….. Nancy Denson would be an excellent Mayor of Athens-Clarke County and could be a unifying leader in this area. …............................................. Holly Ward is a capable individual and a qualified challenger for House District 114. Her election could be beneficial to Athens-Clarke County, UGA, and the NEGA area in Atlanta and in regional activities. She would have more energy and effort to serve…….

AVOC

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July 10, 2010

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AVOC Comments & Observations on Athens-Clarke Races for Mayor and House District 114

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By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc

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Over decades of working in local government, I have dealt with many area officials, including Athens-Clarke County.   I know two of the major candidates in this year’s Mayor’s race- both Democrats and more liberal than I.  

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When Gwen O’Looney was Mayor, she and I served together on the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority, NEGA Regional Development Authority, ACORTS (Transportation Planning) and other activities.    We attended countless meetings together.   While we were poles apart politically, we were friendly and still remain friends.   She recently stopped by my office to say hello.   Many things happened in the 90’s during our association, particularly Bear Creek Reservoir, GA 316 completion, Economic Development prospects (Mercedes in 1992) and others.    I was a little surprised that Gwen got in the race for Mayor.   Usually, after longtime service, most of us do not desire to go back.

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Gwen O’Looney

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Ex-Mayor O'Looney to run again

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/041110/new_604567319.shtml

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O’Looney seeking comeback as Athens-Clarke mayor

http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia_elections_news/2010/06/29/olooney-seeking-comeback-as-athens-clarke-mayor/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_elections_news

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For years, I have known Nancy Denson as Tax Commissioner, around the Clarke County Courthouse and at area functions.   She is a very friendly and efficient public official.    Nancy ran an excellent tax office.   I consider her a longtime friend.   In my opinion, Nancy Denson would be an excellent Mayor of Athens-Clarke County and could be a unifying leader in this area.

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Nancy Denson

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Nancy Denson for Mayor

http://www.nancydensonformayor.com/

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Denson to enter race for mayor

Athens-Clarke tax chief

http://gameday.onlineathens.com/stories/041309/ele_428665524.shtml

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Keith Heard was a state representative (since 1992) during my last two terms as Oconee County Commission Chairman.   I would see him from time to time at meetings etc.   We only had a speaking acquaintance.   During the late nineties, he called me reacting to an erroneous media report about the County cutting off water to some poor people in Moreland Heights.   The dispute involved a lengthy nonpayment of water bills by the owner of the trailer park and the county had provided drinking water and fire service during the dispute. Rep Heard has been active in the GA Black Caucus and Afro-American activities during his career.   I do not associate him with any major legislation or area projects though I am sure he has gotten funding for his constituents.    In recent years, Keith Heard has been involved in controversy over where he actually lives.   He has a residence in Metro Atlanta and spends a lot of time there.    His challenger has raised the issue in this year’s campaign.

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Keith Heard

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Rep. Keith Heard – GA House District 114

http://keithheard.org/accomplishments.htm

Representative Heard was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992.

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Representative Keith Heard

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/bios/heardKeith/heardKeith.htm

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Holly Ward, an educator by profession, and a person involved in civic activities is challenging Keith Heard in this year’s Primary.   Holly Ward teaches part-time at the University of Georgia and consults with school districts across the southeast for Anderson and Ward Educational Services.  About five years ago, Holly and I served together for a couple of years on a nonprofit board for area homeless people.   I was impressed with her intelligence, participation and leadership capabilities.  Holly has made an issue of being fulltime in the district and her devotion to the interests of Athens-Clarke County.  

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Holly Ward is a capable individual and a qualified challenger for House District 114.   Her election could be beneficial to Athens-Clarke County, UGA, and the NEGA area in Atlanta and in regional activities.    She would have more energy and effort to serve than Keith Heard who may have grown stale over the last two decades of little competition and being in Atlanta most of the time.

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Holly Ward

Holly Ward for House District 114

http://www.votehollyward.com/Site/Meet_Holly.html

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Holly Ward: Keith Heard doesn't live in Athens

http://blogs.onlineathens.com/node/2026