Last night at the O.C. Board of Commissioners

Had to leave the Historic Sites and Tourism (or Cultural subcommittee if you will) committee meeting at the Welcome Center to go the Board of Commissioners meeting for a three part interview. The biggest thing to come out of my abbreviated appearance there is that it is going to cost $75,000+ (instead of the original price of 13K from a retired house mover) to relcoate the old Central School house from the Hale property to a much better location (in the front near the road) at the Heritage Park. Also next year there will be a seperate day for the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Watkinsville and the Christmas parade. Did anyone go see the Ashford Manor Christmas concert that day? I was burned out bad after dealing with the parade and snapping some 178 photos (posted here or at http://spotted.onlineathens.com)

I went up against one person for the Board of Tax Assesors - Todd Paschal will get that nod no doubt. He only works for the county in that capacity so I would say he is much more qualified than I am or ever will be. That is a six year term!

There were only 10 people up for the old Ivey slot on the Planning Commission. I doubt I have much chance there as well, but I remain optimistic. I would have selected Ashley Hood, if for no other reason than there are no women on the planning commission right now.

The other folks include Wayne Bagley, Jerry Champer, Dan Elder III, Dean Elmore, Courtney Gale, Fritzi Jackson, Esther Porter, Dr. William "Chuck" Steen and yours truly. I think by far Steen was the most qualified. I would not be surprised if Elder gets the good ol' boy vote. Courtney Gale is a great police investigator in Clarke County and a former very briefly elected official from Bishop. She would be wonderful as well. I do not know much about the other folks to feel qualified to comment, but again, I highly commend anyone who attempts to go out for any public office, either elected or appointed. I think I am now 2-for-8 as far as attempting to weasel my way on either the Board of Education or the various B.O.C. posts.

The development authority had five folks trying for it. Former Republican nomination B.O.C. chair opponent of G. Melvin Davis - one John Daniell - was first up and he is always so optimistic and upbeat I would swear he is a Democrat. Ed Lord was next and he is quite qualified as well. I think he should ge the appointment, but whether he will is another matter all together. Bogart resident Mike Maxey stood in the back and brought up his (former B.O.C. member) grandfather in his spiel. Rick Waller is the Chamber of Commerce candidate.

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