Oconee County, GA Politics

Democratic candidate Chalis Montgomery is announcing her bid to represent Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. Her run for congress is motivated by her faith and her commitment to democracy. Montgomery plans to put American values over partisan division and will fight for the dignity and opportunity that everyone deserves. Montgomery, 39, is stepping up to challenge incumbent Republican Jody Hice, who has failed to fight for the needs of Georgia families and small business owners. Montgomery has lived in Bethlehem with her husband for 15 years and has a daughter who is directly affected by the healthcare debate. Through her work as an educator and children’s minister, Montgomery has seen the effects of bad public policy and has a clear vision for addressing the needs of her community.  As an entrepreneur, she has witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by the business community, and believes that much more could be done to spur growth on Main Street. Mon...

A star is born (politically speaking) Go Chalis! Hice staffer pressed on congressman’s position on Obamacare repeal

A prominent Democratic health advocate entered the race for Georgia’s open Insurance Commissioner seat on Tuesday with a pledge to serve as a compassionate voice for consumers, sensing an opportunity to flip a down-ticket office that’s been held for decades by Republicans. Cindy Zeldin, the executive director of Georgians for a Healthy Future, is the first high-profile Democrat to announce a bid to succeed Republican Ralph Hudgens. The two-term Republican said Monday he would not run for another stint in office. “For too long, the office hasn’t been focused on the consumers,” said Zeldin. “The people need a champion – they need someone who will do everything to make sure they have insurance options that are fair, affordable and transparent.” Zeldin contends the office is too cozy with insurers, and that the next commissioner should be focused “first and foremost about consumers.” She plans to step down from her advocacy group, which was one of the more forceful s...

Kemp Hits Back at Abrams' Voter Suppression Jab

A creepy airline run-in forges a Georgia bipartisan friendship | Political Insider blog

The tire amnesty held in Oconee County recently gave me an idea.   Citizens were allowed to drop off old tires at recycling centers without paying a fee. The county lost a little revenue, but the amnesty reduced the number of illegal tire dumps and the mosquitoes breeding there. It’s a trade-off. We need something like that for Trump voters: a face-saving way for them to say – finally – “I made a mistake” without being roundly pelted with harsh volleys of “We told you so!” and “What were you thinking?” Half of us sure would love to put Trump voters through a gauntlet of recrimination. But it would be better to all come to terms with the frightening nature of a pinball president careening through the White House stopping to tweet – ding! ding! – then watching Fox News – ding! ding! – and onward, heedlessly. Let’s declare an amnesty period so that we can – together – address the many problems we face in the world. Pat Priest Priest: How about an amnesty for Trump voters?

Great family, great story, great article. Lots of love to the Browning family Richard Browning on working at Athens Academy - ‘I love what I do’

She will do an excellent job, and I am very proud of her hiring. Great choice! Davol named director of Oconee recreation and parks

The Georgia Department of Transportation endured some criticism this week by both Bishop Mayor Johnny Pritchett and State Rep Chuck Williams (R-Watkinsville).   Pritchett recently asked Oconee County commissioners to help him and others oppose a GDOT proposal for widening U.S. Highway 441. Bishop mayor, state legislator criticize DOT on 441 widening

Fox attacks Oconee man trapped under 4-wheeler; holds fox by neck until help arrives

Lab tests show fox that attacked Oconee County man was rabid

Farewell, Farmington Depot Gallery

Athens residents rally to protest proposed Senate healthcare bill

Georgia House had nation’s highest rate of uncontested seats in 2016 | Political Insider blog

Oconee County Observations: Women Running for U.S. And Georgia Houses Generate... : Against Hice and Quick The two women were not the featured speakers at the Oconee County Democratic Party meeting on Tuesday night, but th...

Oconee taps Johns Creek assistant to become county administrator

I think Cindy has done an amazing job in her tenure. She will be missed. She deserves a portrait. Sincerely, Dan Matthews Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 4:10 PM To: danmatt@hotmail.com Subject: Announcing the Upcoming Departure of the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundations' Executive Director --> --> Announcing the Upcoming Departure of the  Oconee Cultural Arts Foundations' Executive Director Cindy Farley, Executive Director of the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation has announced that she will be leaving her position by the end of October. Ms Farley has served as the Executive Director since January of 2014. During Ms Farley's tenure as Executive Director, OCAF has grown in membership from 412 members at the end of 2013 to 624 members at the end of May of this year. Under the leadership of Ms Farley, OCAF has experienced growth in participation f...

http://www.cc.com/video-clips/mshkv2/the-daily-show-with-trevor-noah-democrats-bet-big-on-jon-ossoff Trevor Noah rips Georgia congressional candidate Karen Handel’s ridiculous positions

Oconee deputies investigating shooting near Bishop; man is hospitalized