off and it was a blast.  I was so happy to see so many people enjoying themselves as well as all the cars and I cannot say enough about the chili.  It was great.  I heard someone mention the need for an Alka Seltzer booth next year.

 

I would like to tip my hat the organizers of this event and I look forward to next year.

July 4, 2008

 

Please read the Declaration of Independence on this day to remember.

 

God bless America.

June 28, 2008

LOCAL

The letters, emails, and phone calls keep coming in about the proposed Historic District map.  Please go to the City of Flowery Branch website and on the main page there is a section under latest news called 2008 Local Historic District Boundaries Information as well as a Fact Sheet to help answer some questions.

 

It is my hope that all the affected property owners are educating themselves on the facts of the matter and not making their decisions based on myths.

 

I also am hopeful that the city will ensure there is an educational campaign in which all affected property owners are reached out to and explained Flowery Branch’s position on the proposed Historic District.  It is only 80 properties.  I knocked on more doors than that during my election campaign.  I will walk with them too.  Public meetings are great and needed by law, but face to face and one on one personable and the right thing to do.

 

I will do everything in my power to prevent a hasty vote on such an important, as well as delicate topic.

 

On another matter, please read the article and watch the video on your Flowery Branch Police.  This is a great idea.  Oh by the way Chief, the other day when I asked if I could do a ride along with one of the officers – I was thinking in the patrol car.

 

STATE

I guess the big news is, former U.S. Representative, Bob Barr is doing well in the polling for Georgia.  The problem is, will the votes Barr gets be enough to propel Obama to victory?  I hope not.

 

FEDERAL

The Clinton and Obama kiss and make-up in Unity New Hampshire to show they are united for some cause – the destruction of our county – made me throw-up in my mouth.  If you look at the picture, at least Obama is smart enough to stand behind Clinton, as not to get stabbed in the back – so to speak.

June 18, 2008

Today was a council meeting, which I knew, would be a bit more exciting than others, but I do not want to take away from two awards given to members of our fine city employees.

Before I go on, I would like to recognize Officer Brian Buffington, who today received the Life Saver Award, for notifying the residents on either side of a house, which was fully engulfed in flames in the late evening, who were sleeping in their homes, which were also on fire, to get them to safety. As Chief Gerald Lanich, revealed, Officer Brian Buffington risked his own personal safety while going into one of the homes to wake the resident.

Also, Officer Brian Buffington, and other fellow officers, were a key part of solving a case were schools in, Hall, Gwinnett, Fulton and Barrow Counties, were broken into and computers and other items were stolen resulting in nearly $100,000 worth of items were recovered.

I would also like to recognize the Flowery Branch Water and Sewer Department who received two Gold Awards from Georgia Association of Water Professionals for running an outstanding operation.

Please remember those individuals who run important services such as police, water, and sewer. Most people forget about the police, until they need them, or get mad when they get a ticket, but they are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, just like you and I, and are just trying to “protect and serve”. And remember when you wash your cloths, brush your teeth, or flush your toilet, there are great people ensuring the water and sewer is operating safely and efficiently.

Please read this article and this article.

Thank you to all our city employees.

June 15, 2008

I hope all the fathers had a wonderful Fathers Day. I know I did.

My wife cooked a great breakfast and dinner, and then the kids and I headed off to do a little fishing.

Wednesday, June 18, will be our next council meeting, but because of the South Hall Business Coalition meeting that morning, I believe the council meeting will be held at 10:00 AM.

The water and sewer rates seem to be the biggest issue on the agenda.