Dem chief urges public input on redistricting || OnlineAthens.com

Democratic Party of Georgia chair Mike Berlon addressed the Oconee County Democratic Party this past Thursday. We had people young and old we had not seen in a while. Ann Stoneburner took over the reins from Dan Matthews as to the leadership of the Committee. The Oconee County Democratic Committee had a nice reception for the State Chair and assorted guests. It is always a good sign when you have to get more chairs three times for a meeting. Berlon answered every question honestly and thoroughly, taking on the toughest topics with confidence and knowledge that past mistakes cannot be repeated in order to return Georgia for President Obama in 2012. Essentially a small increase in the amount of white rural voters coupled with another large, better coordinated registration effort could indeed turn this red state blue. The President may visit here as many as a half dozen times in the next 16 months, including the possibility of visits outside of the Atlanta area to Augusta and other areas. Right now Athens or Oconee County are not on the list. We are going to get a visit (hopefully) by new National Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz for the Jefferson - Jackson dinner in June as well.

There was not very much business to attend to except to listen to Berlon address reapportionment and how the Democratic Party is going to win the 113th House of Representative seat after almost pulling off the upset in Columbia County, an equally red county in a similar special election a few weeks back.

Berlon was the chair of the Gwinnett County Democratic Party before taking the volunteer leadership position not long ago. He has done a lot to help put the tools in the hands and computers of the county and congressional district leadership to help turn the tide of popular politics in the state of Georgia.

We had a lovely light reception with the undoubted highlight of 2008 candidate for the 113th Suzy Compere and her cake with amazing mango sauce although the cookies, chips and what not brought by the other members were quite welcome also. It was quite a crowd and an inspirational meeting to energize the candidate and troops. Thank you very much Chairman Berlon and his assistant Angelia Knight and her husband Tasso Knight for coming to turn Oconee County blue again.

Oconee County has a great history of outstanding Democratic leadership like Frank Stancil and we need that kind of proven, experienced leadership in the legislature again. We have that opportunity. Vote Dan Matthews in the Special Election Tuesday, June 19th, 2011 with advance voting starting very soon.

Dem chief urges public input on redistricting || OnlineAthens.com

From left 10th District chair Patsy Harris, True South radio show producer Pat Priest and Suzy Compere listed to Berlon during the Oconee County Democratic Committee meeting Thursday evening at the Government Annex.