Painful budget cuts ahead for state agencies as legislators try to balance Georgia’s budget
News June 5, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Appearing on FYNTV.COM’s “Good Morning from the Office” program Thursday (June 4) State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) said legislators will tackle the difficult task of balancing the fiscal year 2021 budget when the Georgia’s General Assembly is back in session on June 15.
The full legislature has not met since Gov. Brian Kemp declared a Public Health State of Emergency to address the COVID-19 crisis on March 14. When they return, legislators will have to pass a supplemental 2020 budget as well as a FY 2021 budget.
“There are going to be some painful cuts,” Tanner said, “The appropriations committees have already been working. We’ve drafted cuts for the governor for 14 percent across the board, no exceptions for every agency.”
Agency directors have testified before the joint appropriations committee. So the appropriations committees are well underway with the budget process.
“Fortunately in Georgia, we are required to balance the budget unlike in Washington which I think is one of the biggest issues in D.C. now,” said Tanner. “In addition to that, one of the things leadership in the House has done is they have taken a look at our important bills that are outstanding and I think you will see several other bills come before the House and Senate.”
Tanner is one of nine Republican candidates campaigning for the 9th District Congressional seat vacated by Congressman Doug Collins who is seeking to win a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Two of other’s – Georgia State Senator John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) and Ethan Underwood appeared on Thursday’s program. Fetch Your News will also have separate articles on those candidates.
Regarding issues he wants to address if elected, Tanner said the biggest issue is spending.
“The special interest groups that are driving the conversation in Washington are part of the problem,” he said. “They are driving the insanity in D.C. that is geared around spending. Spending is completely out of control and it has been for several decades. It’s not just one party. All parties are to blame for the spending problem we have and I’m not sure that ever gets under control until we force a balanced budget amendment into the Constitution. I fully support a balanced budget amendment.”
Asked about the bitter divisiveness going on in Washington, Tanner said, “There’s people out there who would like to divide us. There’s people who want to create turmoil. A lot of those people are funding candidates on both sides, Republican and Democrat. They want to create anarchy in this country so they can destroy an institution we have built and our forefathers have built. I’m not willing to sit by while my country is being destroyed without jumping into the fight. We have got to bring some common sense back to Washington.”
2020 9th Congressional District Candidate Interviews with BKP
Featured, Featured Stories, News, Politics June 8, 2020
BKP interviews the candidates for the 9th Congressional District. These candidates discuss with BKP the latest in the news from Black Lives Matter, Pro-Life or Pro-Choice, Department of Education and the 2nd Amendment on if they support it or not. These interviews will better help you get to know the candidates for the June 9th election.
Kevin Tanner:
Ethan Underwood:
John Wilkinson:
Andrew Clyde:
Paul Broun:
Matt Gurtler:
#BKP Has A Live Call-In With Kevin Tanner
Election June 4, 2020
This Morning, #BKP is joined by 9th congressional district candidate Kevin Tanner! Tanner discusses his thoughts on Club For Growth endorsing candidates. He also touches on his track record for just being effective. Tanner also touches on Important issues such as Covid-19, Budget Cuts, and the protests around the country.
BKP Has a Call-In With 9th District Candidate Kevin Tanner
Politics May 11, 2020
BKP has candidate for the 9th Congressional District Seat Kevin Tanner on the show to discuss the 9th district and his opinions on opening the economy. Is it too early? Based on the unemployment numbers and the “waste of tax payer dollars” Kevin Tanner thinks we should open the economy. Kevin Tanner also stated that he has “deeper roots than anyone” and that there are too many talking heads in DC and that needs to change.
Will Wade is the leading fundraiser in race for District 9 State House
News May 10, 2020
ATLANTA – Campaign contribution reports filed with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office reveal former Dawson County School Board member Will Wade is the leading fundraiser in the race for District 9 State Representative.
Entering the final week before advanced voting begins Wade, a banker by profession, clearly demonstrated he understands the art of fundraising. Enthusiastic supporters have poured $71,008 into his campaign. His expenditures total $36,351, leaving him a balance of $34,656.
Attorney Steven Leibel was in second place with total campaign contributions of $50,015. Leibel has spent $32,370.90, giving him a balance of $17,644.
Former Lumpkin County Commissioner Doug Sherrill, reported receiving $44,475, with $23,250 coming in the form of personal loans he made to his campaign. He reported $18,656.65 in expenditures.
Steven Leibel
No one else was even close in the race for dollars. Attorney Zack Tumlin, in his first campaign for political office, collected $14,476 and spent $16,009.
Clint Smith, a longtime Republican activist who served eight years in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1995 until 2003 raised only $10,150 and $8,000 came in the form of a loan he made to his campaign. He has spent, $7,294 for a balance on hand of $2,856.
Tyler Tolin, a former U.S. Marine, Army Airborne Ranger and special ops team member who served in combat zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa and the Mediterranean, reported $740 in donations.
The only Democratic primary candidate is Sharon Ravert, who has raised $4,755 and spent $1,459.96.
The candidates are running for the seat being vacated by Kevin Tanner who, after eight years in the State House, announced he would run for U.S. Congress.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
11 candidates qualify for important District 9 U.S. Congressional race
News March 10, 2020
Rep. Doug Collins
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Doug Collins’ departure from the U.S. Congress sparked a rush of candidates to toss their hats into the ring – 11 in all — nine Republicans and two Democrats.
Four are current or former office holders – Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville), Rep. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa), State Rep. Matt Gurtler (R-Tiger) and former Congressman Paul Broun. Three of the candidates are combat veterans, one is a retired police officer and one is a preacher.
Fetch Your News visited each candidate’s website last week to take a preliminary look at their platforms. Here is how they presented their case for election.
REPUBLICANS
State Representative Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville)
Tanner has a 30-year history of public service as a fireman, law enforcement officer, county manager and state representative where he has served the last eight years. The Dawson County Republican has been a strong supporter of religious freedom, mental health reform and he has helped to pass important education and public safety reforms. In the House, he supported the Heartbeat Bill that Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law this year. He is also a small business owner and farmer.
State Senator John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa)
Wilkinson has served eight years in the Georgia Senate. He is chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. Prior to serving in the Senate, he was a program manager at the Georgia Department of Education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and master’s degree in Education at the University of Georgia. During his eight years in the Senate, Wilkinson has fought to eliminate useless red tape and regulation of business, defended the sanctity of life and fought for Second Amendment rights.
State Representative Matt Gurtler (R-Tiger)
Gurtler describes himself as a pro-life, pro-guns conservative who will stop government interference in the free market and in marriage and fight for parental rights and local control of schools. “Parents should have the freedom to choose the best educational method for their children whether they choose public, private, charter or home schooling,” he said. “The Department of Education, No Child Left Behind, and Common Core have been detrimental to our students.”
Dr. Paul Broun
Broun has been a family physician for 40 years. He is no stranger to the U.S Congress. He won a special election in 2007 and was re-elected in 2008, 2010 and 2012. He joined the U.S. Marines at the age of 18 and was promoted to Commander, Navy Reserves and served in Afghanistan before being honorably discharged in 2014. A conservative Republican, Broun has cautioned that the federal government faces economic collapse if it doesn’t stop the out-of-control spending.
Ethan Underwood
This is Underwood’s first run for political office. He is an attorney from Cumming who has served as chairman of the Forsyth County Republican Party and Vice Chairman of the 9th District Republican Party. As a property rights attorney, Underwood said has fought government throughout his career and will be ready from Day 1 to fight to ensure that Americans Constitutional rights are protected and they have access to quality, privately-funded healthcare options.
Michael Boggus
Boggus is a blue-collar worker who will bring a populist message to the campaign that will focus on “family, ambition and patriotism.” A testimony to the American work ethic, he attended trade school and supports his family on a crane operator’s income. He said he will focus on policies to reduce taxation for the middle class, combat big pharma’s control over the American economy, stimulate economic development through the encouragement of entrepreneurship, defend Second Amendment rights, and preserve the people’s autonomy through the tenth amendment.
Maria Strickland
Strickland is a retired police officer with 26 years’ experience in law enforcement and one of only women in the race. This will be her first attempt to win an election. While some say inexperience is her weakness, the Fannin County Republican said it is an asset. “We must stop sending career, establishment politicians to Washington,” she said. “We’ve been doing that and we’re not making any difference. Nothing is changing.” She describes herself as a pro-Trump conservative Republican who is pro-gun, pro-life and pro-American.
Kellie Weeks
A Gainesville gun store owner, Weeks’ said her top priority is to protect Second Amendment rights because the right to protect ourselves from a tyrannical government is what protects the rest of our God-given rights. “On day one, I will introduce legislation for term limits. two terms for the Senate, four terms for the House.” she said. Another priority will be to improve the nation’s mental health system. “I want to rebuild our Mental Health Infrastructure to provide more resources for the mentally ill and those in crisis.”
Andrew Clyde
A three-tour Navy combat veteran and owner of Clyde Armory in Athens, he is running on a platform of limiting government and expanding individual freedoms. In 2013, the IRS seized nearly $1 million from his business through an unconstitutional process called civil asset forfeiture. He fought the IRS and won and the experience motivated him to run for Congress. “The experience showed me there is a very thin line between the people running our government and our government running us,” he said.
DEMOCRATS
Devin Pandy is a career Army combat veteran and Wounded Warrior who served in Panama, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. He is a member of the No Democrat Left Behind coalition dedicated to flipping Georgia from a red state to blue. He says he will focus on the economy, tax reform, living wages and voter rights. He believes President Trump’s economic policies are a disaster, the Trump tax cut only benefits the wealthiest one percent and the border wall won’t work. He will fight for a pathway to citizenship for DACA/Dreamers.
Rev. Dan Wilson
Wilson said his campaign will focus on a strong economy, diplomacy and cyber security. He will push for a regional minimum wage, apprenticeships that lead to careers and 21st century jobs with a secure retirement. Wilson says America needs a comprehensive enforcement strategy against global cyber attacks. He calls agriculture the “beating heart” of Georgia’s economy and he believes farmers and families will benefit from “farm to school” programs, streamlined guest worker visas and reopening supply chains that have been broken.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Former Gov. Deal endorses Tanner for Congress
News March 4, 2020
State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) receives endorsement from former Gov. Nathan Deal in the race for 9th District U.S. Congress
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Former Gov. Nathan Deal today endorsed Kevin Tanner for 9th District U.S. Congress.
In making the announcement, Deal said, “Kevin is very special to my family and me. I first met Kevin when he was serving as Deputy Sheriff in Dawson County. Later on in his career he was elected to the State House where he played a vital role in helping with my agenda to move Georgia forward. With everything from dealing with issues like the opioid crisis, transportation, and criminal justice to cutting income taxes and supporting efforts to make and keep Georgia the # 1 state to do business, I could always rely on Kevin to be effective.
“Now Kevin is running to continue his service. Running for Congress is a high calling but the atmosphere in Washington has gotten a lot worse since I was there. It really takes someone with a lot of courage to be able to stand up and do the right thing. Kevin will be one of those people. He will be one of those leaders in Congress that we can count on to take the lead and get the job done. I am pleased to endorse Kevin Tanner to be the next Congressman for Georgia’s 9th District.”
Said Tanner, “I am honored to have the support of Governor Deal for my campaign. He has been a strong leader for Georgia, and I was proud to work with him to advance his agenda to move Georgia forward. Now, I am ready to continue the 9th district’s legacy of conservative leadership like that of Governor Deal. In Congress, I will continue my record of fighting to protect our North Georgia families and values.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Conservative Businessman William Wade Enters State House Race
Election, News February 4, 2020
(Dawsonville, GA) – Today, conservative businessman William “Will” S. Wade announced his
campaign to represent District 9 (Dawson, Lumpkin, and Forsyth counties) as a Republican in
the Georgia House of Representatives.
“Today, I am announcing my campaign to represent the people of Dawson, Lumpkin, and
Forsyth counties in the Georgia House of Representatives,” said Wade. “As a life-long resident
of Dawson County, I will fight for our conservative, north Georgia values in the State House.
“I am 100% pro-life, and will stand with Governor Kemp and members of the General Assembly
to support the heartbeat bill and legislation that strengthens protections for the innocent unborn.
“As a long time member of the NRA, I know our Second Amendment rights are under assault,
and I will stand in the gap to protect the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
“My top legislative priority as your State Representative will always be ensuring Georgia’s
education system serves the needs of the Ninth District. As a family, our commitment to public
education runs deep. Since 2004, I have been honored to serve on the Dawson County Board of
Education as Chair and Vice Chair, and my wife, Jennifer, has devoted her life to educating
Lumpkin County students since 2001. By reducing high-stakes testing, advocating for parents
and teachers, championing local control, and eliminating Common Core, I will always put our
students first.
“My private sector career in community banking spans over twenty years serving the people of
the Ninth District. Because of that experience, I know that small businesses are the backbone of
our local economy. I look forward to working with Governor Kemp and members of the General
Assembly to make Georgia the best state in the nation to start, operate, and grow a small
business.
“Finally, if elected, I will never forget the people who send me down to Atlanta every January.
The rural communities we call home are changing, and all too often they go ignored. I will
continue Representative Kevin Tanner’s legacy as a rock-solid conservative fighter for our
community and pick up right where he left off. I will work around the clock to bring good jobs to
the Ninth District, expand access to high-speed internet, lower health care costs, and preserve our
quality of life.
“With your help, we can continue to make our community and state an even better place to live,
work, and raise our families. I am humbly asking for your prayers for Jennifer, the kids, and me
as we begin this journey. I will work hard every day to earn your vote in the May 19 th Republican
primary.”
William “Will” Wade and his family are active members of Mill Creek Baptist Church in
Lumpkin County where he frequently teaches Sunday School.
Will is currently the Senior Vice President/Market Executive at Southern Bank & Trust where he
has worked since April of 2016.
In June of 2019, Will was honored to be appointed by Governor Brian P. Kemp to serve on the
Georgia Student Finance Commission as the 9 th Congressional District’s representative. In this
role, Will and commission members are tasked with preserving the popular HOPE Scholarship
program, among others.
Current 9 th District Representative Kevin Tanner (R – Dawsonville) announced he would run for
Georgia’s 9 th Congressional District in the 2020 election cycle.
State Rep. Kevin Tanner announces for U.S. Congress
News January 30, 2020
9th District State Rep. Kevin Tanner
On Thursday (Jan 30), conservative small businessman, poultry farmer, and State Representative Kevin Tanner announced that he would run for U.S. Congress, District 9. Current Congressman Doug Collins has announced his intention to run for U.S. Senate.
“I am announcing my campaign for Congress because there is too much at stake in our country to sit on the sidelines. With the attempts to overthrow an election through this impeachment nonsense, socialists running for President, a resistance to support President Trump in building the wall, and Nancy Pelosi and the Socialist Squad trying to destroy our values, we need a strong, effective and trusted conservative in Congress. I am ready to continue our district’s 27-year history of having conservative leadership in Congress. I am ready for the fight to stop the radical left and work alongside President Trump to protect the conservative values that make North Georgia and all of America great.
“I’m not a politician – I am a public servant. From serving on the frontlines in law enforcement to being a bold defender of our values in the State House, I have a long history of fighting for North Georgia. Unlike a lot of the career politicians in Washington, I am not in it for titles, perks or accolades. In the State House, I have focused on listening to the people and leading to deliver results on the issues that matter. I have supported tax cuts and balanced budgets, championed religious freedom, passed education and public safety reforms, protected the 2nd Amendment, and supported strong and historic pro-life legislation like the Heartbeat Bill. I have shown that you can be unapologetically conservative and get things done. That’s exactly what I will do in Congress.
“My family has made North Georgia home for generations. This is my home, our values are a way of life, and I would be honored to serve our families in Congress as your trusted and effective conservative leader. I am asking for your prayers and your support because I am ready to oust Nancy Pelosi and join President Trump in his fight to Keep America Great,” said Tanner.
More About Kevin Tanner
Kevin Tanner is a Christian, husband and father, successful businessman, battle tested conservative, and a trusted public servant.
A successful businessman and farmer, Kevin owns a security company, where he provides armed and unarmed security guard services to various clients. He also owns Tanco Investments, LLC, a company with residential and commercial rental properties in several counties in North Georgia. Additionally, Kevin is a licensed light commercial contractor and primarily builds residential homes. Today, Kevin also operates a poultry farm on the same land that has been farmed by his family for over 150 years.
A trusted public servant, Kevin has spent 30 years in public service. He has served as a volunteer fireman and on the frontlines of law enforcement as a Sheriff’s Deputy and as the Chief Deputy in Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. He went onto become the County Manager for Dawson County. For the last 7 years, he has served in the State House where he has passed meaningful legislation and has become recognized as one of the most effective leaders at the State Capitol. He currently serves as Chairman of the State House Transportation Committee.
A committed family man, Kevin has been married to the former Stacie Pickering for more than 21 years. Stacie is a kindergarten public school teacher, and they are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters.
A man of faith, Kevin serves as a deacon and adult Sunday school teacher at Bethel Baptist Church, where his family has attended church for seven generations.
Kevin received his undergraduate degree from North Georgia College and State University and earned his Masters of Public Administration from Columbus State University.
Voting machine bill passes Georgia Senate
News March 14, 2019
ATLANTA — State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) must have been pleased when he heard the Georgia Senate passed a bill Wednesday to purchase new voting machines that will print paper ballots, something he has worked hard for.
The bill passed 35-21, along party lines and now goes back to the House, which passed a previous version of the bill. It is expected to pass there then move to Gov. Brian Kemp’s office for his signature.
The new machines, which will print paper ballots for the voter to review for accuracy before being inserted into a scanner for final tabulation, will cost taxpayers $150 million.
Tanner, who worked hard to get the bill passed in the House, said recently the voting machines were, “the most controversial issue from a partisan view that we have taken up this session. There has been a lot of talk by everyone on changing how our voting machines work.”
Tanner said the House Governmental Affairs Committee held a number of “very contentious, very, very long and well-attended meetings. “I can tell you that everyone in elected office in Atlanta has felt a whole lot of pressure from their constituents to make a change in the voting process – Democrats and Republicans.”
Debate in the Senate Wednesday was no less combative as lawmakers held an intense three-hour debate before voting.
Tanner has said the new voting machines could be in place for Georgia’s 7 million registered voters in time for next year’s presidential primary election.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Rep. Tanner appointed chair of behavioral health commission
News September 27, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA – State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) was recently named chairman of the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform & Innovation Commission by Governor Brian Kemp. The purpose of this commission is to conduct a comprehensive review of the behavioral health system in Georgia.
“I am honored that Governor Kemp appointed me to chair this vitally important commission,” said Rep. Tanner. “Through the extensive work of this commission, we will take a deep dive into Georgia’s mental health system to explore how our system currently supports adults and children in our state and the ways that we can enhance behavioral health services for our citizens.”
The Georgia Behavioral Health Reform & Innovation Commission was created by House Bill 514 during the 2019 legislative session and authored by Rep. Tanner. The commission will review the behavioral health services and facilities available in Georgia, the identification of behavioral health issues in children, adolescents and adults, as well as the role the education system has in the identification and treatment of behavioral health issues. Additionally, the commission will review the impact behavioral health issues have on the criminal justice system, the state’s homeless population, delivery of care, access to care, the role of payers in such access and the impact untreated behavioral illness has on children transitioning into adulthood. The commission will conclude on June 30, 2023.
“Mental health is a critical quality of life issue to the citizens of our state,” said Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge). “Led by Chairman Kevin Tanner, I know that this distinguished group of legislators and citizens will work together to improve service delivery throughout our behavioral health system. I thank Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan and my colleagues in both the House and Senate for adopting this collaborative approach to achieve better outcomes.”
For more information about House Bill 514, please click here.
Representative Kevin Tanner represents the citizens of District 9, which includes Lumpkin County and portions of Dawson and Forsyth counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Education, Intragovernmental Coordination, Rules, Natural Resources & Environment and Special Rules committees.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Rep. Kevin Tanner talks issues at Saturday breakfast meeting
News February 3, 2019DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) returned to Dawson County Saturday morning to treat constituents to breakfast at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and to share news from the General Assembly.
Key topics included the current fiscal year amended budget, the proposed new budget, education, health care and transportation.
Tanner’s subcommittee is working on the amended budget that will “true up” revenue and expenses for the current fiscal year.
“One of the things we look at is what did we estimate revenue to be last year and what it is actually coming in at,” Tanner said. Until the two can balance, the proposed budget for the next fiscal year is set aside.
Legislators are trying to deal with Gov. Brian Kemp’s campaign promise to give Georgia’s teachers a $3,000 annual pay raise. “We’re working through that now,” Tanner said. “That is an impact on the local budget also. Locally in Dawson County, that will be somewhere over $300,000 local officials will have to pay.”
During his state of the state address two weeks ago, Kemp discussed how rural hospitals are hurting and the need for an effective healthcare plan.
“I would anticipate seeing the details of Gov. Kemp’s healthcare plan early next week,” Tanner said.
He also touched on the importance of mental healthcare.
“There is a need for us to address mental healthcare issues, not just in Georgia, but all across the country,” he said.
“We closed all the mental health hospitals when there were a lot of lawsuits around mental health facilities due to inhumane treatment of people. There were legitimate cases of abuse. But instead of fixing the problem, we closed all the hospitals down. What happened was that population ended up on the streets where they didn’t necessarily need to be.”
Tanner has drafted legislation, along with the governor and House Speaker David Ralston to create a 17-member mental health commission which would include four legislators while the balance would include mainly mental health care professionals.
“It’s very much a bi-partisan effort,” Tanner said. “No matter what part of the state you live in, no matter who you are… rich, poor, most all of us know somebody or some family who is affected by mental illness.”
Tanner talked about the creation of a Department of Mobility and Innovation.
“When you get outside the metro area, (transit) is very disjointed and dysfunctional,” he said. “If Dawson County wants to provide service, they have to deal with three state agencies and three separate boards.”
By placing transit under the Department of Mobility and Innovation, Tanner says citizens can expect better service.
Tanner holds weekly breakfast sessions every Saturday to update constituents on what is happening at the state capitol. Next week he will host the meeting at Wagon Wheel in Dahlonega.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dawson County Earns “Certified Literate Community” Title
News June 4, 2017
Sandy Lipkowitz (l) and Annaliza Thomas at R.E.A.D. award ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Denise Ray).
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County is one of only 39 of Georgia’s 159 counties to be designated a “Certified Literate Community” and as State Representative Kevin Tanner said, that’s a big deal.
“It’s a lot more than an award or a road sign,” Tanner said at the recent award ceremony. “It is a sign of progress for more jobs and better jobs. Better salaries allow for nicer homes, a financially sustainable community and more services can be made available. Education is a gift that gives back for a lifetime.”
The event was hosted by Reading Education Association of Dawson County (R.E.A.D.) which coordinated the effort. Community leaders like County Commissioner Julie Nix, R.E.A.D. Executive Director Sandy Lipkowitz, Board Chairman Billy Nickerson and Dawson County’s former Certified Literate Community Director Billy Izzard were on hand when CLCP Director Annaliza Thomas made the announcement.
Lanier Tech President Dr. Ray Perren (Photo courtesy of Denise Ray)
Thomas had high praise for Dawson County’s R.E.A.D. program, calling its application one of the best we have ever seen. She and Izzard evaluated the program and agreed that when it came to community collaboration, Dawson County exceeded all others.
Lanier Technical College President Dr. Ray Perren called it a great day for Dawson County. “The work you are doing, as you already know, is not only changing lives today but its changing lives for generations that are not even born yet.”
Council to Decide Mayor’s Fate at 3 p.m. Meeting; Controversial AMP Hearing Scheduled for 7 p.m.
News May 12, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The City of Dawsonville will hold two important meetings Monday. At 3 p.m., the council will conduct an up or down vote on the removal of Mayor James Grogan from office for allegedly violating the City Code and Charter. At 7 p.m. there will be a public hearing on a highly controversial request by Atlanta Motorsports Park to relax lighting, noise and hours of operation restrictions.
Grogan was the subject of a city-wide investigation to decide what, if anything, should be done to ensure city officials are in compliance with the charter. The conclusion was that Mayor Grogan should be removed from office.
At last week’s meeting, Gainesville City Attorney Abbott Hayes, who led the investigation, reported that Grogan had been paid for meetings not authorized by city council, charged alcohol and gasoline to his city-issued credit card, allowed a state representative to pay the lower residential rate for water, sewer and garbage for a business instead of the appropriate commercial rate and that he authorized lower fees for rezoning applications than those set by council.
In responding to the charges, Grogan said, “I’m disappointed in council and what they have laid out. A lot of things they have pointed out go back five years and we’ve made a lot of policy changes since then. I didn’t do anything wrong. This is the result of a witch hunt that has been conducted by two city council members against me for the last year and a half.”
Hayes report alleges that in 2015, when State Rep. Kevin Tanner complained about paying the higher commercial rate for city water, sewer and garbage on behalf of Tanco Investments, LLC, Grogan unilaterally allowed him to pay the lower residential rate instead.
Between 2013 and 2015, Hayes said, Grogan approved donations to nonprofit organizations, including golf tournaments in which he participated as a player. When the City Attorney pointed out that donations to nonprofit organizations by the City violates the gratuities clause of the Georgia State Constitution the payments stopped.
The City Charter provides for the mayor to be paid a monthly compensation of $2,000 plus $100 “for each specially called city council meeting, work session or other meeting that has been pre-approved by the council. But Hayes alleges that Grogan charged the city for meetings that were not pre-approved by council.
Finally, Hayes alleges that in Nov. 2014, Grogan instructed city employee Sara Beachem to purchase four bottles of alcohol for him to give as a door prize at a regional government dinner. The report states that the Mayor’s unilateral decision to purchase alcohol for use as a door prize without approval of the city council violated the City Code and Charter.
Section 5.15 of the City Charter provides the mayor shall be subject to removal for any one or more of the following causes: Incompetence, misfeasance or malfeasance in office; Abandonment of office or neglect to perform the duties thereof or Failure for any other cause to perform the duties of office as required by this Charter or by law.
The 7 p.m. public hearing is expected to draw a standing-room-only crowd as council votes on modifications to the current provisions at Atlanta Motorsports Park that include changes to lighting, sound restrictions, hours and addition of condominiums.
A March 13 Planning Commission hearing on the issue drew a packed house, made up mostly of angry citizens who live near the track and say the noise has already destroyed the tranquility and quality of life in the area. Despite community objections, planning commission voted 2-1 (Stan Worley in opposition) to recommend the modifications.
City council tabled the issue so council members could visit AMP and experience the noise levels firsthand.
The land where AMP was built was annexed from Dawson County and county commissioners wrote a letter to city council requsting council reject the changes on behalf of the citizens who live nearby.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
Will Governor Nathan Deal Sign HB 757 “Free Exercise Protection” Religious Freedom / Pastor Protection?
News March 16, 2016
Senator Steve Henson Democratic Leader District 41. Henson said the bill allows for discrimination and it’s the wrong message for Georgia to send the world.
(Scroll to the bottom to read the entire amended Bill)
On the afternoon of March 16th, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge, District 7) did what many of his critics said he would never do, allow a religious freedom bill to come to the floor for a vote.
The original sponsor of HB 757 “The Pastor Protection Act’ now known as the “Free Exercise Protection Act” Kevin Tanner (R – Dawsonville District 9) presented the amended version of the bill to the House for a vote.
Randy Nix (R – LaGrange District 69) and Allen Peake (R – Macon District 141) spoke in support of the bill as they shared with the House they have gay family members.
The original version of HB 757 passed the House with unanimous support from both parties but the Democrats did not show the same support for the amended version.
Karla Drenner (D – Avondale Estates District 85) said that if she would have known she was going to vote on this bill when she left the house this morning she would have worn a black suit, “The Bill is a license to discriminate.”
Taylor Bennett (D – Brookhaven District 80) shared that his mom is gay and has been married to her partner since 2014.
Stacy Abrams (D – Atlanta District 89) “Bill makes it lawful to discriminate.”
After House debate closed, the bill passed 104-65 and was sent to the Senate.
When Senate Democrats unsuccessfully attempted three amendments to the bill, Kirk gave a brief description of the bill before the vote.
The Senate passed the bill 37-18.
Senator Josh McKoon (R – District 29) released the following statement “After three years of speeches, meetings, town halls, debates, amendments and forums — many miles on the highways and byways of this state — final passage at last of a REAL religious freedom bill. Thank you to all who have been on this journey with us.”
The bill now ends up on Governor Nathan Deal’s desk. Will the governor accept the bill as a good compromise or feel it discriminates and will cause economic backlash against the state?
Free Exercise Protection Act Adopted in the house 3/16/2016 Ayes 104 Nays 65
Senator Vincent Fort Democratic Whip District 39. We will be endorsing a boycott of the state.
Senator Harold V. Jones II District 22 Democrat. What day and time did you become a heterosexual person? God made you that way. God made someone gay there is no difference. What difference does any of it make. There is nothing wrong with liking someone the same sex. This is not a proud day in the state of Georgia.
Senator Greg Kirk District 13 Republican. Sponsor of the First Amendment Defense Act. Kirk said this is a great compromise and encouraged the Senate to pass the House amended version of HB 757.
