Oconee County, GA Politics

State Representative Bob Smith may think everything is rosy back home in 113th district, but disgruntled constituents have approached a well financed couple to ask either one of them to consider taking on the House Appropriations Committee member. This could make local races rather interesting in the fall. More than one person has approached a former candidate for Mayor of Watkinsville to run against Board of Commissioners chairman G. Melvin Davis, but so far this person has declined to accept the offers. There are a lot of angry voters in Oconee County, and it will be no small feat to organize that anger into a viable political movement. So stay tuned, intrepid reader, and I will attempt to gather every shred of gossip, innuendo and hearsay and turn it into facts that will have incumbents quaking in the beds from Farmington to Bishop to Washington to Watkinsville.

I have only been in the horribly named Oconee County Complex once, and that was for the U-10 soccer tryouts in what was the first event held there. When the wind blows (which is pretty much all the time) just the right way, you get to smell the fertilizer or other poop permeating Dr. Mike Streetman's property across that ridiculously busy State Route 53. The facility has decent turf, good parking, some sparse shade and beyond that, come back to read here after a few Blazers soccer games. But here is a well-written story in today's Athens Banana-Harold about the increasing and outrageous costs of the new park

The scheduled vote for the pouring of beer and wine in restaurants will not be an April Fool's Day joke to some Oconee County residents as originally scheduled, it will be a week later

It won't be voted on the Oconee County Board of Commissioners until April Fool's Day, but the latest revisions of the proposed pouring license might work a little better for the county businesses

Just as we are about to celebrate the opening of the new Taco Stand at Butler's Crossing in Oconee County, Georgia, along comes a press release about the retiring administrator from the neighboring school opening up his own restaurant next door.

Now we find out that even this year, people were sniffing around the State Department looking at the private travel records of Barack Obama. MSNBC was the first all over this case Thursday evening. The security of our passport file is something that we all hold dear. Typical disregard for personal private information again from the Republican Big Brother government. Two lackeys have been sacked from contract jobs at the Department of State, and one person has been disciplined. Not nearly enough, Condi, not nearly enough, George. Bill Clinton's passport files were breached in 1991 by George H.W. Bush and an independent counsel found isolated sleaze then. Like father, like son.

If you wish to have your Board of Commissioners members listen to your views about beer and wine in restaurants this evening, please go to this meeting this evening and do speak up about whether you think that Oconee County restaurants can handle beer and wine with meals like they have in the county seat of Watkinsville already.

The juvenile delinquents who have befriended the children across the street in my subdivision decided to pull a little prank and remove the Huckabee for President sign from my other neighbor's yard and place it in mine late Saturday night. I took the sign out and returned it to the rightful owner. I will make the requisite police report of this continued pattern of harassment perpetrated by the punks. Perhaps they will see the error in their ways (doubt it). Glad our next generation is taking politics more seriously than their education or social skills. It is going to be a long and bitter campaign, but please respect private property, do not trespass or vandalize my property, and do not place other people's yard signs in my yard. PS: OK, so one of my readers did call me out on the the fact that I would be wasting the time of the local police by calling them up and making them fill out a report. No argument here on that. I should have flagged down the officer who routinely patr...

The Oconee County Democratic Committee has significantly expanded its base with the addition of the Book Club. I highly recommend it. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. I'm late in getting out a reminder about this month's book group because my computer has been in the shop. Luckily, the book is a quick read, so pick up a copy and breeze through it if you have time this week and would like to join us for a lively discussion. We meet this coming Thursday at 6:15 at Five Points Deli on Epps Bridge Parkway. We'll be discussing Homegrown Democrat by Garrison Keillor, the host of the public radio show Prairie Home Companion. It's a humorous and rousing defense of the policies and principles of the Democratic party. Becky Vaughn said the book influenced her in her decision to run for office. Maybe some of you will find the courage, too! Our discussion will get underway around 6:15, but we arrive a little earlier...

This is an interesting idea for municipalities such as Watkinsville, Bishop or Bogart who might not think the County's limited recycling is enough. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: oconee@yahoogroups.com From: vickymoody@charter.net Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:52:44 -0400 Subject: [oconee] Recycling Bin Grant Program At one of our meetings we discussed providing recycling bins for local events. One of the concerns was the cost of the bins. Well, here is an opportunity to get free bins. There are several different designs we can pick from. Some of which we could add our logo in the form of a large sticker. Check it out and see if you think this is something the committee would like to do. Coca-Cola and National Recycling Coalition Offer Recycling Bin Grant Program Deadline: April 4, 2008 The Coca-Cola/National Recycling Coalition Recycling Bin Grant Program supports local community recycling programs by providing...

I differ from Charles as far as the beer and wine issue, but I acknowledge his point of view and urge for candidates to run for office around here. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: gaonmnd@aol.com Subject: Board of Commissioners Called Meeting/ Beer and Wine Ordinance Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:44:08 -0400 From: oconeesfuture@aol.com The Board of Commissioners will review the proposed Beer and Wine Ordinance during a called meeting tomorrow night 3/11/08 in the grand jury room at the court house.  This is the first of 4 meetings leading up to the vote and probable approval on 4/1/08. (An appropriate date don't you think?).  Some who oppose this change may be thinking that you will just take retribution on the Board at the ballot box  during the upcoming election cycle but I encourage you to  pay attention to this process and once again let your Commissioners know what you think about the issue.The problem with waiting to vote against those who vote fo...

The Watkinsville City Council will entertain the following agenda this Wednesday: AGENDA CITY OF WATKINSVILLE March 12, 2008 CALL TO ORDER QUORUM CHECK MINUTES APPEARANCES 1. Dennise Grayson – business license – Law Offices of Dennise L. Grayson – 1 N. Third Street 2. Ted Evans – building permit – 3,000 sq. ft. self storage bldg. – 67 Greensboro Highway 3. Commercial Property Restoration – building permit – repair fire damages to residence at 15 White Street Extension 4. LAD Trucking – building permit – add 18,750 sq. ft to existing warehouse @ 109 Barnett Shoals Road 5. Sean Hogan – building permit – 2408 sq. ft. single family residence w/garage @ 17 Whitehall Road ADMINISTRATION 1. January Reconciliation Report MAYOR’S REPORT CITIZEN’S COMMENTS OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Consider Resolution: Authorizing Adoption of the Oconee County Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan 2. Consider Resolution: Authorizing Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan (Communi...

I extend my deepest condolences to the local families and friends of the student killed at the University of North Carolina today and the George Walton Academy student murdered yesterday at Auburn. Any death is awful, but to have a life extinguished on campus when we think someone is safe is exponentially horrendous. The same can be extended to the Drew Marshall family and that of Mark "Microwave" Myrtowitz, for their deaths in recent weeks, even though circumstances may differ greatly, death sadly put things in perspective.

I have been negligent in my posting with various responsibilities and illness. Persevere kind reader and find the following links from the Oconee Banner-Herald, oops I mean Athens of course. First, SICKNESS, everybody wash their hands, cover their mouths after coughing and please keep your kids out of school if they are sick. With spring break next week, perhaps we shall see some abatement of the massive amounts of flu, bronchitis, et cetera that seems to be decimating our school system ranks Second, THANKS, to the kid Cameron K. from across the street for bringing my dog back after she nefariously decided to sneak down the street with the long-ass chain still around her neck yesterday morning. Third, NO THANKS to my son for flushing copious amounts of paper towels wrapped around fingernail clippers down his loo. He did handle an afterschool crisis at school with diplomatic aplomb though so I have to give him credit where credit is due. Fourth, GLAD WE CAN ALL GET ALONG DEPARTMENT, to...

Please do not attempt to attend this month's Oconee County Democratic committee meeting Thursday evening as it has been canceled. Thank you very much. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. To: oconeedemocrats@yahoogroups.com; oconee@yahoogroups.com From: herbwest@bellsouth.net Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 07:54:30 -0500 Subject: [oconee] March 6 Oconee Democratic Committee meeting CANCELED! Sorry for the late notice, but we have just decided to CANCEL the Oconee County Democratic Committee meeting that was scheduled for this Thursday, March 6.  It appeared that most, if not all, members of the Executive Committee are going to be absent due to various conflicts.  Therefore, even if we were able to manage a quorum, there would be no one to run the meeting.   The next regularly schedule meeting will be Thursday, April 3, although stay tuned as that meeting may be rescheduled since Becky will be absent.   Herb West, S...

Add Nancy Schaefer's name to the list of candidates for the U.S. Congressional seat currently held by Athens' and Oconee's own Dr. Paul Broun, Jr. Barry Fleming of Augusta is generally considered the establishment Republican favorite and Schaefer a right-wing nut job making Broun's eccentricities seem main stream. She is a Baptist reactionary out of Toccoa, oops Turnerville. She is an utter buffoon with fringe views on a variety of topics ranging from the North American Union (huh? - oh yes, yet another right wing fantasy) to Women's Reproductive freedom and other issues making her election an absolute uncertainty. However, her candidacy does doom Broun's chance at getting renominated, at least that would be the general political common sense at this point. Perhaps Bobby Saxon can start raising some real money now ?

I love Rocket Field and hope it can continue to be used by everyone who needs to, and maybe expand to include soccer. The Mayor of Watkinsville Jim Luken was out there with the Watkinsville Street Department scoping the next adjustments to the city recreation field this lovely afternoon. Come to the meeting next Wednesday and put int your two cents worth. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: Planning Rocket Field (Watkinsville) Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:10:47 -0500 From: BBrodrick@jacksonspalding.com To: BBrodrick@jacksonspalding.com CC: wkvcityhall@charter.net Planning Rocket Field (Watkinsville) All: Next Wednesday, March 12, Watkinsville is going to have the first of a few public comment periods on the future of Rocket Field as a part of our regular city council meeting .  We have already replaced the old chain link fence and have allocated funds to add sidewalks around the edges and significant street trees in coming years . W e are see...

I love the History Channel and the Moore's Ford incident, as horrible as it was, needs to be accurately recreated for future generations to never forget our inhumanity. CAST + CREW CALL :: HISTORY CHANNEL RE-ENACTMENT - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Producers from the HISTORY CHANNEL are seeking actors, crew and production assistants for a historical re-enactment shoot of the Moore's Ford lynching to be shot near Athens on FRIDAY MARCH 7th From the Producer…. We need to cast: 2 Black males - 22-28 years range. They should appear young and trim. 2 Black females - 20-25. They should appear young and trim. 12-16 white males - from 20 to 50 years of age. Our 4 young black actors need to have some acting skills as they will be playing the part of the very distressed victims. The white men don't need any major acting skills. They'll be tying up the black males, dragging them through the clearing, and firing the prop guns at the mock exec...

Here is your chance for infamy and actor glory. I love the History Channel -------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- From: filmathens <info@filmathens.net> To: filmathens <info@filmathens.net> Cc: dinacanup@hotmail.com Subject: cast + crew call :: HISTORY CHANNEL RE-ENACTMENT 3/7 Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 18:31:07 +0000 > > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > CAST + CREW CALL :: HISTORY CHANNEL RE-ENACTMENT > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > > Producers from the HISTORY CHANNEL are seeking actors, crew and > production assistants for a historical re-enactment shoot of the > Moore's Ford lynching to be shot near Athens on FRIDAY MARCH 7th > > From the Producer…. > > We need to cast: > 2 Black males - 22-28 years range. They should appear young and trim. > 2 Black females - 20-25. They should appear young and trim. > 12-16 white males - from 20 to 5...

Please support Lee Becker and his battle for our water safety future with various factions of the Oconee County Board of Commissioners. Please read the following email and consider contacting the Commissioners to let them know of your feelings about the future of Barber Creek before Tuesday evening. Dear Friends,   The Oconee County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night will make the most important decision yet on the upgrade of the Rocky Branch sewage treatment plant when it decides whether to accept the recommendation of the Selection Committee it appointed to review the bids for the engineering design of the plant. That Committee has recommended that HSF Engineering of Snellville be awarded the contract for the upgrade. The Committee also recommended an alternate design, rather than the design used at the County’s only other sewage plant on Calls Creek. The design of the plant is crucial, for it determines the quality of the water that will be released ...