Oconee County, GA Politics

Former Oconee County Republican chair Rev. Larry Davidson should be ashamed for at least one of his remarks today at Oconee Veterans Park implying during his use of the phrase "purple mountain majesty" that those who do not agree with his insurance company padding viewpoint somehow do not love America who were in attendance. I salute him and his family for their service to our county, but this wrapping themselves in the flag more than others was unpleasant and unnecessary. We all love the USA. I do not question anyone's love of this country nor their patriotism. I hissed at this assessment by Davidson during his invocation. "I must say I was really angered when Rev. Davison in his opening prayer implied that those of us present who were not in sync with him and the rest of the Republicans did not like the USA and its "purple mountain majesty and amber waves of grain." commented local Unitarian and tax man Herb West. "How "Christian" of him!!...

An equal number, as best as any one could county, came out in support and in opposition to President Barack Obama's attempt at Health Care Reform today at Oconee Veterans Park. The crowd estimates were at 150 give or take a dozen, with lots of colorful signs on both sides. State Representative Bob Smith was the only elected official speaking I saw in attendance, and he was gracious in greeting me and my son following Lowell's soccer practice an hour earlier. Former Bogart city council member Woody Bruce did his best karaoke rendition of Lee Greenwood's hit "I'm Proud to be an American" and Bishop city council member Nedra Johnson was spotted in the audience. Many former military members dotted the audience, such as former UGA athletic department employee Tony Cushenberry who somehow came to the conclusion that our President in a Marxist, at least on his sign. Many speeches were delivered, most under four minutes, with raucous applause for those tailoring their...

Should you care about expensive health insurance premiums, come to Oconee Veterans Park at 10 am and stand out front with the local Democrats to demonstrate in favor of Health Care Reform. If you enjoy continuing to make insurance companies get extremely wealthy at our expense, then wait until 10:30 am and go to the Veterans Monument. Health Care Rallies in Oconee - WGAU Local News on 1340wgau.com Shared via AddThis

This Saturday morning shall be busier than most in Oconee County. First of all, you have the Farmers Market behind Eagle Tavern. Below is an email reminder from Karl Berg about the various items for sale there. I had to correct his spelling of a melon but it that is the biggest mistake he makes, all the better. I would also like to remind people that outgoing Mayor Jim Luken, who served two terms longer in Watkinsville than his dad did as Mayor of Cincinnati, will be leading a stroll around Watkinsville. Then there is the little matter of the people in Oconee Veterans Park both supporting and opposing President Barack Obama's attempts at health care reform. In honor of the passing of longtime Massachusetts Senator Edward Moore Kennedy, can we all leave the firearms at home? Besides Sheriff Scott Berry told a gathering of Oconee County Democrats at the library to make signs last night that it is illegal to pack heat at a political rally in Georgia. I just hope the Sheriff Department...

Sheriff Berry responds in the comments to some of Blake's assertions in this article. Best deal on inmates for Clarke? | News | OnlineAthens.com Shared via AddThis

Watkinsville City Council member Brian Brodrick's mother Martha has now been dragged into this fiasco as the replacement for Odum at the Malcom Bridge school he left to take over for Osborne at North Oconee. Does anyone else feel like they need a score card to keep up with this implosion? Just curious. Jackson names ‘indefinite’ replacement for North Oconee principal | Breaking News | OnlineAthens.com Shared via AddThis

There is no way of knowing with absolute certainty if this is indeed the comment swiped from the article of the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper yesterday of evidently now former North Oconee principal John Osborne or not, but home slice needs to learn from Bill Hamby and Rick Pitino as when to shut the fuck up: I have never in my life posted a to a blog, vent site or sent an editorial, but obviously there are lots of misperceptions out there. Listed below is the EXACT account of what I shared with the ABH. I have lots of pride in both schools and I am merely trying to protect my student athletes. I have been associated with numerous GHSA state championships and our athletes are top shelf. We won a state championship in football at OCHS when I was there because we made are kids bigger faster and stronger. OC is not our enemy nor is it who or what we are preparing our athletes for. My decision is about unity. My decision is about stepping up to play the Stephens Counties and the Hart coun...

Although not yet confirmed (nor denied) by the Oconee County Board of Education, North Oconee High School Principal John Osborne was evidently relieved of his duties today following an ill advised decision to have his new school stop competing against neighboring rival Oconee County High School in sports yesterday.

Happy Women's Equality Day! Eighty-nine years ago today, America's Suffragettes succeeded in securing the constitutionally- protected right to vote for themselves, their daughters and women today. The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote, was ratified August 26th, 1920. Please take a moment today to remember the women who fought so hard to secure our political participation and voice today, and to pave the way for other groups to secure their own voting rights. Support the women of Georgia's WIN List today in honor of the women who gave us the right to vote, to run for office and to serve! And finally, remember to join Georgia's WIN List in celebrating Viola Ross Napier-the first woman to serve in the Georgia Assembly-as we honor Rep. Nikki T. Randall TOMORROW in Macon. HOST COMMITTEE Roy and Marie Barnes,  Lauren Logan Benedict, Wendy and Russell Boston, Melanie and Chuck Byrd, Peggy DuBose, B...

Interesting letter, but one should really check out the comments in the most popular articles to the right in the article "Principal: Oconee rivals won't play" and especially the bigger hole that Principal Osbourne seems to be digging himself toward the end of the 135 comments. He should understand the PR 101 notion that any time you attract more attention to an unfavorable story, the trouble only gets worse and worse. Ron Cox: NOHS principal is poor example | Letters | OnlineAthens.com Shared via AddThis

Apparently we are going to have a second hotel in Oconee County, but this is one where you do not want to stay for any length of time. Some folks from Fulton County will be here soon. Oconee may take Fulton inmates | News | OnlineAthens.com Shared via AddThis

The Watkinsville merchant location shuffle continues to ebb and flow with the announcement that long time local framing business Art Masters will be moving up Main Street to the old Cherokee Connection location at 18 N. Main Street. This is the fourth location of Art Masters in the last ten years, and moves the business almost across the street from their original location in downtown Watkinsville. Owner Geoff Seila has plans to even add a small vinyl record business in a back room of the new location. Seila in once again renting from Joy Elder after talking extensively with Miss Vinnie Williams of the Oconee Enterprise and outgoing Mayor Jim Luken of Watkinsville into moving the business instead of closing down. His move leaves Jimmy Marbut and Sunshine Cycles as the only tenant in the small strip mall between the restaurants Chicken Express and Floyd's Grill.

Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry is a true professional law enforcement provider and is talking to both sides of the aisle before the protests start Saturday morning at Oconee Veterans Park near Watkinsville near what some once labeled the Eastville area of unincorporated Oconee County, Georgia. Berry, an acknowledged Republican, responded quickly to a fax to come to the library a day early at the total fault of this writer, when in fact the Oconee County Democratic Committee is meeting Thursday evening at the Library to make signs for their counter demonstration supporting President Barack Obama's efforts at health care reform. They will appear at the front of the park as to not curry complete confrontation with their conservative counterparts contemplating ways at killing any attempts at health care reform. "Y'all are not the ones I am worried about," quipped Berry to Veit late Wednesday evening. Apparently the Sheriff was going to try to talk with the local GOP le...

Huge sale of pottery this weekend at Rocket Hall next to OCAF and Rocket Field. Thanks for the reminder Brian. Atlanta artist one of 50 showing at Ga.'s largest pottery exhibition | ajc.com Shared via AddThis

Something tells me that John Osborne will not be principal at the end of this four years. So if there is an inequity, have a series of bake sales and fundraisers until you can buy the equipment for a weight room or whatever is needed. North Oconee's facilities are fantastic and let their athletes go lift weights at Oconee Veterans Park. Not a wise decision at all. Principal: Oconee rivals won't play | News | OnlineAthens.com Shared via AddThis