Strong voter turnout continues at local polls
Election 2018, News October 23, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Early voting in the Nov. 6 General election has reached its second week, and with two weeks left until Election Day, the Towns County Board of Elections Office has witnessed a surge in voter participation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 0ver 1900 voters had cast their ballots at the Hiawassee precinct, and the Election Board considers the amount especially high. Election Board Director Tonya Nichols included an additional electronic voting booth to the three already in use last week, once it became evident that voters would arrive in mass, in an effort to eliminate a wait time.
Towns County Board of Election staff and poller, Kathy Norton, reported a steady stream of voters flowing into the precinct at any given time since early voting began on Oct. 15. “It’s definitely a much higher count than usual during a midterm,” Norton told FYN.
Additional counties in FYN’s area of coverage throughout North Georgia are reporting a similar spike in numbers.
State statistics show a nearly double increase amount in absentee ballots returned in 2018, in comparison to during the 2014 midterm election.
A heavy amount of voters continue to arrive at the Old Rock Jail Musuem, which was once the Hiawassee precinct, suggesting many could be casting ballots for the first time in years.
Towns County Board of Elections is located at 67 Lakeview Circle in Hiawassee. Ballots can be cast Monday through Friday during early voting, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The polls at the four Towns County voting precints will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p,m, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6. Towns County Board of Elections asks voters to have thieir photo identification in hand as they reach the registration area.
In addition to five state amendments listed on the ballot, two local referendums related to alcohol sales appear. The first resolution applies to county liquor-by-the-drink sales at licensed establishments. The second choice concerns the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays within Hiawassee city limits, cited as the “Brunch Resolution,” which would allow consumers to purchase spirits at 11 a.m. rather than the currently prescribed 12:30 p.m.
Hiawassee residents will solely have the option to vote on the Brunch Resolution.
Count on FYN to deliver immediate local results as the totals are tallied on Nov. 6.
Towns County leaders weigh-in on massive early voter turnout
Election 2018, News November 3, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Early voting in the 2018 midterm election came to a close on Friday, and Towns County Board of Elections saw a massive turnout at the Hiawassee polling precinct. Of the 9,386 registered voters in Towns County, 4,030 residents chose to cast their ballots ahead of Tuesday’s general election. A total of 257 absentee ballots had been returned to the election board as of Friday afternoon.
The 2018 turnout rivals that of the 2016 presidential election. Two years ago, 4,564 of the 8,608 voters registered in Towns County turned up to cast early ballots at the polls, with 420 ballots returned by mail. Midterm elections historically do not draw such a high amount of voters to the ballot box.
FYN reached out to Towns County leaders and gathered their thoughts on the phenomenon.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton believes that the south-of-the-border “caravan of criminals” that are headed toward the U.S. border plays a part in the impressive turnout at the Georgia polls. “The future of our nation and our state rides on this election. Anyone being honest about these caravans understands what is at stake. If the left wins, the caravans are just the beginning. If the Republicans stay in, I’m willing to bet they turn around,” Clinton warned, “We must stop this madness or we will cease to be a sovereign nation…They aren’t coming for jobs or safety. Mexico offered those. They sure aren’t coming to be Americans. Those aren’t American flags they are carrying during these border assaults.”
Sheriff Clinton recently endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp, reiterating on Friday that Stacey Abrams’ “radical, socialist ideas are extremely dangerous.”
District 8 State House Representative Matt Gurtler is optimistic that Georgia will remain a “red” state, adding that according to the Secretary of State’s office, Georgia has seen the highest early voter turnout in the state’s history during this year’s general election. “Our district is the most active in the state and the most conservative by far,” Gurtler explained, “I expect to see the 8th House District in the lead once again this coming Tuesday, and I believe and have great faith in the people of Georgia, that we will see a ‘red wave’ sweep the entire state.”
While Towns County Republican Party Chair Betsy Young is enthusiastic,the GOP leader believes that the race for Georgia’s next governor, in particular, is tight. “I think this is going to be close, but if only legal voters vote – all Democrats and Republicans – we will win. The area around Atlanta will be heavily Democrat, but I believe some who have never voted anything but Democrat will vote Republican because of two things: hate by liberals and their awful demonstration of it, along with the economy and immigration.”
“The fate of our state and our county is at stake,” Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw expressed, “Towns County realizes how important this election is for our future, and I’m very thankful for that.” Commissioner Bradshaw served as Master of Ceremonies at a recent “Get Out the Vote” event sponsored by the Towns County Republican Party.
While the four local leaders agree that the high voter count is good sign for their affiliated political party, the Republicans stressed the importance of an equally healthy turnout at the polls on election day.
Towns County polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Count on FYN to deliver local election results as soon as they become available.
Towns County Sheriff warns Abrams win could lead to violence
Election 2018, News November 5, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton took a solid stand on social media in the days leading into the general midterm election, warning Georgia voters of what he believes will result in dire repercussions should Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams prove to be the victor on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Clinton – a self-professed Constitutional Conservative serving his third term as Towns County’s lead lawman – insists that the caravan of migrants swelling toward the southern U.S. border is nothing short of an orchestrated invasion.
“This is for real, folks,” Clinton cautioned, “This is an invasion that will end Georgia and America if it is not stopped. The left wants to destroy everything you and I love about our great state. Abrams and her out-of-state friends want to destroy everything we love about America.”
In a shared post on social media, the sheriff added, “Vote Brian Kemp Georgia’s next Governor and stop this extreme and dangerous socialist agenda.”
The sheriff stressed that the motive behind the migrant caravan is to add future backup supporters for the Democratic candidate’s socialist cause, claiming that violent MS-13 gang criminals are embedded within the mass of the estimated 12,000 foreigners.
“MS-13 is an extremely violent and brutal gang with no more respect for your front door or your family than they have for any nation’s borders or civil authorities,” Clinton warned.
“Abrams thinks the folks doing all this are good people and should be allowed to join her cause,” Clinton went on to explain, “Meanwhile, she believes that the law enforcement officers risking their lives to keep us safe are like terrorists.”
Clinton concluded with an expressive plea for Georgians to cast their vote for Republican candidate Brian Kemp in order to “stop this radical, extremist, socialist, anti-American, anti-Georgian, anti-farmer, anti-law enforcement, anti-unborn child, anti-liberty” agenda.
The sheriff later reiterated his outlook in a conversation with FYN on Nov. 2. “I am certain that Towns Countians are informed and are doing our part,” Clinton assured, “Let us all pray for a healing of our nation. While praying, vote.”
Sheriff Clinton is scheduled to address the Town County Republican Party on Thursday, Nov. 15, speaking on the encroaching caravan, gangs, guns, and the opioid epidemic.
Towns County GOP meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center in Hiawassee. Meetings are open to the public.
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Dual alcohol referendums pass on local ballot
Election 2018, News November 7, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Voters in Towns County were given an option on the Nov. 6 ballot to accept or reject a referendum that would allow licensed establishments to serve alcohol-by-the-pour. A total of 66.67% of citizens favored the decree, with 33.33% opposing the mandate.
A second referendum appeared on the ballot for voters residing within Hiawassee city limits, classified as a “brunch resolution” which will permit Sunday alcohol sales to begin at 11 am rather than 12:30 pm. The brunch resolution was accepted by 61.41% of voters. A total of 38.59% rejected the brunch bill.
Hiawassee attempted to include a liquor store referendum on the November ballot by collecting the amount of signatures necessary for an allowance. A state requirement to include the referendum on the ballot stipulated that 35% of valid registered voters from the 2016 General Primary election, currently residing within the jurisdiction, must add their names to a petition in a show of support. The computed amount was set at 233 signatures. Of the 304 signatures collected, 181 voters were verifiable by the Board of Elections. The package store petition contained 56 duplicate names, while 64 signatures were shown to be attached to individuals not registered to vote, residing outside of the city limits, or deceased.
Hiawassee aspires to garner the amount of signatures needed to include a package store referendum on a future ballot.
Georgia Can’t Trust A Liar Like Geoff Duncan – Details on Geoff Duncan’s Lies
Featured, Politics July 16, 2018
Geoff Duncan is lying about David Shafer. Every day, he is pushing a new lie to try and deceive Georgia Republicans. Don’t be fooled — Duncan will say and do anything to get elected. See below why we can’t trust a liar like Geoff Duncan.
Lie #1
Duncan maliciously lies, saying Shafer is being sued for conspiracy.
THE TRUTH:
The newspaper headline in the Duncan advertisement (“Candidate accused of conspiracy in CEO’s ouster”) refers to a lawsuit filed against another candidate, former gubernatorial candidate Clay Tippins.
Shafer is not named as a defendant or accused of wrongdoing in the Tippins lawsuit. In fact, David Shafer has never been named as defendant in any lawsuit.
Lie #2
Duncan lies by accusing David Shafer of not paying taxes.
THE TRUTH:
Shafer’s tax dispute was resolved in his favor and the tax lien issued against him was marked “issued in error and withdrawn.”
Lie #3
Duncan lies, claiming Shafer used political power to end an ethics investigation.
THE TRUTH:
David Shafer was completely exonerated by a two month, bipartisan ethics investigation.
Shafer cooperated fully. He sat for two interviews and produced 10 years of email and telephone records.
The independent counsel hired by the Ethics Committee to investigate the complaint determined that the allegations had been “fabricated” and were “politically motivated.”
Lie #4
Duncan falsely accuses Shafer of getting rich as a State Senator.
THE TRUTH:
David Shafer has worked his entire life. He opened his first bank account at age 8 with money saved from mowing lawns. He worked as a church janitor at age 13 and a restaurant busboy at age 16. He worked his way through college as a department store sales clerk. After college, he earned his real estate license and invested in real estate and he has invested in and started numerous businesses. Shafer is proud of his business success.
Georgia Can’t Trust A Liar Like Geoff Duncan.
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Collins Statement on the American Health Care Act
Featured, News March 24, 2017
WASHINGTON—Today the House of Representatives did not vote on the American Health Care Act as part of Republicans’ comprehensive health care reform plan. Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, is an attorney and Air Force Reserve chaplain representing one of the most conservative districts in the nation. Collins has issued the following statement in response:
“I am proud to have stood with President Trump to repeal and replace the law that has hurt American families and replaced their freedom with federal mandates. Yet I find myself frustrated and grieved that so many Republicans refused to act according to their professed principles.
Because I am convinced that human life and dignity deserve fierce protection under the law, I am unable to understand how many of my colleagues allowed political myopia to prevent them from supporting the opportunity to defund America’s largest abortion peddler. Because of the decisions of a few members, we remain mired in a health system that is able neither to care for our neighbors nor to protect unborn Americans.”
Donald J. Trump is our President Elect of the United States of America!
Election, Featured November 9, 2016
Trump wins! Donald J. Trump wins the Election and is our President Elect of the United States of America! Make America Great Again!
Jennifer Hazelton Talks Trump 9/6/16
GMFTO September 6, 2016
BKP speaks with Jennifer Hazelton, Georgia Communication Director for the Donald Trump Campaign, about the election and campaigns so far.
Morning Monologue 8/29/16
GMFTO August 29, 2016
BKP brings you “Trump’s Immigration Plan for Dummies” as he breaks down the basics of the Candidates ideas.
Letter to the Editor
Letters to Editor May 16, 2016
The image of David Ralston his political detractors are trying to paint is absurd and far from reality. It is a desperate attempt to smear the character of a fine public servant in the hopes of gaining a few votes for a losing campaign. David Ralston was the outsider elected Speaker whose leadership repaired the image of a legislative chamber badly tarnished by scandal into a functioning house committed to responsible legislation in service to Georgians.
David Ralston is truly a life-long Republican who spent most of his early political career in the minority. He was first elected to the state Senate in 1992 defeating an incumbent Republican who had switched parties. That was the same year, Sonny Perdue (D) was re-elected to the state Senate and Nathan Deal (D) was exiting that same chamber to win a seat in the U.S. Congress. David was a pioneer for conservative principles and building the Republican Party in Georgia before our last two Governors had even joined the GOP.
When he was first elected to the state House, David was not a member of the “in crowd.” His predecessor stripped his political opponents of preferred committee assignments and challenged leaders of his own party to public fights. As a result, issues that needed immediate attention fell to the wayside as political theatrics took center stage.
David challenged the status quo and the Speaker at that time and lost. He paid a political price for his courage in challenging the powers that be. After all, that’s the way things had been done in Georgia for years. Political retribution had long been a common practice.
In 2010, David Ralston was nominated and elected Speaker by his colleagues on a promise to change the attitude of leadership and build a cooperative culture that would focus on respectful debate and putting the needs of Georgians over special interests. It was a promise he kept.
David Ralston could have chosen to follow the path of his predecessors. He could have sought retribution against those who had previously punished him. But, he didn’t. Instead he brought his fellow house members together and built upon a Republican majority. Within months of David taking the helm of leadership several house members switched parties building the largest GOP majority in state history. Many credited the improved climate implemented by Speaker Ralston as an impetus for the switch.
No individual has made a more positive impact on the political discourse in Georgia than David Ralston. His detractors would have us believe it is a result of his lack of commitment to conservative principles. They are wrong. It’s a result of his commitment to those very conservative principles.
For three decades, the people of the 7th District have trusted the leadership of David Ralston. That sphere of trust in his leadership has expanded throughout all of Georgia. David Ralston has led numerous legislative achievements. But no achievement has been more significant than the culture of cooperation now found in the House of Representatives. For that, we are a better and stronger Georgia.
Hank Burnham
512 Randy Point Road
Athens, GA 30606
706-461-3141
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