Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby announces re-election campaign

Election, News

RE-ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT

To the Citizens Of Fannin County, I would like to take this opportunity to announce my intention to seek re-election in the upcoming 2024 Republican Primary. I am very grateful and humbled by the trust you have placed in me as your Sheriff for the last 15 plus years.

I took office in January 2009 and every new year presents its own set of challenges and tasks to be completed in the world of crime fighting. Myself and the dedicated people who make up the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office have remained determined to provide quality service to the people we represent.The People of Fannin County can rest assured that determination has not and will not diminish as our County continues to face new problems that arise from the tremendous growth that we have witnessed over the years while still continuing to focus on existing problems. I have learned over the years that the people expect their Sheriff to enforce the law period, and I have done that to the letter of the law.

As in previous years I plan to continue serving and protecting, with the professional and courteous manner that is expected of this office. The Citizens of Fannin County as well as visitors should know they can feel safe here, but should also realize that dangers exist here just like everywhere else. Parents should worry about their children being exposed to drugs and other evils of this world and people in general should be aware that bad people do infiltrate the mountains of North Georgia. This County needs and deserves a Sheriff with wisdom, experience and dedication to combat those evils that exist.

Since day one, I have been and will remain a “hands on” Sheriff. It has taken years and a lot of hard work to establish close working relationships with agencies such as GBI, FBI, Homeland Security, Georgia State Patrol, ATF, DNR, US Forest Service, Department of Corrections and all the surrounding Sheriffs Offices to create an army of resources at our disposal on a daily basis. We have a drug agent with GBI and a task force officer with the FBI working out of our office EVERY DAY. All this has created a network where valuable information is shared and acted upon accordingly and has made criminal and drug interdiction more productive than ever before in the history of Fannin County. The working relationships between the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Superior Court and the multiple Accountability Courts have resulted in very close attention being paid to cases to ensure they are all handled appropriately and as quickly as possible.

The Office of Sheriff is a big job that must be taken very seriously, it is a job that takes years to learn. The last 33 years I’ve spent in law enforcement have definitely been years spent learning and applying my knowledge to form an extraordinary Sheriff’s Office to serve this community.

I can tell you without a doubt the Citizens of Fannin County can be very proud of the men and women who make up this office, they come to work everyday to serve, protect, represent and fight for you.  It is my privilege to serve the citizens of Fannin County and working everyday as your Sheriff is the most gratifying and fulfilling experience I have ever had. I take seriously the issues we as a community face on a daily basis and I will meet each issue head on. I am honored that you have placed your confidence in me and it is my hope you have been satisfied with my service and that you will continue to support my efforts. 

Please feel free to contact me day or night with any questions or concerns you have. My cell number is 706-633-8269. I would like to extend my appreciation to each one of you for your past support and ask for your continued support and vote in the General Primary Election to be held on May 21, 2024.

Respectfully,

Sheriff Dane Kirby

Motion to dismiss delays Georgia’s ballot fraud lawsuit

News, Politics
unseal ballots motion to dismiss

ELLIJAY. Ga – Fulton County filed a motion to dismiss the election integrity lawsuit. Henry County Superior Court Judge Brian Amero issued a motion to stay in the case until he could rule on it.

Friday, May 28, was originally the day plaintiffs’ and Fulton County’s council convened to decide a process for reviewing the unsealed November 2020 election absentee ballots. However, Fulton County’s motion to dismiss resulted in a delay of the case until June 21.

Garland Favorito

Plaintiff Garland Favorito, of VoterGa.org, explained that Fulton County’s attempting to get out of the lawsuit and place the case solely on the shoulders of Fulton’s Board of Elections and Registration. VoterGa.org originally sued the board of registration and elections, but the court added Fulton County to the suit. Amero’s interpretation of Georgia’s new sovereign immunity law in such a way that the county would need to be included.

Fulton County’s hired the law firm Garland, Samuel, and Loeb to represent it. The firm specializes in three areas criminal, personal injury, and business litigation.

Favorito commented that the new motion “doesn’t appear to have a ton of validity” and is hopeful the judge will throw it out at the next hearing. His group is currently working on their response.

As for the Department of Justice becoming involved, Favorito doesn’t believe the federal government will intervene with the state’s case.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) has gone on record supporting legal investigations into election integrity while condemning corruption in Fulton County. His office has also filed an amicus brief in this case, trying to protect voter’s rights, but Judge Amero decided to unseal the ballots anyway.

Favorito added the plan to review the ballots will probably continue after July 4 unless Judge Amero dismisses the case.

Ralston to form House election integrity committee

News
election integrity

ATLANTA, Ga – During the pre-legislative conference, Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston confirmed they would form a special committee concerning election integrity.

The committee will devote its “full attention” to restoring confidence in the election process. Several Georgians continue to believe voter fraud occurred in the presidential election, but three recounts confirmed the results.

Ralston added new voting legislation could be introduced this session.

“I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t pass significant measures this session, assuming the governor approved them and signed them into law,” Ralston commented.

Ralston tasked the election integrity committee with two items:

  • keep elections open and accessible to all registered voters.
  • ensure proper oversight and security of the election’s process.

The members of the committee will be announced next week.

However, Ralston urged caution before making too many changes to existing election laws. One change he supported was ending jungle primaries. He asked potential members of the committee to include that provision in any legislation brought forward.

When questioned, Ralston didn’t commit to removing no-excuse absentee voting in Georgia or removing the 50 plus rule for Georgia elections.

“I’m certainly going to listen to both sides of that and frankly I don’t know where I’m going to come down, but someone is going to have to make a very strong case,” Ralston stated.

Ralston thanked Senators Kelly Loeffler (R) and David Perdue (R) for their service and congratulated Senators-elect Jon Ossoff (D) and Raphael Warnock (D).

He added that Republicans in Georgia and across the country will need to create a path forward.

“Our Republican party, and frankly our government, is at its best when we’re working for our people. We address fundamental issues that make people’s lives better. We have to turn our attention from those seeking to divide us and focus our attention on the work that brings us together,” Ralston remarked.

Other items for the 2021 session include COVID-19 relief, mental health, education, and more.

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