Oconee County, GA Politics

  From: "Ashford Manor" <ashfordmanor@charter.net> To: "Ashford Manor" <ashfordmanor@charter.net> Subject: A White Party in Honor of Jim Shearon at Ashford Manor Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:01:05 +0000

Among the interesting items on next Wednesday's agenda for the Watkinsville City Council meeting is the Zion Skate Park business license approval. Since the place where the kids skate is either in front of my house or behind the court house, this could be a welcome development. Stay tuned for more details: AGENDA CITY OF WATKINSVILLE December 10, 2008 CALL TO ORDER QUORUM CHECK CHRISTMAS PARADE AWARDS PRESENTATION OF THE WATKINSVILLE BEAUTIFUL YARD AWARD MINUTES APPEARANCES 1. Jeffrey Maddox – business license – Zion Skate Park – 1051 Business Boulevard 2. Joanne Nucci – business license – JEB-N-JATS (hand crafted items) – 20 Spring Circle 3. Rodney Ellerbee – building permit – 16x20 room/garage addition to existing residence at 1051 Christian Court 4. Ann Miller-Andersen – Beer & Wine License – Le Maison Bleu – 2 S. Main St. Ste 111 5. Jose Zambrano – Beer & Wine License – Jose’s Restaurant – 24 Greensboro Highway, Ste. A 6. Healthy Gourmet – presentation of interest in bu...

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Daniells Bridge Road Rezone Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:35:22 -0500 From: Lee Becker <lbbecker@mindspring.com> Reply-To: lbbecker@mindspring.com To: lbbecker@mindspring.com Dear Friends, As promised, I've filed a more complete report on the Daniells Bridge Road rezone on my blog. The county is spending $400,000 of taxpayer money to support this office park development. The good news is that the money almost certainly will make the roadway more safe. Contrary to what you might have read elsewhere, however, the $400,000 will NOT eliminate the blind curve. And it is not consistent with the county's plans to eventually create a four-lane loop road around the Epps Bridge Parkway and SR Loop 10 interchange, meaning it is a short-term fix rather than the result of long-range planning. It is pretty ...

Great time at the annual Oconee County Democratic Committee Christmas party last night at Becky Vaughn's Meriweather Drive home in Bogart's Jennings Mill County Club, despite a relatively small turn out. My only complaint is the lack of announcement of the second vice-chair based on the fact that this perspective candidate person is not yet even officially on the committee, and I felt like if the nominating committee is going to recommend a slate of candidates, they need to be straight up with the whole slate and not just part of the slate due to their inability to even get a firm commitment for this person to officially join the committee, yet alone be the largely ceremonial officer. It is not like there is a huge line of people wanting to be involved in the committee's inner machinations. Even though I know she refuses to be chair, Dr. Patricia Priest is once again in my humble opinion the de facto chair with her outstanding public relations work and many engaging program...

Thanks to my Cordele friend Lori Mcbrayer Jobe and her Facebook friends for alerting me of the letter writer in the Tifton Gazette from a few days before the election. Their less than impressive website does not let one copy the entire letter in one fell swoop so I pasted them together for maximum impact. This is a fairly lengthy read by most posts on this blog but please give it a chance. One of Lori's friends said this should have been a full page ad in every newspaper in Georgia from the Democratic Party with this letter and their might have been a different outcome. The letter writer's name is Dick Marti, and the pagination of the original leaves a little to be desired: The Georgia Senate runoff between incumbent Saxby Chambliss (R) and challenger Jim Martin (D) is well under way, with the vote scheduled for Dec. 2. A lot has been made of the magic number of 60 Democratic seats in the new Senate. Preventing the Democrats from reaching that number gives Republicans some leve...

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart M - Th 11p / 10c Indecision 2008 - Chambliss vs. Martin Barack Obama Interview John McCain Interview Sarah Palin Video Funny Election Video

This has some scrubbed, scoured, safe and interesting links from Media Channel's News Dissector about how Senator Chambliss worked the voting machine lobby effectively the first time around about what the Run Off means in a grander sense, especially with the National Republicans gasping at any victory as a sign of life. Did anyone else nearly choke watching the excerpts of the latest release of the Nixon tapes last night? One major difference between Democratic party members and the Republicans of 1972 at least is the killer instinct of the right. The Nixon crimes and cover-up were so much more heinous and calculated and premeditated then anyone of us would have dared dream before. Nixon's stooges wanted to rename the Republican party the Nixonians after strangling the last death throes out it the Democratic machine post McGovern election. Funny how the cycle swings back and forth and back again..... Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. LAME NIGHT IN GEORGIA: FEAR AND...

Lee Becker lets us know once again how ethically flawed the decision making process has become in the Oconee County government. Dear Friends, The Board of Commissioners tonight approved the rezone for an office park just east of the blind curve on Daniells Bridge Road. Margaret Hale cast the only dissenting vote. Chuck Horton made the motion to approve, which was seconded by Jim Luke. Don Norris, who in May of 2007 concluded he had a conflict of interest on the same rezone and recused himself, decided tonight he was not in conflict and voted with Horton and Hale to approve the project. In May of 2007, Hale, Horton and Luke all voted against the same rezone. The developer filed suit. In closed session, the Board decided to settle the suit. The vote tonight was simply a confirmation of that closed-meeting decision. Emil Beshara, director of Public Works for the county, told the BOC the blind curve was not "dangerous" but the development would make it better because it would inc...

The notoriously fickle Georgia electorate proved to be predictable and even returned Senator Clarence Saxby Chambliss with a much wider margin than many predicted. It was a gaudy 58-41 GOP bulge with 88% counted just now for the Senate race. The Republican Party painted Martin with the Raising Taxes curse and Martin never adequately responded to any of their attacks. Even worse may be Jim Powell losing out of the PSC to Lauren "Bubba" McDonald. Powell was pulling in one percent more in the returns than Martin. At least Sara Doyle came back and held off Mike Sheffield in the Appeals Court.

It is my own damn fault for being such a lazy blogger as to merely forward my mass quantities of partisan emails assuming dear readers will not spoof, scam, or otherwise hack websites and emails with pranks and what not. With the sleazy world of politics comes taking advantage of every cyber-rube such as myself and setting yourself up for all kinds of shenanigans and bully tactics. Oh well, I will not pepper the poor readers of this blog with environmental propaganda from those groups who want to keep Georgia's water clean and trees growing. Such radical plans these are. Not like a Governor spending tax dollars for fishing holes in the middle of a drought. Essentially someone responded to one of those countless emails in a not so subtle reminder that people do not appreciate recycled cyber trash on their blogs. So lesson learned people. And I will do my best to prevent future pilfering and other such tremendously juvenile tactics.

  Find the perfect handmade gift for that special someone at the 2008 Annual Holiday Market in Watkinsville. For a complete list of artists participating, click < HERE > Saturday & Sunday December 6 & 7 from 10 am to 5 pm. FREE Parking. Come early and avoid the rush for parade parking!   Held in our Rocket Hall & 1902 OCAF Center Facilities 34 School St. Watkinsville GA, 30677 (click here for directions ) Food will be available for sale, so come hungry!    Admission is $3 per person over 16 year of age, Under 16 is FREE. All proceeds benefit the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, an independant non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about OCAF visit our web-site at www.ocaf.com

Saxby was a fruitcake salesman for Benson Bakery! Enough said Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 09:28:40 -0500 From: alerts@truemajority.org To: danmatt@hotmail.com Subject: Polls close at 7 pm TrueMajority PAC Dear Dan, Vote to Elect Jim Martin! Polls close at 7 pm. Find your polling place. ...

    Subject: Oconee Democrats' Books for 2009 Date: Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:06 +0000 Hello! Will you please help us get out word of our upcoming books? More people from the community -- conservatives and independents -- are joining us these days. I think there's a hunger to connect with people and to learn more about what's going on around us -- and each other. Thank you! Pat Priest Member, Oconee Democrats ----------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The book group sponsored by the Oconee Democrats has announced the 2009 slate of books the group will read and discuss to learn more about history, nature and politics. The list includes stirring stories of social change enacted by abolitionists (Adam Hochschild's award-winning "Bury the Chains") and ordinary people ("Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin) and encompasses books about Georgia (E.L. Doctorow's "The March" and Ja...

Take Back Georgia, Inc. Saxby Shameless Special Message - RUNOFF DECEMBER 2 -  To all Georgia Democrats:   On Dec. 2, we have the opportunity to ensure a change in the direction of the nation.  With the election of Jim Martin to the U.S. Senate in place of Saxby Chambliss, the Democrats in the Senate will be one step closer to that cherished 60% majority.  Over the last six years Saxby has constantly voted against Veterans, children, hard working Americans, and against the interests of the people of Georgia.  We need Jim Martin in Washington, someone who will represent the people and will vote for our needs.    This election will be determined solely on the basis of which party is best able to turn out their base.  There are more Democrats in Georgia than Republicans, we just need to get to the polls and ...

You can attend this and maybe hear the local returns quicker than anybody (although they will be on the internet just as quickly), Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Thanks as always Lee for the excellent update on further possible shenanigans with the Oconee County Board of Commissioners.  Subject: Tomorrow's BOC Meeting    Dear Daniells Bridge Road Petition Signer,    The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to deal with three very  important issues at its regular meeting tomorrow night:    1. A decision to put a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax on the  ballot in March.    2. A decision on a rezone just east of the blind curve on Daniells  Bridge Road.    3. A decision on how to expand sewage treatment capacity in the county.    If the Board decides to ask voters to approve the continuation of the 1  cent on a dollar sales tax rather than let it expire at the end of 2009,  it also will decide how...

Equestrian team to enjoy permanent home - Sports

Please speak to us, Mr. Colbert - Opinions

Given life plus five years in murder of Mough in Oconee County Superior Court a few moments ago.

Further proof the entire political world is turning its eyes on Georgia for the next 24 hours. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 20:53:01 +0000 From: peoplepower@aflcio.org To: danmatt@hotmail.com Subject: Vote for Jim Martin on Tuesday All Eyes Will Be On You Dec. 2 Dear Dan, Still Deciding? How you vote is a personal decision. The AFL-CIO has endorsed Jim Martin for the U.S. Senate because we believe he is the best candidate for working families. Download this flier for more information on why we are supporting Jim Martin . Tomorrow, Georgians will go to the polls and cast a vote for their next senator. All of America's eyes will be on Georgia because you have a chance to elect Jim Martin, a true friend of America's workers. In these troubled economic times, Georgia needs a senator who not only knows what a recession is but also is pr...

Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 13:01:55 -0500 To: danmatt@hotmail.com From: georgia@barackobama.com Subject: Vote for Jim Martin tomorrow Obama '08 Dan -- You have one more opportunity to vote for change in Georgia -- vote for Jim Martin in tomorrow's special election. Turnout for the Georgia Senate runoff is expected to be much lower than in last month's general election, so we have to make sure every Georgian ready for change stands up and makes their voice heard. Especially you. Your polling place may be different than in the general election, so look up your current polling place on the Georgia Secretary of State's website now. In a runoff election like this one, it doesn't matter what the pundits and the pollsters say -- all that matters is who shows up at the polls. The energy and enthusiasm we've seen throughout this election have proven that Georgians are ready for change. Now we just need to make ...

  -------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- From: Fulton Dems <fultondems@gmail.com> To: danjmatt@bellsouth.net Subject: Rally for Change tonight with Ludacris Date: Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:06:27 +0000 Rally for Change tonight with Ludacris Please join Jim Martin, Jim Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Grammy Award winning artist Ludacris, Tammy Duckworth, a National Guard major, disabled veteran of the Iraq war, and many other special guests for the last G-O-T-V rally before the runoff election! "Rally for Change" with Ludacris Monday, December 1st at 5:30 PM Georgia State Capitol Steps on Washington Street side 206 Washington St SW Atlanta, GA 30334 MAP Voting in the runoff tomorrow is critically important. Please ensure that your friends and family vote in tomorrow's ...

Please help us out now if you can. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 13:01:36 -0500 Subject: From: jim@jimpowellforgapsc.com To: friendsandfamily@list.jimpowellforgapsc.com; countychairs@list.jimpowellforgapsc.com CC: The Three Things You Can Do To Help Democrats Win Tomorrow! Over the next few hours, there are people that you know, that will only go vote on Tuesday December 2nd, if you ask them. Young Democrats have a few simple ways to help you do this, and they are listed below. Please help us turnout the Youth Vote to support our Democrats running at all ballot levels in tomorrow's Runoff Election. Ask Your Friends To Pledge to Vote Democratic in Tomorrow's Election Update Your Online Status to this Link Take the Pledge Yourself and Forward to Your Friends Here Send Emails and Text Messages with the link, or point people to our website at www.georgiayds.org Phone Bank with YDG from Home or at our Office Today and Tomorrow Go to http...

Great artwork to post and print at the end of this Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:22:03 -0600 From: alerts@pfaw.org To: danmatt@hotmail.com Subject: ELECT JIM MARTIN! People For the American Way VIEW WEB PAGE   |  TELL A FRIEND   |  SUBSCRIBE Dear Dan, This is HUGE. If you and other Georgia progressives can spread the word and get out the vote for Jim Martin this Tuesday, it could mean erasing one of the biggest barriers to change for President-elect Obama and the Democratic majority: the Senate filibuster. If Democrat Jim Martin can defeat Sen. Saxby Chambliss in Tuesday's runoff election, the Democrats could have a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the U.S. Senate. And that would be a critical protection against Republicans' efforts to subvert and block the change Americans so overwhelmingly voted for on November 4. (Not to mention that Saxby Chambliss is about as far to the right as they c...