Oconee County, GA Politics

PRESS RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 18, 2009 William t. “toby” smith, cpa/cva Contact: Toby Smith 1121 Christian Terrace Watkinsville , GA 30677 Phone (706) 705-1305 Work (706) 546-1422 SMITH TO RUN FOR WATKINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL SEAT WATKINSVILLE , Ga , SEPTEMBER 18 :  Toby Smith announced today that he will run for the Watkinsville City Council Post 3 seat, being vacated by Joe Walter. “Watkinsville has a distinct character and culture of its own, which makes me proud to be a resident” said Smith.  “I’ve been very encouraged and appreciative of the progress and hard work of Mayor Luken and the City Council.  Continuing that work while maintaining the unique quality and traditions of Watkinsville are top priorities.” Smith, 33, was raised in Watkinsville after his family relocated to Oconee County from Atlanta in 1977. Toby attended Oconee County schools and graduated from the University of Georgia earning a B.B.A. in Business Adminis...

Oconee County Republican leader Jay Hanley, who may indeed be the youngest party county party chair in the state of Georgia, declined to resign his dream gig as Chair of the local GOP to run for the non-partisan Post 3 slot Joe Walter is giving up on the City Council to become Mayor. "I  will not be a candidate (for the Watkinsville City Council at this time)," wrote Hanley in an email earlier this evening. "While I don't rule out a future run for public office in the City of Watkinsville or Oconee County, my political focus right now will be the Chairmanship of the Oconee County Republican Party." While I have not attended either of the recent meetings, I must give massive props to Jay for having the political acumen to schedule a series of strong speakers with free food and advertising in the local media to keep attention focused on the majority party in Oconee at the Watkinsville Town Hall exactly opposite of the Oconee County Democratic Committee meetings....