The Buzz has lunch with Beaudreau

Two weeks ago, I sat down with Commissioner Mike Beaudreau for a ranging discussion of various issues in Gwinnett County.  In addition, we touched on the upcoming Republican primary in District 3.  Given my background, we spent much of our conversation discussing his work and evolving perspective on cell phone towers as well as his viewpoints on the larger issues and realities of governing with respect to property rights.  As long-time readers of the Buzz know, I have never been a supporter of Commissioner Beaudreau; in fact, I have been very critical of him on property rights and socialized garbage.  At the same time, I have found Beaudreau to have the most responsible and conservative position on other issues.  The opportunities presented by privatizing Briscoe Field is the primary example where the commissioner, unlike other members of the board, has kept an open mind to the possibilities.

While I have met with and spoken with Commissioner Beaudreau on a few occasions, this was the first time I have had the opportunity to sit down, one-on-one, and talk with him.  The thing that impressed me the most is that he is a very friendly and genuine person.  I have encountered enough slimy politcians to recognize the type and I can safely say that Commissioner Beaudreau does not fall into that category.  No matter where I may or may not agree with him with politically, I do think having a down-to-earth person in office is a benefit. 

One thing our conversation left me wondering about is how much has the political dynamic in District 3 shifted in the last eight years?  In 2004, Mike Beaudreau was clearly the "homeowner candidate."  Though I am a homeowner myself, I do not use that description positively.  Too often, "homeowner candidates" are hypocritical opponents of property rights.  They loudly claim to support propoerty rights when defending their homeowner association allies but quickly change their tune when it comes to supporting the rights of property owners who wish to commercially develop their land.  This positioning was precisely why I strongly supported the incumbent in 2004, former Commissioner John Dunn.  Fast forwad 12 years and, based on initial impressions of the candidates in this race, Mike Beaudreau no longer appears to be the left-most candidate with respect to property rights.  That title seems to belong to Dacula resident Mike Korom.  Korom is not just "homeowner" friendly, he is the President of the Apalachee Farms HOA.  This is a red flag about the size of one of those banners you sometimes see unfurled to cover a football field.  Granted, initial impressions can be wrong, but in the early stages, Korom appears to be this year's incarnation of 2004's Mike Beaudreau and, as such, likely the last person I will ultimately endorse in the race.

The wild card candidate will be former Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer.  Unlike Korom, Oberholtzer is an experienced politician and has an extensive record to run on.  Where will he fall on the issues?  Will he wind up making Beaudreau the most desirable candidate of the three?  The possibility is why I ponder the dynamics in this race.  Could I find myself come election day supporting...Mike Beaudreau?  My, does politics have some strange twists and turns, or what?  This should be a fun race to watch!

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

http://www.twitter.com/brettharrell

http://www.facebook.com/voteharrell

US 78 reversible lanes are no more

Yesterday saw the end of an era on US 78 - the reversible lanes that have characterized the highway for virtually as long as I can remember are no more.  The reversible lanes were removed prior to yesterday morning's rush hour.  The project which will feature three traffic lanes in either direction separated by a raised media is still slated for completion in November.

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!