Rep. Brett Harrell to seek reelection to District 106 seat

First term state representative Brett Harrell of Snellville will seek reelection to the Georgia General Assembly in the redrawn House District 106.  The new district "is comprised of the vast majority of Snellville and smaller portions of Lawrenceville, Grayson, and Loganville."  Harrell is a former mayor of Snellville as well former executive director of the Evermore CID.  

As part of his campaign announcement, Harrell released endorsements from the corners of District 106, including Snellville Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts, Lawrenceville Councilman Tony Powell, Loganville Councilman Dan Curry and Grayson Councilwoman Allison Wilkerson.

The full text of Harrell's press release is shown below.

Brett Harrell will seek reelection to State House District 106

SNELLVILLE – Representative Brett Harrell, conservative member of the Georgia General Assembly, officially announced his campaign for re-election to State House District 106.

The new State House District 106 is comprised of the vast majority of Snellville and smaller portions of Lawrenceville, Grayson, and Loganville.

“I am grateful to represent the citizens and businesses in District 106 at the State House and I look forward to expanding that representation to include those newly added portions of Lawrenceville, Grayson, and Loganville beginning next session,” said Harrell.

Harrell is the former mayor of Snellville where he cut property taxes by 38% over five successive years. He successfully advanced over $130 million in projects, including vital transportation safety enhancements like the Hwy. 78 improvements as the former Executive Director of the Evermore Community Improvement District.

At the State House, Harrell serves on the Information and Audits, Regulated Industries, and Transportation Committees. He is the author of HB 291, a truth in taxation and property protection statute to prohibit billing non-tax fees such as sanitation and stormwater on citizens’ property tax bills. He has also authored legislation to reduce costs for county government, strengthen our courts, secure patient physician decision-making, and reserve our publicly funded universities for those in our country legally.

In addition, Harrell supported efforts to cut government spending and balance the state's budget without raising taxes, preserve HOPE Scholarships and make Georgia more competitive for new jobs. 

Harrell is especially looking forward to serving citizens in the newest portions of District 106 and appreciates the early support of many friends in Lawrenceville, Loganville, and Grayson in addition to his home city of Snellville.

Lawrenceville Council Member Tony Powell says, “For democratic government to work well, we have to convince smart, committed, honest, public servants to run for office.  Brett has demonstrated that he is all of those things and worthy to be trusted and re-elected.    Lawrenceville will be well served with the addition of Brett Harrell as one of our state Representatives.”

Dan Curry, Loganville Council Member says, “I have worked with Brett previously as a member of the Centerville Business Association and I know he will represent us well at the State House.”

Grayson Council Member Allison Wilkerson says, “I have known and worked with Brett for well over a decade. He consistently delivers for those he serves. Welcome to Grayson Representative Harrell.”

Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts of Snellville says, “Representative Brett Harrell has an outstanding record of honest public service and has delivered on his promises to the citizens and businesses of Snellville. I am proud to support him in his re-election as our Representative for District 106.”

Over his career, Harrell has started and developed several successful small businesses. For 20 years, he owned and operated an American Speedy Printing franchise that grew from a start-up in a strip center to three locations. And prior to opening his own company, Harrell was an area sales manager for a $30 billion international corporation. Today, he is a garbageman (sales) with Advanced Disposal Services.

A 39-year resident of Snellville, Brett is a graduate of South Gwinnett High School and of the University of Georgia where he earned a BBA in marketing and finance.

http://www.voteharrell.com

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Oberholtzer to challenge Beaudreau

Last week I wrote about District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau's reelection bid.  In that post I asked who would rise up to challenge the incumbent.  Former Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer will be one challenger, officially announcing this week his intention to toss his hat into the race.  Mr. Oberholtzer contacted the Buzz and provided the following press release announcing his candidacy.  I have blogged about the mayor as well, though not as extensively as I have about Commissioner Beaudreau.  I cannot say at this time that I will ultimately support the mayor, but I am glad to see a seasoned opponent step up to oppose Beaudreau.  

Jerry Oberholtzer's Candicacy Announcement:

Former Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer to run for Gwinnett County Commissioner

Snellvile, GA

Jerry Oberholtzer, who served twelve successful years as City Councilman and Mayor of Snellville, will bring his governmental experience and savvy into the race for Gwinnett County Commissioner representing the 3rd District that stretches from Braselton, through Dacula and Snellville, to the DeKalb County line at Stone Mountain.

Oberholtzer 52 and Roxann , his wife of 30 years, have lived in the district for 29 years – almost their entire married life. They have three sons, Jerry and Matthew, both Clemson University graduates, and Paul, a graduate of North Georgia State College and University. Son Jerry and wife Jessie, have the Oberholtzer’s first grandson.

Jerry, a professional civil engineer and Clemson graduate, is a twenty year volunteer on the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Roxann is a long term employee of the Boy Scouts and all around mom to scores of scouts over the years.

“Knowing how to govern effectively, building consensus, treating constituents with courtesy and respect and sticking to Republican principles will be the hallmark of my campaign and service.” said Oberholtzer.

“Good Schools, low crime, attractive neighborhoods: I want to build on those things and make them better. added Oberholtzer. “I know we’ve had our share of problems in Gwinnett, but when the cook burns the biscuits, you don’t need to remodel the kitchen. Gwinnett’s Third District needs a new cook.”

“Dishonest land deals, unbid sweetheart contracts, airport proposals that ruin neighborhoods and grand jury investigations have resulted in a disconnect and a loss of faith in government.” continued Oberholtzer. “ These are tough economic times and just saying NO to everything, like Mike Beaudreau has done for eight years, isn’t working. Being negative drives away business and pours a cold bucket of water on progress and job growth. I’ll work to make Gwinnett the most business friendly county in Georgia.”

“I intend to use this campaign, not to complain about problems, but to offer real solutions. People who live here already know what the problems are: they want real leadership to show them the way to a better Gwinnett. I have the proven ability to keep taxes low, balance the budget, protect our neighborhoods and provide real-­‐time, honest solutions to the traffic problem.” said Oberholtzer

“I look forward to a spirited campaign, grounded in the issues, leading the way to a new direction for Gwinnett. A direction that focuses on the people already here; the people that have worked hard, paid taxes and built our communities. So at the end of four years, we can say to our children and grandchildren: We left Gwinnett better than we found it.” concluded Oberholtzer. 

Red light cameras - it's all about money

I was under the impression that local governments were implementing red light cameras for safety purposes.  Isn't that what we were lead to believe when these Big Brother elements were introduced by Gwinnett cities?  Well, now that ticket revenues are on the decline, Gwinnett cities are ready to scrap the devices.

Duluth, Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville and Suwanee have either suspended use of the cameras or plan to stop the service altogether.

City officials agree the cameras, which monitor and record red-light violations, are working. Violations, accidents and injuries are down. But so are citations, which help pay for the automated ticketing program that can cost some cities more than $400,000 a year to Norcross-based LaserCraft.

So, I guess if a city does not make money from the Big Brother devices, they are willing to forego the safety benefits.  Don't get me wrong.  I have been opposed to these cameras since day one.  No, I have never been cited by one - I stop for red lights! - and I can certainly see how it would make drivers more careful at monitored intersections.  However, the idea that I can be ticketed for someone else who might be driving my car is absurd.  

When did the police department become a profit center for government?  Granted, there has been strong suspicion that some municipal police departments are often little more than revenue collection agencies, but this story leaves little doubt.  Such motivation is even more reason that the Georgia General Assembly should enact legislation that bans cities under a certain population from having a local police department.  At a minimum, legislators should address how revenues from traffic enforcement are used.  The direct link between enforcement efforts and revenue should be broken.  If it were, I think we would see just how many city speed traps are motivated by safety.

State to Snellville: "You cannot regulate emissions!"

In what should have been common sense last fall among Snellville city council members, the State of Georgia has affirmed that the City of Snellville cannot regulate crematory emissions.  However, rather than exhibiting common sense and upholding fairness and justice, Snellville city councilwoman Kelly Kautz and her ilk pushed forward with a persecution of a private property owner and local businessman in order to curry political favor with voters.  Even in light of the state's ruling and a similar opinion by Snellville's city attorney, Kautz amazingly continues to express support for Snellville to regulate crematory emissions.  

So, does this mean that Chris Nuzum can finally cast aside the shackles of the City of Snellville and open his business?  Nope.  There is still is the matter of the frivilous building plans deviations.  The lawsuit on that matter is still pending.  Hopefully, Nuzum will wind up owning half the City of Snellville.  Maybe he can put his crematory INSIDE city hall!  Goodness knows, there's enough space!

Balfour meets resistance from Snellville councilman

This week, state Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) introduced legislation in the Georgia Senate to limit the Snellville mayor's voting power in city council votes in order to avoid the 3-3 deadlocked votes which have become common in recent years.  The idea was supported by the majority of residents who turned out at a town hall last month hosted by the senator.  Now, Snellville city councilman Tod Warner, saying that "Balfour’s move is 'unilateral,' subverting the power of the council." Warner is urging other Gwinnett municipal officials to encourage their legislators to oppose Balfour's bill.

Unilateral?  Huh?  

The senator has drafted a piece of legislation which must be passed by the Senate if it is to become law.  Even if other senators essentially allow Balfour's bill to pass since it is a local issue, Georgia House member Rep. Melvin Everson (R-Snellville) would have a say in the House.  Besides, Balfour is following a course of action backed by the residents in Snellville who took the time to show up and express their opinion.  This does not count many who likely have contacted the senator directly.  So long as Balfour is reflecting the will of Snellville residents, the people to whom government is responsible, the will of those holding power in office is of far less concern.

My...it smells like flowers

Last month, Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer reported Snellville City Councilman Robert Jenkins for a messy yard.  Jenkins has reportedly cleaned up his yard but has shown a sense of humor in repurposing an old toilet that had been on his property.  The toilet is now a planter in which the councilman has planted flowers.  Gives a whole new meaning to "pot"ted plants!

Sunday alcohol-by-the-drink sales in Snellville

Ever find yourself in a position where you are equally split with two halves of yourself pulling strongly in opposite directions?  Well, that is how I feel in thinking about Snellville's Sunday alcohol-by-the-drink sales.  I am a teetotaler myself.  When I have to deal with drunk fans at a football game or hear about someone killed by a drunk driver, I always wonder why can't some people do anything without a drink?  I can't think of a legal product that has caused more pain for so many people.  However, unlike addictive illegal drugs, I know that the majority of people can have a drink with dinner without any negative effects.

This is where my libertarian, limited-government streak rears its head.  From such a perspective, I cannot logically defend the prohibition of selling drinks with a meal in a restaurant.  This is congruent with my opposition in years past to a total smoking ban in restaurants.  Let the market decide says my free market side.  If enough people object to the sale of alcoholic drinks on a Sunday, they will patronize other restaurants, thus encouraging the restaurant owner to enact the ban him or herself.  The question is such an environment valueable enough to people for them to vote with their dollars?  

I am glad I do not live in Snellville - not just because of the shenanigans of the elected officials! - lest I would need to come to a definitive stance on this issue.  I see the logic behind overturning the ban, but as a Christian I do not feel comfortable advocating anything anything that promotes alcohol.  I do realize that even Christians sometimes drink in moderation.  I suppose a lot of my deep-seated distaste for alcohol is because because a significant incidence of alcoholism in my family's history.  In fact, I never even met one grandfather because he died of alcoholism before I was born.  Frankly, I cannot bring myself to be disappointed that the city did not overturn the ban even if that betrays my coldly, logical side.

Balfour holds town hall on Snellville council

Thursday night, state Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) held a town hall meeting to obtain input from Snellville residents on a potential change to the voting configuration of the Snellville City Council.  The majority sentiment at the meeting supported eliminating the mayor's vote except in cases of ties.  However, Sen. Balfour noted that this option was not in the majority in a poll that was conducted.  The suggestion to have a referendum on options makes the most sense to me.  Otherwise, drafting legislation that makes a change while any of the current councilmembers or mayor is still in office risks being tagged as political interference in city affairs.  Though several Snellville officials seem cool to change, Balfour's effort to end the deadlock, especially if residents support such a move, is reasonable.

Oberholtzer, Jenkins feud gets Seuss treatment

The Snellville blogger has posted a poem about the Jerry Oberholtzer/Robert Jenkins fued that showed up on Dave Barry's blog.  A blogger known as NotDrSeuss has given the Seuss-style treatment to the elected official dust-up in Snellville.

In Snellville there lived a good mayor they say

Who mayored all night and then mayored all day

His name, Oberholtzer, was known far and wide

For he equally mayored indoors and outside.

In Snellville was also a councilman bold

Named Jenkins, who counseled quite well, it's been told.

He could counsel a council on hills and on roads.

Then, alas, one day both men did need the commode.

Such a brouhaha brewed as was ne'er before seen!

And a hullabaloo! Things were getting quite mean!

The mayor and councilman had history

Which made Oberholtzer reluctant to pee

See, Jenkins was scary and quite fond of suing

Which made Oberholtzer uneasy in pooing.

Oberholtzer decided to ask for a guard

And suggested to Jenkins, "Use the loo in your yard!"

Police Chief Roy Whitehead does what he can do

So in Snellville, they have to take turns in the loo!

Definitely a funny poem, but how sad that Snellville and Gwinnett County are being made national laughingstocks because of childish behavior of grown adults, adults that hold positions of authority and responsibility.  

 

What in the world is going on in Snellville?

The mayor reporting a city councilman to the police for a messy yard.

The mayor being escorted to the restroom by the police chief to avoid said city councilman.

No, I am not summarizing a recent episode of Desperate Housewives.  I am talking about the real-life drama Snellville City Government.  Not only does this government come up with some outrageous attacks on private property rights, some of the elected officials act like a bunch of high school kids while doing it.

Councilman Robert Jenkins may want to seem taken aback by Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer's report but according to the news article, the councilman has little leg upon which to stand.

City Councilman Robert Jenkins recently was issued a warning to clean up his yard, including removing an old toilet and broken-down car, or face a citation for city code violations.

...

This isn’t the first time Jenkins has been issued a warning. More than a year ago, tree limbs scattered in Jenkins’ front yard raised red flags.

I am critical of over-reaching ordinances, but a broken-down car and an old toilet in your yard are hardly matters of taste.  As for the police escort to the bathroom, though I do not know if Oberholtzer's concerns are warranted, from his point of view, I can understand caution towards a man who sued a previous political opponent.

As for the Jenkins' laughable comment about the mayor taking the "positions he takes," I would just remind readers of Jenkins' anti-property rights position in the recent crematory case.  If that's not the pot calling the kettle black!