Ms. Patrick maintained a Taxpayer Watchdog Group website. She aggressively covered the meetings and offered comment and criticism in her writings. Ms. Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant with an active practice in Monticello.

AVOC

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November 8, 2008

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Mary Patrick, Tax Watchdog & Open Government Advocate, handily wins Jasper BOC seat

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By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc

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Mary Patrick Commissioner District 4, Jasper County

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Jasper County Tax Watchdog Mary Patrick has been elected to Post 4 on the Jasper County Commission.   For several years she has attended Commission and other public meetings.   Ms. Patrick also maintained a Taxpayer Watchdog Group website.   She aggressively covered the meetings and offered comment and criticism in her writings.   Ms. Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant with an active practice in Monticello.

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Ms. Patrick is conservative and particularly sensitive to spending, tax rates and accountability.   In her campaign, she emphasized accountability and dedication.   Over the years, as with other watchdogs, she accumulated some opposition, especially from the development and some financial interests in the county.

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Ms. Patrick says she is not anti-development but strongly supports commissioners being strong and independent of Special Interests.   She has been a fierce advocate for Open Records and Open Meetings.   Ms. Patrick portrays herself as the “citizen candidate”.   She has told voters that she wants input and will keep voters informed of County matters. www.MaryPatrick4Jasper.com

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In the Primary, she defeated a former commissioner, Russell Bennett, in a run-off.  He was supported by some in the development industry both financially and with personal influence.   They also supported her opponent, Craig Salmon, in the General Election.   Mary Patrick won the General Election race in a landslide and with the highest vote of all commission candidates.(Patrick 835 (68%) - Salmon 394 (32%)

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Ms. Patrick will now get to practice some of her policies and advocated programs.   She has already established a Website to keep voters informed.    Ms. Patrick and I do not always agree on all local government matters but we do agree on most issues and particularly Open Government and independence of Special Interests.    Ms. Patrick has a special talent and knowledge for monitoring budget and tax matters.   Ms. Patrick can make an impact on the Jasper Board of Commissioners.

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Mary Patrick used a webpage in her campaign and also used email and the Internet to reach voters.   Her campaign also included signs, letters to district voters and ads in the Monticello News, along with person to person contacts.   Many citizens were supportive because of her active interest and knowledge of county government.

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Mary Patrick is the first woman to serve on the Jasper County Commission.    She will have an impact.   AVOC wishes her well in this new endeavor!

JASPER COUNTY General Election Results November 4, 2008

http://www.taxdogs.com/110408GenlResults.html

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RESULTS -- GENERAL ELECTION--      NOVEMBER 4th

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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 

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(R) Republican    (D) Democrat     (I) Independent

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District 1 – Carl Pennamon (D)   

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District 2 – Charles Hill (D)             612

                 Ed Lewallen ( R)          248

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District 3 –    Jack Bernard ( R)         723           

                   Chris Batchelor (I)         391  

                    Ronnie Payne (D)         584

  RUNOFF-- Bernard vs. Payne

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District 4 – Mary Patrick ( R)          835

                    Craig Salmon (I)            394

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District 5 –  Alan Cox ( R)               681

                  Tom Brazil (D)             312
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MAGISTRATE JUDGE  

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    Kenneth Jackson              3067

    Janice Lam                       2192

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TAX COMMISSIONER

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    Merry Faulkner (R)                    4070

    Jeanette Maxine Standifer (D)     1657

Mary Patrick of Jasper County

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