Fannin County election winners speak after hearing results

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Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Nov. General Election has come to a close in Fannin County. After a large number of early voters, it was not surprising that the local polls were packed as Tuesday Nov. 6 marked the last day to have your voice heard.

Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner will now be held by Republican candidate Glenn Patterson. Patterson won out over Democratic challenger Dixie Carter with 81.71 percent of the vote.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, General Election 2018, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Fannin County Board of Education, Republican, Democrat, Glenn Patterson, Dixie Carter, Bobby Bearden, Jeff DePaola, Mike Cole, Susan DeMoura, Superintendent, Dr. Michael Gwatney

Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner Elect Glenn Patterson.

“I’m very excited! It hasn’t hit me yet. It’s kind of overwhelming,” Patterson spoke of his win shortly after hearing the results.

Of his plans once sworn into office Patterson said, “I’m brand new but I plan to learn fast and just do things for the people. That’s why I ran and I won’t forget after the race that the people put me in there.”

“I want to help Fannin County,” Patterson also acknowledged the division among political parties across the nation and locally. “Not just the Republicans or the Democrats but all of them. I will look at the issues critically. While I think we are headed down a good path, there is always room for improvement.”

One of the two seats open with the Fannin County Board of Education will now be held by Republican Mike Cole. Cole won the republican nomination in the May General Primary over several challengers and incumbent Steve Stanley. He then went on to defeat Democrat Susan DeMoura in the General Election with 82.31 percent of the vote.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, General Election 2018, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Fannin County Board of Education, Republican, Democrat, Glenn Patterson, Dixie Carter, Bobby Bearden, Jeff DePaola, Mike Cole, Susan DeMoura, Superintendent, Dr. Michael Gwatney

New Fannin County Board of Education board member Mike Cole with family.

“I’m excited about it,” Cole said as the final results were announced.

During his campaign Cole was an enthusiastic proponent of bringing vocational training back to the schools of Fannin County and he plans to continue to advocate for these classes.

“It’s all about policy,” Cole said speaking of ways in which to make more vocational options a reality, and while not knowing if he would be elected at the time Cole still began making progress by contacting agencies concerning welding and looking into possible grants for the school system.

Although Cole will be a newcomer to the Fannin County Board of Education, he looks forward to working with fellow board members and Fannin County Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney: “Gwatney is a great guy. I’ve had some interaction with him before and I like him a lot.”

In the closest race locally, incumbent Republican Bobby Bearden won over challenger Democrat Jeff Depaola with 79.49 percent of the vote. Bearden has held a seat on the Fannin County Board of Education for 16 years and will serve another four year term.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, General Election 2018, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Fannin County Board of Education, Republican, Democrat, Glenn Patterson, Dixie Carter, Bobby Bearden, Jeff DePaola, Mike Cole, Susan DeMoura, Superintendent, Dr. Michael Gwatney

Set to serve another term, Fannin County Board of Education board member Bobby Bearden.

Bearden is no stranger to winning elections but humbly spoke of hearing the results: “I’m just thankful for everyone who believed in me, had faith in me, thought I was doing a good job and was willing to have me for four more years.”

“The children are first and the taxpayers are second,” Bearden spoke his platform as he did during the campaign. For the taxpayers, Bearden would like to focus on keeping Fannin County’s millage rate one of the lowest in the state of Georgia.

“I’m really honored and blessed to live in a place like Fannin County. I tell people all the time that we have the best schools and I still believe that,” Bearden said of his years on the Fannin County Board of Education.

All three candidates will take office in 2019 to serve a 4 year term.

You can see all of Fannin County’s Election Results by following the link below:

 

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

David Ralston shares his opinion on the 2018 Election

Election 2018

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston spoke to Fannin County residents at the monthly Republican Party meeting. Ralston gave citizens an update on happenings at the Georgia capital and didn’t shy away from sharing his opinion of the upcoming Republican runoff and the Nov. General Election.

“Ain’t nobody going to know who I voted for,” Ralston said expanding on his opinion over recent endorsements of the two Georgia gubernatorial Republican candidates, “because I want to help bring about…we’re going to need some healing as a party.”

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Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston updated residents of Fannin County about happenings in the state capital.

Ralston spoke of the the tough campaign that many in his party have faced and are still facing. He spoke specifically of the gubernatorial race between Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp: “It’s been kind of…actually kind of nasty.”

Georgia Republicans have a good message according to Ralston and need to refocus on getting out and sharing that message. He would like to see his party “stand together and stand united”.

“It is well funded. It is organized. It is energized. It is unified,” Ralston said of the Democratic Party that is being faced this year, adding, “It’s also more liberal than it was when it was in power last time.”

With redistricting expected to come after 2020, Ralston stressed the importance of coming together as a party in all upcoming elections.

Ralston spoke of his recent trip to Washington D.C. where he was invited to take part in President Donald J. Trump’s Infrastructure Advisory Council. The small group of state representatives spent time talking about issues in their state and met with Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson.

“This is a welcome relief that we now have an administration that really does want to hear from us,” Ralston said of his time in our nation’s capital, “and that believes that power comes from the bottom up. Rather than from the top down.”

As far as the work of the last General Assembly in Georgia, Ralston said, “I think that we have had a great session. It is one that I am very, very proud of.”

Among the accomplishments listed by Ralston, the general session achieved fully funding the QBE (Quality Basic Education) which will bring an additional $273,000 to Fannin County Public Schools. The Fannin County School System will also receive $44,000 to put towards added security of school campuses.

Taxes were cut from 6 percent to 5.75 percent with a trigger to drop to 5.5 percent in 2019. Ralston stated that this was the first time income taxes were cut since its institution in Georgia.

“We managed to do that while keeping our budget balanced and maintaining a AAA bond rating,” Ralston added of the recent financial amendments in the state.

Fannin County will also soon see a stand alone campus for the University of North Georgia (UNG). This comes with the state pledging $5.5 million for its construction.

Ralston notes this as a “game changer” for Fannin County. According to Ralston not only will this strengthen ties with UNG in our area but also provide educational opportunities including dual enrollment for local high school students.

Finally Ralston spoke of legislation passed that will allow for “micro hospitals”. These small-scale hospitals will offer acute-care and emergency services as well as short term inpatient care. Facilities such as these typically only house 8 – 15 beds and because of lower overhead are less expensive to operate.

“The first such facility in the state is located just down the road in Ellijay,” Ralston spoke of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Outpatient Center.
“I have to say, to receive 75 percent of the vote in the district was humbling and beyond our expectations,” Ralston acknowledged his own campaign and the outcome of the May Republican Primary. “It is a real honor to represent this county in the House of Representatives. More than that though I am blessed to call this place home.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Rick Day says cannabis could be the future of North Georgia

Election 2018, Politics

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Many words were used to describe Rick Day as he exited the Fannin County Democratic meeting on July 2: enthusiastic, informed, entertaining, and passionate.

Day, a 62 year old veteran, is the first from the Democratic party to ever challenge the Speaker of the House, David Ralston, for the seat of Georgia House of Representatives District 7.

One key issue of Day’s platform and arguably one that he shows the most passion for is his pro-cannabis stance and the benefits it could bring to North Georgia.

“Somewhere in the 70’s I discovered cannabis, marijuana, and it has been a lifelong love affair with Mary Jane,” Day said about his position.

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Democratic candidate Rick Day hopes to unseat incumbent David Ralston in November.

According to Day, almost 700,000 people have been arrested for minor marijuana possession in Georgia since Ralston’s election to the seat of District 7 in 2002.

“This man is so powerful he could have changed this law,” Day said explaining his take on Ralston’s record. “He only cares about the for-profit prisons that lobby him.”

Day would like to see Georgia move beyond the limited laws passed recently in the state that increased medical marijuana use and see cannabis legalized for recreational use as well.

Stating statistics, Day said that approximately 85 percent of Georgians are in favor of medical marijuana, 70 percent of Republicans are in favor, and 65 percent of Georgians favor cannabis oil.

“If we wait another 10 years, the crops are not going to be worth anything near what it was because it’s going to be so common,” Day spoke of the economic impact of ending the war on marijuana.

Wanting to see both marijuana and hemp become major cash crops for the state of Georgia, Day spoke of the increased tax revenue that this legislation, if passed, would create; up to 1 billion in increased revenue. Day would like to see all citizens of North Georgia benefit from this wealth by using the new revenue to eliminate or dramatically decrease property taxes.

“Thousands of jobs, good, well paying jobs,” Day expanded on the benefits of this move. “Develop the area and work with it, so that it becomes part of our identity without overtaking us.”

“My vision is to turn this (North Georgia) into the Napa Valley of cannabis,” Day enthusiastically spoke of his hope.

Acknowledging other issues facing our area Day said, “There is a growing issue with lack of affordable housing in the district.”

With no shortage of half million dollar homes, Day says that it is very hard to find homes in the $150,000 range where there is an increasingly growing demand.

Offering grants and incentives for builders to construct these more affordable homes is a possible solution that Day sees on this issue.

When it comes to his Republican opponent, Day does not mince words: “Ralston is a con. A bought and paid for conservative. Conservatives are no longer the fiscal stewards they once were or ever represented themselves to be.”

Accusing Ralston of catering to the highest bidder, Day pointed out Ralston’s $400,000 yearly pension and using his position to get his son a lobbying job: “He’s their man. He’s not our man anymore.”

As for Ralston’s impact on his district, Day shared his thoughts on that as well. According to Day, Ralston is a man who holds a position of power in the state of Georgia: “Arguably the most powerful because he’s not tenured with term limits like the governor is, and he can’t even get us one manufacturing center up here. He’s done nothing for this district.”

“I can’t out spend David Ralston. He’s already got $1,000,000 in corporate money in the bank,” Day elaborated on his campaign plans. “I can’t make a lot of promises. I won’t have a lot of political power, but I ain’t David Ralston and I will never be that man.”

Day says that his political platform is simple. Having been shown a kindness when he was a young man, his philosophy is to pay it forward. His litmus test on every issue is “Is this going to be good for our kids? Is this going to be good for our grand-kids?”.

“I oppose the things that are not, and I embrace the things that are good,” Day said of this philosophy.

“I believe in myself and I want you to too,” Day spoke to those gathered to hear his message. “I’m done watching (politics). Now is the time for action. Now is the time to bring David Ralston home.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Hunter Hill visits Ellijay

Election 2018

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Continuing his campaign for Governor, Hunter Hill made a stop in Ellijay on May 2 to speak with local citizens about his plans for the office if elected.

Hill spoke to local citizens over breakfast at Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant on Highway 282.

Arriving at 8 a.m., Governor Candidate Hunter Hill steps off his bus to meet citizens at Mike's Ellijay Restaurant.

Arriving at 8 a.m., Governor Candidate Hunter Hill steps off his bus to meet citizens at Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant.

Hill is a former Army Ranger who has been in the State Senate for five years now. After resigning his seat in August to run for Governor, Hill has been focusing on his vision for Georgia and spreading that message to rally voters. Today, he spoke with citizens in Ellijay about the ideals for “less government, less taxes, and more freedom.”

With “career politicians,” as Hill noted, in office, it is an undermining of our values as a nation. He called out those politicians saying they were not even willing to risk their next election to uphold their oath.

Focusing more specifically on the recent issue of sanctuary cities. Adamantly against the topic, Hill said, “If a city or county in this state were to claim itself a sanctuary city, they would not receive a nickel of state funding.”

After his speech, Hunter Hill paused to answer questions from citizens attending his breakfast meet and greet.

After his speech, Hunter Hill paused to answer questions from citizens attending his breakfast meet and greet.

His second point on his vision for the office reiterated his opinions and intention to eliminate the state income tax. With bordering states already without an income tax, the competitive disadvantage is hurting our state, according to Hill. He went on to say replacing the income tax with a consumption tax setup would alleviate the tax burden from honest Georgians and redistribute that to everyone including visitors to the state and even those making money in illegal ways. Hill stated, “A broad-based consumption tax allows us to have more people that we’re bringing money in from, which allows us to do so at lower rates.”

On a personal note, Hill mentioned his faith pushed him to focus not only on the points of pro-life, pro-second amendment, and also religious liberty. FYN asked Hill if he would be seeking a “Faith Restoration Act” in his first year to which he replied, “Very good chance of that, yeah.”

Hill did confirm that he wanted to pursue faith-based adoption as a part of it saying, “We’ve got to protect our faith-based adoption agencies. We’ve just got to do it. A lot of the reasons that faith-based adoption agencies get involved is to be helpful in congruence with their faith. If you don’t protect their ability to do it in congruence with their faith, then they will just stop doing it altogether.”

 

Meeting with Gilmer residents for breakfast allowed Hunter Hill a chance to meet and speak with local citizens about issues and his vision for the Governor's Office.

Meeting with Gilmer residents for breakfast allowed Hunter Hill a chance to meet and speak with local citizens about issues and his vision for the Governor’s Office.

Protecting people of faith and their ability to live and work based on that faith was a focus of Hill’s speech about the governor’s office, but also on his words about his future view of the state. He noted after winning on key policy issues aligned with our values and principals, he wanted to remind senators and house members of the values and principals that they were elected for, providing a singular vision to move forward under.

 

“Fighting for the people of Georgia” is what he says his focus is as Hill says he sees polls with him ahead of Kemp and closing in on Cagle. Separating himself, Hill says he’s not the career politician like Cagle and is very different than Kemp on issues like the income tax and limited government. But when comparing, Hill said he wanted to focus on his campaign and his vision to protect liberties and endorsements like the Georgia Right to Life to be a different candidate.

While most of those present were already Hill supporters like retired Gilmer county citizen, George Winn, who said he’s been a Hill supporter “all the way.” Based upon his stances as a military, Christian conservative who is a believable and trustworthy conservative.

Others like Ken Bailey find themselves supporting Hill as the best candidate. Following the campaign because “Hunter is not a politician. He is a fresh, young face and not a part of the established system, which needs to be broken up I think. I think he’s got good ideas. We don’t need to have a state income tax, that puts a handicap on us.” Bailey went on to say that he liked some of the other candidates and even knew some personally, but felt Hill was the best choice.

He also commented his appreciation of the choice in the election. With fine candidates available, Bailey said its great to not have to pick the best of a bad selection.

Hill continues his bus tour across Georgia with his final stop at the Cobb GOP Headquarters in Marietta on Saturday afternoon, May 2.

Kemp tells the NRA they have been “Casey Cagled”

Election 2018, Featured Stories, Politics, State & National

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Secretary of State of the U.S. State of Georgia and Republican Governor hopeful Brian Kemp accused the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Casey Cagle of a political stunt and pandering for endorsements.

As the the Georgia Gubernatorial race heats up so do the accusations and claims of who really represents the people and who is running a self-serving campaign.

One such accusation came earlier this week as Kemp sent an email to top NRA lobbyist Christopher Cox telling Cox that the NRA has been “Casey Cagled”.

On Feb. 26 Cagle released a tweet firmly stating, “”I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA.”

Cagle then added, “Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.”

Georgia, Governor, Election 2018, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, NRA, National Rifle Association, Delta, Jet fuel, Tax Break, HB930, Georgia House of Representatives

A mere two days later, a state Senate committee removed the jet fuel perk from the broad tax bill, and on March 1, the Senate passed a tax bill, with a 44-10 vote that still eliminated this jet fuel tax break.

According to Kemp’s letter, Cagle’s Tweet and the action taken in the state Senate are nothing more than a political show: “That sounds real good. But there’s one big problem with it. The NRA is getting played.”

Recent legislation passed by both the House and the Senate of Georgia paint a different picture of Cagle’s true stance, according to Kemp.

Kemp urged the NRA to look into HB930: “Please have your team review HB930 from this past legislative session. It passed on the last day (aka Sine Die). It is a legislative package to expand mass transit in Georgia, especially in the metro Atlanta area in which Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is located. ”

As promised by Cagle, this bill does not include the jet fuel tax break that Delta Airlines had hoped to recieve, but it does include a tax break of another kind that could greatly benefit the airline company.

Kemp claims the new legislation grants airlines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport an exemption from a local transportation sales tax, known as Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST).

Georgia, Governor, Election 2018, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, NRA, National Rifle Association, Delta, Jet fuel, Tax Break, HB930, Georgia House of Representatives

Section of HB930 describing exemptions for airlines.

“As those of us involved in Georgia politics like to say…..you’ve been “Casey Cagled”. He tells you one thing while cutting secret deals to help Delta down the line,” Kemp stated of his opponent.

Cagle’s campaign manager Scott Binkley replied to these alligations, “The only way this helps Delta is if it lands a 747 in Gwinnett or Cobb County regional airports.”

The Cagle campaign says that the legislation only extends exemptions for sales tax on jet fuels if Cobb and Gwinnett counties were to raise sales tax to join MARTA. According to Cagle’s campaign this in no way affects the Delta Hub located in Clayton County.

With Cagle tweeting one agenda and passing another, Kemp feels that there is only one conclusion: “The facts are the facts. Delta benefits in the near future from this legislation that Cagle supported.”

FetchYourNews is talking with the NRA to gather their opion of the email sent by Kemp and their stance on the recently passed Georgia HB930.

 

Full Letter From Brian Kemp to Chris Cox:

Chris,
As you know, I am a Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia. My opponent Casey Cagle made quite a spectacle trashing Delta Airlines this legislative session trying to show he is a strong supporter of the NRA. I’m quite sure he has been pushing for, if not demanding, your endorsement now that the session is done.
He has probably brought up to you and others this tweet:
Casey Cagle ✔@CaseyCagle
I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.
That sounds real good. But there’s one big problem with it.
The NRA is getting played.
Please have your team review HB930 from this past legislative session. It passed on the last day (aka Sine Die). It is a legislative package to expand mass transit in Georgia, especially in the metro Atlanta area in which Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is located.
This legislation does not include the comprehensive jet fuel tax break that Delta Airlines sought earlier in the year, but it does grant to airlines at Hartsfield (notably Delta) an exemption from a local transportation sales tax known as TSPLOST that Clayton County may levy in the near future.
Clayton County is where Hartsfield Jackson airport is primarily located. The exemption applies to any airport that has more than 750,000 takeoffs and landings per year. In Georgia, the only airport that qualifies is Hartsfield Jackson.
As those of us involved in Georgia politics like to say…..you’ve been “Casey Cagled”.
He tells you one thing while cutting secret deals to help Delta down the line.
I know that Cagle’s team will throw all sorts of confusing jargon and legislative baloney at you trying to deny this. It’s complicated legislation that they will undoubtedly try to make more complicated when they explain it to you.
But the facts are the facts. Delta benefits in the near future from this legislation that Cagle supported.
Chris, I have been a member of the NRA for many years. I hunt, fish, and carry. I have served in the State Senate and have a rock solid voting record on 2nd Amendment issues. Most importantly, I will tell you where I stand and I don’t waver. I do what I say in everything that I do.
In stark contrast, the record of what you get with Casey Cagle is crystal clear.
If you are interested in having someone in this important office who believes as you do and will not play these kind of games, I welcome your support and ask for your endorsement.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Brian Kemp

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Glenn Patterson announces candidacy for Post 2 Commission seat

Election, Election 2018, News

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Glenn Patterson addressed the attendees at the Fannin County Republican Party meeting on Jan. 15: “I want to announce my candidacy for Post 2 Commissioner in Fannin County.”

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, Board of Commissioners, Post 2 Commissioner, Larry Joe Sosebee, Glenn Patterson, Fannin County Republican Party, Election 2018, Fannin County Christian Learning Center, Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame, Fannin County School System

Glenn Patterson announces intentions to run for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner.

Patterson, an educator of 33 years, has spent approximately 23 of those years as a teacher, administrator, and coach in Fannin County. Patterson was an administrator at East Fannin Elementary, West Fannin Elementary, and Blue Ridge Elementary. He went on to serve as a teacher and a coach at Fannin County High School.

Patterson spoke of growing up in Epworth and spending time in the Fannin County community as an adult: “These people, they are truly authentic, caring, loving people, and for that reason, I wanted to give back my time, my energy and my talents.”

Speaking of the incumbent and possible challenger for the Republican nomination, Larry Joe Sosebee, Patterson stated, “I know the incumbent. We went to school together, and I think he is a good man, but I want to offer my services to the county.”

Patterson added, “I want to be clear that I have no private agenda, or ax to grind, just the idea to help Fannin County be the best it can be.”

A graduate of Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Patterson also holds a master’s degree in education and a six-year specialist degree in education administration and supervision.

Patterson currently serves on the Board of Directors at the Fannin Christian Learning Center and is chairman for Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame.

Patterson concluded his announcement by stating, “I would consider it a privilege for your prayers and support as I go to this election. I am not a politician, but I would very much like to be a civil servant that would lead with a servant’s heart.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Candidates qualify for local seats in upcoming 2018 election

Election 2018

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – ***UPDATED : WED. MARCH 7, 2018***  Qualifying week has officially begun in Fannin County. Many statewide seats are up for election in 2018, including the Georgia gubernatorial seat, which will have no incumbent, and the Georgia House of Representatives for the 7th District seat, which is currently held by Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston.

Locally, we will see candidates face off for the seat of Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner, currently held by Larry Joe Sosebee, and two Fannin County Board of Education seats, currently held by Bobby Bearden and Steve Stanley.

The Fannin County Board of Elections and Registration have a busy week of officially qualifying candidates for these elections. Currently, the following contenders have qualified and will be seen on the May primary ballot:

For Post 2 Commissioner, Dixie Carter has qualified to run on the Democratic ballot. Incumbent Larry Joe Sosebee and challenger Glenn Patterson have each completed the qualifying process to run for Post 2 Commissioner on the Republican ballot.

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Board of Education, Democratic, Republican, May Primary, November, General Election, Qualifying Week, Dixie Carter, Glenn Patterson, Bobby Bearden, Larry Joe Sosebee

Dixie Carter has qualified for the Democratic ballot in the Post 2 Commissioner race.

 

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Board of Education, Democratic, Republican, May Primary, November, General Election, Qualifying Week, Dixie Carter, Glenn Patterson, Bobby Bearden, Larry Joe Sosebee

Incumbent Larry Joe Sosebee, left,  will face challenger Glenn Patterson, right, on the Republican ballot for the seat of Post 2 Commissioner.

One of the two Fannin County Board of Education seats that will be voted on in the November General Election will be sought by Bobby Bearden as incumbent and challenger Marvin Allen on the Republican ballot.

Incumbent Steve Stanley will seek the second of the two Fannin County Board of Educations seats and will be challenged by Mike Sullivan. Both will be on the Republican ballot in the May General Primary.

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Board of Education, Democratic, Republican, May Primary, November, General Election, Qualifying Week, Dixie Carter, Glenn Patterson, Bobby Bearden, Larry Joe Sosebee

Incumbent Bobby Bearden, left, will face Challenger Marvin Allen, right, on the Republican ballot for a seat on the Board of Education.

 

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Election 2018, Post 2 Commissioner, Board of Education, Democratic, Republican, May Primary, November, General Election, Qualifying Week, Dixie Carter, Glenn Patterson, Bobby Bearden, Larry Joe Sosebee

Incumbent Steve Stanley, left, will face challenger Mike Sullivan, right, on the Republican ballot for a seat on the Board of Education.

The May General Primary will be held May 22, 2018, with a voter registration deadline of April 23.

Qualifying will continue through this week, ending March 9 at noon. All persons wishing to participate as a candidate in the 2018 election will need to qualify by this time.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

School Board members seek re-election in 2018

Election 2018

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Announcements continue to pour in of candidates running for local elected positions in Fannin County. The Feb. 19 Fannin County Republican Party meeting saw Post 2 Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee declare his intent to run for re-election and announcements by two current school board members who will seek re-election for their positions.

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Board of Education, School Board, Bobby Bearden, Steve Stanley, Election 2018, Fannin County Republican Party, Qualifying Week

Board member Bobby Bearden has served 16 years with the Board of Education.

The first announcement came from current school board member Bobby Bearden.

“At the end of this year, I’ll have 16 years as a school board member, and there’s nothing in this world I’ve enjoyed more than where I am right now,” Bearden spoke of his experience.

Bearden, a life-long Fannin County resident, spoke to attendees about living here his entire life with the exception of three years during the Vietnam War.

Bearden keeps his platform simple and listed his priorities if re-elected: “Children, children, children, and tax payers come after that.”

In regard to possible challengers, Bearden, while wanting to win and continue his legacy with the Board of Education (BOE), did say, “I’ve heard somebody is going to run against me this time and that’s fine. I think the voters of Fannin County need to elect who they think is going to do the best job.”

Bearden concluded by reminding the crowd that he continues to stand by his promise that he made years ago when he first ran for a seat with the BOE: “If I ever do anything that will cause your children, your grandkids, not to be able to go to college, lose that GAC (Georgia Accrediting Commission) accreditation, I’d step down in a heartbeat.”

Blue Ridge, Fannin County, Georgia, Board of Education, School Board, Bobby Bearden, Steve Stanley, Election 2018, Fannin County Republican Party, Qualifying Week

Steve Stanley has been with the Board of Education for eight years.

The second announcement came from fellow school board member Steve Stanley. Stanley who has served with the Fannin County BOE for eight years is seeking re-election in November.

While Stanley expressed that he has issues with state funding in regard to our local school system, he stated that safety is his number one priority: “From the moment they (school children) step foot on that school bus until you pick them up at night they better be safe.”

Stanley also spoke of current grants that are being looked at and pursued for the Fannin County School System. One grant in particular would help promote literacy in Fannin County, and Stanley says it is among his top priorities: “We’re wanting to give people any materials we can to start reading.”

Stanley ended his announcement by stating, “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.”

Both Stanley and Bearden will need to qualify to be seen on the May General Primary ballot. Qualifying takes place this week and will end Friday, March 9, at noon.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Dixie Carter announces bid for Fannin County Post 2 Commission seat

Election, Election 2018, News, Politics

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Another name will appear on the May Primary Election ballot in a bid for the Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner seat that will be voted on in the General Election to be held on Nov. 6, 2018.

At the Feb. 5 Democratic Party meeting, current member Dixie Carter addressed the crowd, “I am Dixie Carter and I am announcing my candidacy for the Post 2 Commissioner seat.”

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, Fannin County Board of Commissioners, Post 2 Commissioner, Dixie Carter, Democratic Party

Dixie Carter announced candidacy for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner seat at the Feb. Democratic Party meeting.

“I have decided to run to be a voice and advocate for the people of Fannin County,” Carter explained. “I want to be a public servant for the people of Fannin County. One who listens to all people.”

Carter has a history of service work both professionally and personally. Holding undergraduate degrees in psychology and social work, and a master’s degree in social work, Carter’s career has covered many areas of social welfare.

Carter served as a case manager and therapist in mental health facilities across north Georgia, worked as a child protective service investigator with the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services, and was a medical social worker in Home Healthcare and Hospice.

“I’ve volunteered a little here in the community,” Carter spoke of her charity work. “Feed Fannin, I’ve been involved with them over the years. Also, the Fannin CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) team. I’m a member of the National Association of Social Workers, also the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.”

“I’ve always had that passion as a social worker,” Carter spoke of her desire to help people. “It’s really a natural progression to want to help the community.”

Carter brought up a couple of the key issues she would like to address if elected. One of these issues was increased public access areas on Lake Blue Ridge.

Carter sited Morganton Point as being the only public access point of that nature and stated that the summer months bring more visitors, leading to the area being overcrowded.

Another area where Carter would like to see change is in the Fannin County Public Library. Carter would like to see the library increased in size and moved out of the courthouse.

“Public libraries are a very important public space in the community,” Carter stated, explaining the need for this change, “and can be a key hub to community activity in many ways.”

Carter concluded her announcement to the Fannin County Democratic Party by saying, “I look forward to being a voice for the people of Fannin County, and I would consider it a privilege to represent the community.”

Carter currently runs unopposed for the Democratic seat in the May Primary Election.

Glenn Patterson announced his bid for the Republican seat for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner at the January Fannin County Republican Party meeting. Incumbent Larry Joe Sosebee is expected to officially announce his intention to run for re-election later this month.

Qualification for the May Primary Election will begin March 5 at 9 a.m. and will close March 9 at noon. Those wishing to run in the May Primary Election for any open seats in the county must qualify during this time.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Kemp tells the NRA they have been “Casey Cagled”

Election 2018, Featured Stories, Politics, State & National

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Secretary of State of the U.S. State of Georgia and Republican Governor hopeful Brian Kemp accused the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Casey Cagle of a political stunt and pandering for endorsements.

As the the Georgia Gubernatorial race heats up so do the accusations and claims of who really represents the people and who is running a self-serving campaign.

One such accusation came earlier this week as Kemp sent an email to top NRA lobbyist Christopher Cox telling Cox that the NRA has been “Casey Cagled”.

On Feb. 26 Cagle released a tweet firmly stating, “”I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA.”

Cagle then added, “Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.”

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A mere two days later, a state Senate committee removed the jet fuel perk from the broad tax bill, and on March 1, the Senate passed a tax bill, with a 44-10 vote that still eliminated this jet fuel tax break.

According to Kemp’s letter, Cagle’s Tweet and the action taken in the state Senate are nothing more than a political show: “That sounds real good. But there’s one big problem with it. The NRA is getting played.”

Recent legislation passed by both the House and the Senate of Georgia paint a different picture of Cagle’s true stance, according to Kemp.

Kemp urged the NRA to look into HB930: “Please have your team review HB930 from this past legislative session. It passed on the last day (aka Sine Die). It is a legislative package to expand mass transit in Georgia, especially in the metro Atlanta area in which Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is located. ”

As promised by Cagle, this bill does not include the jet fuel tax break that Delta Airlines had hoped to recieve, but it does include a tax break of another kind that could greatly benefit the airline company.

Kemp claims the new legislation grants airlines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport an exemption from a local transportation sales tax, known as Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST).

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Section of HB930 describing exemptions for airlines.

“As those of us involved in Georgia politics like to say…..you’ve been “Casey Cagled”. He tells you one thing while cutting secret deals to help Delta down the line,” Kemp stated of his opponent.

Cagle’s campaign manager Scott Binkley replied to these alligations, “The only way this helps Delta is if it lands a 747 in Gwinnett or Cobb County regional airports.”

The Cagle campaign says that the legislation only extends exemptions for sales tax on jet fuels if Cobb and Gwinnett counties were to raise sales tax to join MARTA. According to Cagle’s campaign this in no way affects the Delta Hub located in Clayton County.

With Cagle tweeting one agenda and passing another, Kemp feels that there is only one conclusion: “The facts are the facts. Delta benefits in the near future from this legislation that Cagle supported.”

FetchYourNews is talking with the NRA to gather their opion of the email sent by Kemp and their stance on the recently passed Georgia HB930.

 

Full Letter From Brian Kemp to Chris Cox:

Chris,
As you know, I am a Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia. My opponent Casey Cagle made quite a spectacle trashing Delta Airlines this legislative session trying to show he is a strong supporter of the NRA. I’m quite sure he has been pushing for, if not demanding, your endorsement now that the session is done.
He has probably brought up to you and others this tweet:
Casey Cagle ✔@CaseyCagle
I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.
That sounds real good. But there’s one big problem with it.
The NRA is getting played.
Please have your team review HB930 from this past legislative session. It passed on the last day (aka Sine Die). It is a legislative package to expand mass transit in Georgia, especially in the metro Atlanta area in which Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is located.
This legislation does not include the comprehensive jet fuel tax break that Delta Airlines sought earlier in the year, but it does grant to airlines at Hartsfield (notably Delta) an exemption from a local transportation sales tax known as TSPLOST that Clayton County may levy in the near future.
Clayton County is where Hartsfield Jackson airport is primarily located. The exemption applies to any airport that has more than 750,000 takeoffs and landings per year. In Georgia, the only airport that qualifies is Hartsfield Jackson.
As those of us involved in Georgia politics like to say…..you’ve been “Casey Cagled”.
He tells you one thing while cutting secret deals to help Delta down the line.
I know that Cagle’s team will throw all sorts of confusing jargon and legislative baloney at you trying to deny this. It’s complicated legislation that they will undoubtedly try to make more complicated when they explain it to you.
But the facts are the facts. Delta benefits in the near future from this legislation that Cagle supported.
Chris, I have been a member of the NRA for many years. I hunt, fish, and carry. I have served in the State Senate and have a rock solid voting record on 2nd Amendment issues. Most importantly, I will tell you where I stand and I don’t waver. I do what I say in everything that I do.
In stark contrast, the record of what you get with Casey Cagle is crystal clear.
If you are interested in having someone in this important office who believes as you do and will not play these kind of games, I welcome your support and ask for your endorsement.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Brian Kemp

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

SPEAKER DAVID RALSTON QUALIFIES FOR RE-ELECTION IN HOUSE DISTRICT 7

Election 2018
Monday, March 5, 2018(Blue Ridge, GA) – Today, House Speaker David Ralston qualified to run for re-election in House District 7. The Republican Primary is May 22, 2018.

“Serving as House District 7’s voice in the Georgia General Assembly is an honor and responsibility I hold dear,” said Ralston. “Representing the best interests of North Georgia remains my number one priority.

“In the State House, we passed comprehensive tax reform that will empower job creators, spur economic growth, and keep more money in the pockets of Georgia taxpayers. Thanks to President Trump and the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, we delivered the largest tax cut in modern, Georgia history.

“To keep District 7 – and our entire state growing – I created the House Rural Development Council to identify the problems facing communities outside of Metro Atlanta and prescribe legislative solutions for growth and prosperity. We have already passed several of the Committee’s recommendations and have a long-term commitment to the success and vitality of rural Georgia.

“While I am proud of what we have accomplished at the State Capitol and throughout District 7, I am seeking re-election to continue fighting for Gilmer, Fannin, and Dawson County families. With the continued support of local voters, we can keep our community strong and our future bright.”

David Ralston is the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, a position he has held since 2010.  He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002, and represents House District 7, which includes Fannin and Gilmer counties and a portion of Dawson County.

Larry Joe Sosebee seeks re-election for Post 2 Commission seat

Election 2018, News, Politics

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – At the Feb. 19 Fannin County Republican Party meeting, Post 2 Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee confirmed that he will be running for re-election in the upcoming May primaries.

Sosebee, who has held the Post 2 Commission seat since 2011, will be seeking a third term in office. At the Republican Party meeting, Sosebee addressed the attendees in hopes to garner their continued support.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, Board of Commissioners, Post 2 Commissioner, Larry Joe Sosebee, Glenn Patterson, Fannin County Republican Party, Election 2018

Post 2 Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee will run for re-election in 2018.

“The platform that I ran on when I was first elected is the same as it is today, the safety and well-being of Fannin County,” Sosebee began. “For every citizen of Fannin County, safety is the first and foremost in my platform.”

Sosebee spoke of his record of supporting public safety while in office and specifically noted the recent decision of the board to supply the county with three new fire engines and two new ambulances.

The reason for this new equipment, Sosebee pointed out, was because of growth within the county.

He cited that when he took office, Fannin County had approximately 20,000 full-time residents. That number now, according to Sosebee, is somewhere between 25,000 to 26,000.

While there has been an increase in county budget, Sosebee felt that he has been a “good steward” of the taxpayer’s money.

“Our millage rate is the lowest in the state of Georgia,” Sosebee explained, “with 4.176 on the county’s side of it.”

Sosebee went on to discuss his record while holding the Post 2 Commissioner seat: “I’ve attended every meeting. Never missed a meeting. I’ve voted on everything that has come before me, and I’m not ashamed of any vote that I’ve made.”

Sosebee concluded his presentation by thanking the crowd and stating, “I am running for re-election for Post 2 Commission, and I’m in it to win it.”

Sosebee will face off against Glenn Patterson in the May General Primary to be held on May 22, 2018, with a voter registration deadline of April 23.

Those wishing to be a candidate in the General Primary must first qualify. The qualifying period for Post 2 Commissioner will begin March 5 at 9 a.m. and will close March 9 at noon.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Preparations for the 2018 General Election are taking place in Fannin County

Election, News, Politics

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County Board of Elections and Registration (BOEAR) continues to prepare for the upcoming elections in 2018.

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Margaret Williamson will face David Ralston in the Republican Primary for Georgia House of Representatives, District 7 seat.

With candidates, such as Glenn Patterson for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner and Margaret Williamson for Georgia House of Representatives District 7, already announcing their intentions to run in the scheduled May primaries, the BOEAR has much to prepare for this year.

The BOEAR will see new faces on their board as well this year. The board, composed of two appointed Democrats, two appointed Republicans and a fifth member decided by the appointed members, will all be up for reappointment this year having served their two-year terms.

One member that will not be seeking reappointment is John Baird. Baird having served on the board for two years will be leaving Fannin County in the near future. This will leave the Democratic seat held by Baird open for a new Democratic appointment to fill.

Members of the Board of Elections and Registration are nominated by their parties respectively, and then voted on within that party to fill the board.

Board members are preparing to attend the Georgia Election Officials Association (GEOA) and the Voter Registrars Association of Georgia (VRAG) joint conference held March 25 to 28 in Athens, Georgia.

Attendance to this conference in mandatory for two members of the board and will keep Fannin County in compliance with Georgia state law regarding elections.

BOEAR Vice Chairman Mary Ann Conner explained the need for the mandatory attendance saying, “We (BOEAR) have to have 12 hours of training each year on voter registration and the elections, and it certifies us to hold that election.”

“We usually go to two a year,” BOEAR Chairman Sonia Smith clarified. “This one will be combined.”

Conner added, “Because of all of the elections, this is the only way they (GEOA/VRAG) can do it during an election year.”

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Glenn Patterson seeks a position as Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner.

The BOEAR also announced the proposed qualifying fees for county positions. These fees were later passed by the Board of Commissioners.

A fee of $349 is required to run for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner, and $144 is required to run for a seat with the Board of Education. The qualifying period for these positions begins March 5 at 9 a.m. and will close on March 9 at noon.

A General Primary Election for both Republicans and Democrats will take place on May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for the Primary Election is April 23.

Winners of the primaries will face off in the General Election to be held on Nov. 6, 2018.

Another position that will be seen on the ballot in November is that of the Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District is represented by two district supervisors. One of the supervisors is appointed to a two-year term while the other is elected to the position and serves a four-year term.

Currently, Fannin County is only represented by one district supervisor, Damon Davenport. Richard Stanley, the elected official, passed away in late September of 2017. The seat of the late Richard Stanley will be open to candidates in the 2018 election.

To fill the vacant seat within the Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District, one must petition the state of Georgia and meet certain requirements to be put on the ballot.

Conner pointed out a change in requirements for this position, “They have upped the petition from 20 names to 25 names.” Names on this petition must be from registered voters and can be filed with the Fannin County Board of Registration and Elections.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Geoff Duncan speaks on why he should be Georgia’s next Lt. Governor

Election 2018, News, Politics

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Conservative Geoff Duncan, Georgia State Representative District 26, was guest speaker at the Feb. 19 Fannin County Republican meeting.

Duncan, who is currently running for Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor, spoke to the crowd about his candidacy and history in politics.

“It is an honor for me to run for Lieutenant Governor,” Duncan said, addressing Fannin County’s Republican Party.

Republican Geoff Duncan says his family is running his campaign as a team.

Married with three sons, Duncan explained that his family is his team: “We’re doing this as a team. This is the hardest thing we have ever done.”

Duncan attended Georgia Tech and went on to play professional baseball with the Florida Marlins for six seasons. After his retirement from sports, Duncan focused on several successful entrepreneurial ventures.

“I certainly didn’t grow up in politics or my family have a life in politics. I didn’t go to law school, no offense against any attorneys,” Duncan joked as he explained his past and what sets him apart from other politicians. “I didn’t have this big appetite for politics growing up, but I was paying attention.”

It was during a church seminar that Duncan was inspired to become a public servant. While studying Andy Stanley’s Recovery Road, a revelation hit him.

“If we’re going to recover as a country, it’s got to start with us,” Duncan told attendees of the message that stuck with him from that seminar.

Duncan added, “We’ve gotten really good at complaining, but we’re not doing anything about it.”

Discussing the Conservative message, Duncan feels that it is lost because it is not shown by example from many of the Republican leaders: “We talk about prayer in school. I’ve never met a representative that doesn’t want prayer in school, but not enough representatives are praying with their kid next to their bed every night.”

Duncan was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012 for the newly formed 26th District.

Since being elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, Duncan has authored several pieces of legislation such as HB 749-The Cargo Theft Act. Before the enactment of the Cargo Theft Act, criminals in the state of Georgia who stole vehicles carrying cargo were only charged with theft of the vehicle and not the cargo it was hauling.

With the passing of the Cargo Theft Act, penalties for such a crime are much stiffer, and Duncan cites that crime of this nature decreased by 68 percent within the first year of the bill being enforced.

Duncan also authored HB 152-Michael’s Law, which states that individuals must be at least 21 years of age to enter an establishment whose primary business revenue is in the sale of alcohol.

Most recently, Duncan authored SB 258-the Rural Healthcare Bill which is said to bring over $250 million to Georgia’s rural hospitals.

Duncan is also a strong proponent of tax reform on a state level: “We, as Republicans, have got to stop taxing people because we can get away with it.”

Some of the duties of Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor include picking or being a heavy influence in the decision of committee chairs and members. The Lieutenant Governor also is charged with the process of deciding which pieces of legislation come to the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Duncan concluded, “I am running for Lieutenant Governor because I think I can do it better, I think I can do it bolder, and I think I can create a culture that rewards good policy over good politics.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Brian Kemp makes stop in Fannin County to explain why he should be Georgia’s next governor

Election 2018, News, Politics

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp stopped in Fannin County Feb. 20 to introduce himself and to address citizen concerns.

Part of his Putting Georgians First Bus Stop tour, Kemp plans on visiting more than 50 counties in nine days to introduce his conservative 4 Point Plan and to let voters know of his platform as he makes his way in the Georgia governor’s race.

The governor’s seat in the state of Georgia is currently held by Nathan Deal. Deal was first elected in 2010 and has served two consecutive four-year terms. According to Georgia state law, this seat is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is limited to two consecutive terms.

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Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp explains his 4 Point Plan to Fannin County Residents.

Governor Deal has met the term limit criteria and will be ineligible to seek a third term in 2018.

Kemp who has held the position of Georgia Secretary of State since January 2010 spoke of what he feels sets him apart from others in the race: “I’ve learned a lot over the years, but I’m still the same guy when I first ran for legislature.”

Owning a small construction business in Athens, Georgia, Kemp first ran for a local office. “I really just became very frustrated with government, and I decided to do something about it,” Kemp said.

Wanting to bring a common sense, small business owner mentality to state government, Kemp pursued furthering his influence and stated that his main focus in government is “figuring out ways to do more with less.”

Kemp laid out his 4 Point Plan for residents of Fannin County with the first step being to make Georgia number one for small businesses.

Citing that Governor Deal has made great steps in achieving this, Kemp would like to continue to build on what Deal has accomplished.

“We need to continue to provide an environment and make it better,” Kemp stated about ways to attract and sustain small business growth. Kemp would like to see regulatory reform in this area, giving entrepreneurs more opportunity to expand and development in Georgia.

Kemp’s second step would involve spending reform. Georgia’s 2015 operating budget was set at $20.8 billion and the 2019 budget is proposed to be $26 billion, showing an increase of $5.2 billion in just five years.

Kemp would like to implement a spending cap, so that items will be more heavily scrutinized when considered for the budget. “When you’re in the good times, that’s when you need the spending cap,” Kemp explained.

Kemp said that if elected governor, he would question all spending: “How much is it going to cost? Who’s going to pay for it? And what are the long-term ramifications?”.

Ultimately, Kemp would like to start seeing a decrease in tax percentages for everyone in the state of Georgia but is also not opposed to a short-term solution of tax rebate for residents.

Step three is to move all of the state of Georgia forward focusing on both urban and rural areas. Strengthening rural Georgia would not only focus on economic development but also goods and services provided in these counties.

Kemp cited the need for quality healthcare providers and quality education. He would like to focus on agriculture as well and move toward finding more resources and creating a higher demand for Georgia’s exports.

Finally, Kemp would like to put Georgians first. He would like to see Georgia’s resources spent and utilized on Georgia residents. Putting a stop to sanctuary cities, cracking down on gang and drug-related crime, and deporting criminal illegal immigrants are few areas where Kemp feels our state could step up and save in resources that could otherwise be used for residents of Georgia.

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Kemp takes time to talk with audience members in Fannin County on his Bus Stop Tour.

Kemp took questions from the audience, and one such question that garnered everyone’s attention was a question relating to gun control and in particular the safety in our schools.

Kemp, a strong proponent of the Second Amendment, acknowledged that the current state of our country in regards to the mass shootings that take place every year is one that he never would have imagined growing up. He added that it saddens him to even think about.

When asked specifically about armed personnel in our schools, Kemp replied, “I support the abilities of local school boards and local schools to take care of their children.”

He stated that on a local level, if a school system felt the need for armed guards or further security measures, he would fully support their decision.

Kemp left the audience with a commitment he promised to uphold and one that he says has not changed during his terms as an elected official: “I was going to tell the people what I was going to do, and when I got in office, I was actually going to do that.”

Kemp assures everyone that if elected governor in the state of Georgia, that he will “deliver on those promises.”

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Tripp Ritchie to run for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner

Election, Election 2018

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – After Qualifying Week came to an end in March, Fannin County got to see its choices for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner.

Announcements circulated prior to official qualifying of candidate’s intentions to seek this position, but one qualifier chose to wait and announce his candidacy after all proper paperwork and requirements had been met.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, Fannin County Board of Commissioners, Post 2 Commissioner, William Hoke Ritchie, Tripp Ritchie, Larry Joe Sosebee, Glenn Patterson, Dixie Lee Carter, May Primary, November, General Election, Election 2018

Republlican candidate, William Hoke “Tripp” Ritchie III, for Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner.

William Hoke “Tripp” Ritchie III spoke with Fannin County’s Republican Party at their March meeting about his plans if elected to the Fannin County Board of Commissioners.

Ritchie, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, spoke of his 25 years of service and, in particular, his two tours in combat: “This was always home. When you’re in a combat environment and you need a little break you think of where is your home and to me it was here.”

A sixth-generation Fannin County resident and co-owner of Ritchie Creek Farm, Inc., Ritchie spoke of the desire that led him back to Fannin County and how he was able to purchase back some of the land from his family’s original homestead.

“I’m actually living on land that my great-great-grandfather bought, and it’s back in the Ritchie family,” Ritchie beamed of his Fannin County roots as he added, “Real proud of that.”

Ritchie is not a stranger to public service having been a former facilities manager for the town of Hilton Head Island. Ritchie feels that having held this position he is better prepared to serve the citizens of Fannin County.

Ritchie has dedicated much of his life to the service of others. Being a decorated combat veteran and serving as lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps, he went on to be a panelist and presenter in the World Wide Anti-Terrorism Conference of 1999.

Professionally, Ritchie has served as director of Family Support Services and Development and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina and director of the Autism Center and Navicent Health at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.

Ritchie went on to co-found and serve as executive director of Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Inc., and received the Jefferson Award for public service by the United States Supreme Court in 1995.

“Service to me is when you give more than you have,” Ritchie said, explaining his dedication to our area.

Ritchie plans on running a self-funding campaign and will not be accepting donations. He also spoke of his salary if elected: “I’m donating 100 percent of that to the charities in our community that do service.”

These charities include Snack in a Backpack, Toys for Tots, American Cancer Society, and the Special Olympics.

When it comes to his feelings about his opponents in this election, Ritchie explained, “Anybody that runs for office and holds an office is doing a fantastic service for their community. It really takes a lot of courage to take on that challenge.”

Ritchie will face Republican challenger Glenn Patterson and incumbent Larry Joe Sosebee in the May General Primary. The winner of this race will go on to face Democratic nominee Dixie Carter in the November General Election.

The May General Primary is scheduled to take place May 22, 2018. Voter registration deadline for the General Primary Election is April 23.

 

 

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