Oconee County, GA Politics

Subject: Make Oconee Beautiful! Hi Everybody! Since you all were responsible for our Rose Creek Clean Up being so successful, I thought you might want to take part in this event as well!   Keeping Oconee Clean and Beautiful Commission, in association with Keep America Beautiful, has organized this county wide event!    I will be there and I am hoping to gather a group to work along Elder Mill Road, Saxon Road, and Antioch Church Road.  We got about 60% of Elder Mill Road covered last time, but there is still trash washing downhill towards Little Rose and Big Rose Creeks..  Would LOVE to see any of you guys!   Thanks and PLEASE pass this on! Melissa Steele 706-255-8528

Ken Sherman is a cyclist from the Athens-Oconee area. While I may have met him, I do not know him personally other than through his work incorporating the Oconee County Cycling Organization. I am not yet a gung ho bike pedaler, although I would like to become one who could join in the rides to Bostwick or Bishop, yet alone Athens or Savannah. I read a column by Sherman in today's Athens Banner-Herald and understood from a Facebook post that the Editors at the Athens Banner-Herald removed some germane parts of his piece about a deliberate act of driving at a bicycle rider that resulted in an accident and broken bones in Jackson County. Here is the complete letter from Sherman: 4/2/10 Dear Editor: For the safety and well-being of cyclists and others in our community, please print this letter.  Earlier today, three other cyclists and I were riding east on New Kings Bridge Road, just a mile or so from the middle school. We were obeying all laws, riding single file, keeping far...

If I were a betting man, or laying odds or percentages for the G.O.P. side with the rumored early entrants of the race for the Republican nomination to replace Bob Smith for the House 113th district, I would lay chalk equally on Kirk Shook (30%), former Oconee County Board of Education member Tommy Malcom (30%) and UGA fundraiser Hank Huckaby (30%) across the district with them scrambling over the undecided 10% to find out who will emerge as the front runner. Of course that would almost certainly mean a Republican run-off most likely between Malcom and Huckaby. I do not expect this to be an ugly race at all. Although if there are feats of strength or a civics test, then the North Oconee Offensive Line Coach and government teacher Shook is the instant favorite. Huckaby contributed to Paul Broun's race in 2008, which is a badge of honor for some and the kiss of death for others.

UGA VP Huckaby is the latest House candidate | Blogs.OnlineAthens.com Posted using ShareThis

Capitol Impact: Election Starting Line Is Close - Flagpole Magazine: Colorbearer of Athens, GA Posted using ShareThis

Home Posted using ShareThis

From: Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation info@ocaf.com Sent: Wed, April 7, 2010 1:40:16 PM Subject: OCAF's Summer Art Camp Now Enrolling OCAF SUMMER ART CAMP NOW REGISTERING!     Summer Camp Slideshow   Ages are 5 through 8 and 9 through 12. Camps Begin June 7 th .     All Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) events, programs and classes are open to everyone, regardless of what county they live in. OCAF members receive discounts on classes and events, but membership is not mandatory. Summer Camps consist of two classes per session for each different age group. Each camp is held from 9 AM to 12 PM each week day.    Cost Per Session   $215 OCAF members*or $230 For non-members*   *Includes t-shirt, snack ...

Gibbs calls conservative blogger's Census comments 'remarkably crazy' - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Nominations of Regionally Important Resources for Oconee County on Vimeo by Lee Becker Originally uploaded by danmatthews Lee Becker took this

Oconee County Historical Marker Originally uploaded by J. Stephen Conn great shot of our courthouse and the historic marker

Texaco Star Originally uploaded by DentTech™ One of my favorite obscure sites in Oconee County off Barnett Shoals Road

Oconee County Observations: No Decision on Courthouse Imminent, Oconee County Commissioner Jim Luke Asserts Posted using ShareThis

Tommy Malcom 'seriously considering' House run | Blogs.OnlineAthens.com Posted using ShareThis

In my many stops in the last two decades as a newspaper reporter, there was none prettier than that of the county seat of Morgan County: Madison, Georgia. There is even a smaller neighboring postcard of a town called Rutledge which may be the best kept secret in terms of trying to find a place with an old fashion soda fountain pharmacy. The lovely private school Rutledge Academy is there and not a whole more. Rutledge makes Bostwick look big. One of the residents of this lovely village now wants to be the Republican nominee for Governor of Georgia. I can imagine that he will at the very least make the G.O.P. gubernatorial debates a bit more interesting to say the least.  I would also imagine he is not going to generate much traction outside of the Tea Party realm. So I guess we can expect lots of glowing columns from Rob Peecher in his father's local newspaper about this candidate? One of the more interesting wild cards in the Georgia Republican race for their nomination woul...

Blake Aued writes an interesting update at the end of the article (posted yesterday) with quotes from the three germane party chairs. I had no idea Kirk Shook was so young. Although the North Oconee teacher may have a connection with football parents and political science students at the school, I am not convinced the NON CHAIR Oconee County Republican good old boy hierarchy will endorse an Oglethorpe County Winterville resident for this important Statehouse slot. Good quotes from Jay Hanley and Jonathan Veit.  May I add I respect and admire the leadership of both parties locally for doing a good job in the thankless and very stressful tasks that is being a party chair. 26 year old Jay is no longer the youngest chair in the state as Shook is only 25, but presumably he will resign from being the chair of Oglethorpe County GOP possibly  returning Jay to the youngest party chair in the state. GOP's Smith bowing out as state rep || OnlineAthens.com

Athens Banner-Herald editorial staff writes an institutional editorial or "instie" as we use to call them, in the newspaper this morning as a tribute to Bob Smith. Editorial: Smith is an extraordinary public servant || OnlineAthens.com

Watkinsville diners will soon have another choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Town Center. Normally this would not make me bat an eye, but biking past local restauranteur and former UGA football coach Ray Goff coming out of Mirko's Pasta, I saw a "coming soon Subway" banner adorning the middle section where the clothing store used to be. Once upon a time there was a Quizno's where Mirko's is, so things have changed in this downtown space before. I would well imagine Mike Thornton is behind this one as well, but I do not know that. There are some Oconee County diners who will surely be happy to have a choice out of the David Weeks continuum of Mirko's and Barberitos and not wanting to take their family to Chops and Hops. There are others who dread the continued encroachment of a national chain and would rather keep Watkinsville weird (to paraphrase a slogan swiped from Austin and fitting for Athens). I worry about the negative effect on the sales t...

Friend -- I saw this video for the first time about 15 minutes ago, and I've already watched it three times: http://my.barackobama.com/delivery It's the story of Becca and Karima, two OFA volunteers who joined David Plouffe in hand-delivering signatures of the more than 1.1 million people who co-signed health insurance reform directly to President Obama. But it's also the story of the millions of Americans, young and old, who knocked on doors, and called their neighbors, and made history together. Watch it now. Thank you for everything, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to: oconeedemo.crats@blogger.com Update Address / Email | Unsubscribe

John Barrow is no party switcher Your morning jolt: No contemplation of switch to GOP, says John Barrow — so kill that rumor Posted using ShareThis

I sure hope this is not about any recently retired public officials around here Why affairs matter — Peach Pundit Posted using ShareThis

We wish Senator Isakson continued recovery and recuperation. Isakson cancels UGA appearances || OnlineAthens.com

Revered Jody Hice is going to waste an awful lot of money trying to win this seat and become a bigger embarrassment to Georgia than Paul Broun. Ten Commandments-Georgia founder to run for Congress || OnlineAthens.com

Saturday, 10 April – The 1st Annual Anti-tax Rally & Pancake Supper, sponsored by the Oglethorpe County Republican Party, will be held in the Crawford Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The rally begins at 3:00 p.m., with an all-you-can-eat pancake supper to follow at 4:00 p.m. Tickets for the pancake supper are $5 each. Contact Kirk Shook for tickets or more information. Speakers include Nathan Deal, Austin Scott, Gerry Purcell, Harold Logsdon, Melvin Everson, Gary Black, Darwin Carter, Roger Hines, Richard Woods, and all the State Senate District 47 candidates. Bring your (tasteful) protest signs Monday, 12 April – The CCRC’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 12 April. Speakers for the evening will be candidate for Governor Karen Handel, candidate for Attorney General Max Wood, and candidate for Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Gerry Purcell. The meeting takes place at CCRC Headquarters, located at 445 North Milledge Avenue. R...

Oglethorpe County GOP chair and North Oconee HS teacher Kirk Shook was mentioned as a possible candidate for the Republican nomination for the former Bob Smith seat for the Georgia House of Representatives 113th district, which stretches from Walton Oconee to Oglethorpe County encompassing all of Oconee County and chunk of Clarke County as well. Kirk Shook teaches economics and government at North Oconee High School in Bogart. One possible problem is that State of Georgia employees such as teachers would have to resign to run for state office. He is a tough academic instructor, according to someone who respects his rigor, but also is extremely conservative.  As a county party chair, he would also have to resign that to run as well.  Oconee County GOP chair Jay Hanley expressed desire to one day run for higher office but does not want to run at this time. 

Wonder why this did not have this earlier? NewsTalk 1340 WGAU AM's Tim Bryant and the Oconee Enterprise newspaper were all over it yesterday afternoon. Rep. Smith says he won't seek re-election || OnlineAthens.com

I received this reminder in my inbox today.  The historical society will have a table at the expo so drop by and say hello. Peggy Don't miss the April COGS Genealogy EXPO! Date: Saturday, April 17, 2010 Time: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Cost: Free and open to the public Location: Oconee Public Library Oconee Public Library is located at 1080 Experiment Station Road , Watkinsville, GA Between educational sessions visitors can browse displays with books and other materials for sale;  visit various society booths- lineage, hereditary, historical, and genealogical; view genealogy software; and much more! Stop in for a few minutes or stay all day.  From 10:00 am – Noon - Dr. Robert Nix, Professor Emeritus, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia and noted expert on historical photographic techniques, will informally meet with people to answer questions about their old photographs, tintypes, daguerreotypes, etc. Programs/Speakers: 10:30 – 11:30am ...

I do not know the political party that this Oconee County gentleman belongs to, but something tells me he will not be voting for Paul Broun's re-election. Don Palsgaard: Congressman spreading rumors || OnlineAthens.com

Another well written letter by a member of the Oconee County Democratic Committee Robert Wyatt: Health reform critics too quick || OnlineAthens.com

With this reasonably short political season until qualifying for the Georgia House of Representatives 113th district suddenly wide open due to the unexpected decision by Bob Smith to stay in Oconee County instead and sell his real estate with his family, it will take someone with deep pockets or resources to be able to foot the bill and run for this position.  In this economy, that rules out most developers, leaving the lawyers and insurance agents and perhaps upper level medical practitioners to battle the extremely lucky or wealthy to get their act together to run for this office. Could Chairman G. Melvin Davis decide he is tired of dealing with the supposed erosion of his Board of Commissioners and opt for the 40 days and nights of road trips to Atlanta? Does not seem too likely since he does not like to drive to Athens, yet alone do what it takes to make a deal to work together in the economic best interests of both counties. Exactly whom would toss their hat in the ring at...

The Mills Campaign is Hiring Job Posting: General Campaign Aide Mills for a New Way Forward is hiring a General Campaign Aide for the remainder of the 2010 Election.   Information: Mills for a New Way Forward is the statewide Democratic campaign of Michael Mills who is running for Georgia Secretary of State Job Responsibilities The Campaign Aide will work three days a week (minimum 15 to 20 hours) and attend campaign events as appropriate, while filling a range of roles, including, but not limited to the following: Scheduler: managing Michael's schedule, including securing speaking opportunities and managing details and execution of campaign events Media relations: assisting the campaign in securing positive coverage of Michael, including scheduling desk side briefings, editorial board visits and media pitching for events...

Who will announce first to run to replace soon-to-be-former State Representative Bob Smith in the 113th district of for the Georgia House of Representatives? Whatever happens, it should provide plenty of fodder for my writings at the very least. My guesses, based on nothing but who I would like to see run and current political reality, include current Board of Commissioners member Chuck Horton, Watkinsville city council member Brian Brodrick and possibly a wild card like one of the Williams brothers, or possibly someone who has lost to Smith in the past like like Tom Griffith or Doug Dickens; or perhaps one of the "announced" candidates for another seat like Esther Porter. Golden Pantry scion Griffith lost a very contentious run off against Smith a dozen years ago. Former Watkinsville Mayor Jim Luken has been stone cold recently against any such further forays into politics at the State Level, but it is truly his seat to ignore should he choose to not seek office again.  ...

The Oconee Enterprise > Latest Updates > Smith will not run for reelection Posted using ShareThis

Two Saturdays from now the City of Watkinsville will be cleaning up its stream and wetlands associated with the lovely Harris Shoals Park. I urge you to participate, and this note from Mayor Joe Walter would suggest that he would love to see you there too.. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Harris Shoals Stream Cleanup Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 09:25:46 -0400 From: mayor@cityofwatkinsville.com Wanted to provide you a heads up that on Saturday, April 24 th , we'll be at Harris Shoals Park for our annual stream cleanup.  We are piggy-backing with the Keep Oconee Beautiful folks that day.  We are all meeting at the park between 9:00 AM and will work the stream and park until 11:00 AM.   Do hope you and Lowell can make it and please feel free to bring anyone else along you'd like to.  Hope you and Lowell had a nice Easter.  Any questions?---give me a call at 706-769-5161 (City Hall)   Thanks. Joe

Funniest thing in a long time (Hannity related) Posted using ShareThis

Edwards is running; Garland is not | Blogs.OnlineAthens.com Posted using ShareThis

GOP yells ‘Hell no’ again, this time at the unemployed Posted using ShareThis

Athens Banner-Herald's letter to the editor author pegs the political right in Georgia and nails them in no uncertain manner about stupid meddling in higher education. Well written letter, Grady especially about our State Representative Bob Smith. Grady L. Cornish: Higher-ed meddling is political || OnlineAthens.com

Please consider becoming a dues paying member of the Oconee County Cycling Organization. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.  Subject: Oconee County Cycling Organization: Open for business!  Dear Fellow Cyclists,  We are very excited to begin our initial membership drive. OCCO is  incorporated, we have developed our membership package and are pursuing  our shared mission to increase safety and awareness for cycling in Oconee.  Please take a moment to print out the attached membership application  and join. Your $25.00 annual membership dues are tax deductible. You  will also see our brochures at local bike shops and many of your  favorite retailers. Georgia Cycle Sport, The Hub, and Sunshine have  agreed to give discounts to members as have several Watkinsville  retailers. The most important benefit is your support of a dynamic  organization that is actively working towards improving cycling  ...

He lives in Oconee County - smart man Fox's first year on the job: fast and promising  | ajc.com Posted using ShareThis

Disturbing and sad no matter what side of the political spectrum this came from Extremists Send Warning Letter To Perdue - News Story - WSB Atlanta

Maybe she is getting married at Ashford Manor Bed and Breakfast? Gymnast Taylor planning on another title | The Augusta Chronicle

Congressman Broun shows he gets his news from blogs and not from viable news sources, so should we be surprised at how narrow his view of the world is? Broun rips health law, Democrats | The Augusta Chronicle

So anyone who might consider becoming a customer of Charter cablevision in or around Watkinsville, I would suggest not getting their home television service wired to the company. I spent a nightmarish week wrangling with the company over a "tag" or lack thereof that may or may not have resulted in one of their auditors disconnecting my service and

Keep in mind this a nonpartisan special election like the one which got us Paul Broun a few years back 8 qualify to replace Deal in Congress || OnlineAthens.com

The Oconee Leader - Qualifying for four local seats begins April 26 Posted using ShareThis

Friend -- "It's because of you." That's what President Obama said before he took the stage in Iowa City right after health care reform passed. And I couldn't agree more. We've put together a quick video that highlights the incredible work you did over the last year, to honor and thank you for the history you made. Please watch the video, then celebrate by co-signing health care reform legislation with the President. We're offering a personalized certificate to every co-signer to make sure we can all have a way to commemorate this victory with the President. So check out the video, pass it along to your friends, and co-sign historic health reform with President Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/ThisIsChange Thanks for everything, Jeremy Jeremy Bird Deputy Director Organizing for America P.S. -- Great news: In addition to health and student loan reform, there's even more change happening. Thanks in large part...

I know nothing about the Spark Foundation but wish them well in their lofty goals Nonprofits join to help families || OnlineAthens.com

Once again Oconee County Observations' blogger and UGA Journalism professor Lee Becker scoops the lamestream media and shows that the Oconee County Board of Commissioners are not real happy when citizens by-pass our government to take matters into their own hands. Good job citizens. This is not an April Fool's Joke, but if it were, the joke would be on the Oconee County Board of Commissioners. Oconee County Observations: Oconee County BOC Less Than Enthusiastic about Regionally Important Resource Designations

Oconee County Commissioners trying to do the right thing. I did not know Scoops had taken a dive although the one time I was in there I knew that the overhead was ridiculous. Commission aims for equity on fees || OnlineAthens.com