August 9, 2008 Conservative Forum Review (VOTE McCAIN)

We had a good turnout at the 8-9-08 Conservative Forum where Rep. Doug Collins was the featured speaker. Doug is heading to Iraq as an Air Force Chaplin. Our prayers go out to him for taking The Lord to that country and coming back home safe. Doug gave a rousing talk about duty, honor, and County (my words not his). Doug also expressed the need for our party to constantly change to get better and move forward.

Sen. Hawkins, Rep. Mills, and Rep. Rogers all discussed legislative issues. Carl reported that Diversion Center will be converted to a “day reporting” facility not closed as previously reported. James talked aoubt the need for poof of citizenship to register to vote. Currently no birth certificate is required to register. No telling how many fraudulent voters we have recently registered in Georgia. You have to show you birth certificate to play soccer with other kids–I don’t think showing the certificate to vote is such a big deal (unless you are a fraud of course).  James also talked about the need to collect money from deadbeat homeowners who seem to have been able to keep $8M.

Calendar of Events:  Lee Hawkins Fundraiser 5:30 PM on August 21, 2008 at Milton Robson’s “Garage.”  James Mills Fundraiser on September 20, 2008 at the Ag Center.  Conservative Forum at 8:30 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Ryan’s on Browns Bridge Road.

I wanted to say a special thanks to J-Net Viera.  J-Net was our McCain cordinator until her sister took ill and she had to step aside.  Our prayers for healing go out to her sister and I ask you to put her on your personal prayer list as well.  At the forum she came up to me and told me that she was proud of me and that I was doing a great job as Chairman.  J-Net is a special person to the party who has always been here for the party and has always served when asked.  Her compliment touched me very deeply.  Thanks J-Net!

Elected Official Present Were: Senator Lee Hawkins, State Rep. James Mills, State Rep Carl Rogers, School Board Member Craig Herrington, State Court Judge Charlie Wynne, and Gainesville City Councilman George Wangemann. Also present was Helen Powell (County Commissioner Billy Powell’s wife and chief-of-staff).

Former Hall GOP Chairman Present: Gordon Sawyer, P. Martin Ellard, Kerry Cook, and Joe Cwik. These are the men who helped make the Republican Party dominant in Hall County.

Other Officials Present: Don Walsh (Hall County Coordinator for Saxby Chambliss Campaign); Chris Yardley (Hall County Coordinator for McCain Campaign); Associate Magistrate Court Judge David Burroughs; and Chief Assistant Solicitor General Jennifer Scalia.

Candidates Present: Judge Charlie Wynne and his opponent William I. “Sonny” Sykes.