Often I am reminded of statements by my wife when I was Chairman in the 1990’s and she was a Para-pro in the Oconee School System and talked with a lot of people. I would sometimes worry about some issues concerning the county. I was convinced that most folks would do the right thing if they knew all the facts. My wife said on several occasions, “Wendell, most folks don’t know and really don’t care!” I have come to agree with the accuracy of those observations.

AVOC

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December 29, 2012

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Thoughts and comments on local and area 2012 Elections

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By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc

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Like many, I was surprised at some of the local election results.  I was satisfied with some results and disappointed in some.   However, no one wins them all!

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Often I am reminded of statements by my wife when I was Chairman in the 1990’s and she was a Para-pro in the Oconee School System and talked with a lot of people.   I would sometimes worry about some issues concerning the county.   I was convinced that most folks would do the right thing if they knew all the facts.   My wife said on several occasions, “Wendell, most folks don’t know and really don’t care!”    I have come to agree with the accuracy of those observations.

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We live in a fast-paced world and do not always take time to really know the facts.  Caterpillar helped the incumbents regardless of their contributions toward it coming here.  Our local media, dependent on advertising and legal ads, poses minimal challenge to the establishment.    This climate tends to promote incumbents.   

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Many of our newer citizens come to Oconee because of the good reputation of the County and most tend to be Republican and leaning toward incumbents.   That was proven to me by the three Oconee Precincts in House District 117 who voted for McKillip in spite of his party switching and splitting the county in the House.    Other areas of the county and many officials knew the difference but that did not help Regina Quick who did win District wide.  I was happy with that outcome and wish her well in trying to get Oconee back to a majority house district.

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Regina Quick – Representative

House District 117

Jackson- Oconee- Clarke – Barrow

8-15-11 Oconee being divided to benefit Doug McKillip is outrageous and needs opposition

http://www.avoc.info/info/article.php?article=4183&ENGINEsessID=58ade3d6f6257963a94e112bcc66df0c

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In the Tax Commissioner’s Office, Harriette Browning has done an outstanding job for decades.  I think that performance will continue with her successor, Jennifer Riddle.

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Harriette Browning has been the Oconee County Tax Commissioner since 1980, having served 8 terms.  Harriette started working in the Tax Office in 1970 while Jimmy Christopher was Tax Commissioner and served one term with Gaynell Fielding before being elected Tax Commissioner in 1980.   Her collection rates have always been high and the office has run smoothly.   Harriette deserves her retirement and we wish her well.

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2-16-04 Harriette Browning (Oconee County) Is Efficient & Dedicated Tax Commissioner

http://www.avoc.info/info/article.php?article=934&ENGINEsessID=28d279dd46479acd4e64adcf181b0cae

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Jennifer Riddle will become Oconee County Tax Commissioner on January 1, 2013

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Jennifer Riddle, Oconee’s new tax commissioner will have big shoes to fill in succeeding Harriette Browning who has served for several decades.   I think Jennifer will do a good job and carry on the success of the office.

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Many citizens do not understand or know the details of the failed policies that produced a reservoir project in Walton County at Hard Labor Creek that is fraught with challenges, miscalculations and much debt.   6-30-12 Oconee-Walton HLC Reservoir Project Has Many and Expensive Challenges Ahead - http://www.avoc.info/info/article.php?article=4235

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Many citizens do not understand or know the details of the failed policies that produced the many inactive subdivisions (PVC Farms) since 2000 that strained our water and sewer capacities and have been a burden rather than a benefit to our county tax digest.

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5-7-07 Oconee’s Master Planned Developments have mixed history and success

  http://www.avoc.info/info/article.php?article=3738&ENGINEsessID=94cf3a21a8659da19f2f3325dba1945b

6-1-09 Oconee Economic Recovery will come eventually but boom bubble is over for sometime

   http://www.avoc.info/info/article.php?article=4012&ENGINEsessID=58ade3d6f6257963a94e112bcc66df0c

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Many, if not most citizens, do not see the lack of vision in the Commissioners in ignoring 10-11 acres or land next to the courthouse complex.    The land is available (a generational occurrence in the area of the courthouse) and at reasonable prices especially during this economic downturn.   Some want to relocate the courthouse and build a large ‘modern facility’ like Walton and Jackson Counties have done.   I have found most of the fans of those courthouses are lawyers from other areas.

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  10-13-08 Oconee BOC should buy available 10-12 acres adjoining the courthouse complex – AND    NOW!   http://www.avoc.info/info/article.php?article=3949&ENGINEsessID=58ade3d6f6257963a94e112bcc66df0c

         Oconee County Courthouse Complex Details 10.12.08.pdfx

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The Oconee County Courthouse should remain on Main St in Watkinsville – A Parking Deck should be considered in the near future

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   http://oconeecountyobservations.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-12-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=8