UCGOP members and guests crowded into the Homemakers’ Room of the Suches Community Center to hear Martha Zoller, State Policy Director for U.S. Senator David Purdue, speak on Nov. 19. Clearly, based on their enthusiasm, attendees acted as though they were receiving an early Christmas gift by having Zoller make a personal appearance.

“We’re so delighted to have Martha here with us today!” said Dale Allison, UCGOP Chairperson. “There’s nothing better than getting news from the ‘horse’s mouth’! We folks up here in the mountains are used to getting the untarnished truth from Martha, especially through her news blog – www.zpolitics.com – which she started in 2013 as well her work as a radio talk show host.

To kick off the meeting, the “Trump Trio” comprised of Suches residents Dena Gooch (Suches Precinct Chair – District 5), Pat Kunka and Irene Klangos entertained everyone by performing “Happy Days Are Here Again”. The room erupted into laughter at the song selection! This particular song obviously struck a chord with those present! The Trump Trio also prepared and served refreshments before the meeting began.

Following the invocation given by Jack McKechnie, Allison asked everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes prepared by Linda Hill, Secretary, were approved. The same is true for the financial report presented by Mel Prime, Treasurer.

“Now for what we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s hear from Martha!” Allison said. “As you know, she currently serves as State Policy Director for Senator Purdue. She also manages his field staff, surveys grassroots organizations to keep him and his staff in touch with his constituents, among many other things. Martha, what we’d love to address is your unique perspective on the General Election and its impending impact on Georgians.”

Shaking hands with Allison, Zoller moved to center stage and quickly said, “Yes, we won! I feel very good about the Trump presidency! Under his leadership, I strongly feel we have an opportunity to have a great four to eight years. He’ll have to make some tough decisions; but with GOP control of the House and Senate, I’m sure he’ll get things done.”

Among the things she chose to address in her speech, Zoller mentioned how 60 percent of the Obama counties flipped to Trump. Why? Because she said he appealed directly to working class people be they black, brown or white. Then she added, in time she feels he’ll greatly reduce regulations on small businesses which will encourage their growth and the creation of more jobs. She also pointed out how large corporations like Apple are now talking about manufacturing in the United States again which also will mean more jobs. She said she fully expects Trump to use his business acumen to rebuild and strengthen the U.S. economy. Following Zoller’s speech, attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions.

In closing the meeting, Allison reminded everyone about the UCGOP Christmas Party and 2016 Victory Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Union County Community Center at the Butternut Creek Golf Course in Blairsville. Members will be celebrating Donald Trump’s victory as well as honoring Stephen Allison and other local Republican office holders for their service to Union County. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with the meal served at 6:15 p.m. Cost is $25.00 per couple or $15.00 per individual. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the UCGOP Executive Committee, particularly Secretary Linda Hill at 706-745-2112 or email: [email protected]. Tickets are also available for purchase at the UCGOP office located at 103 Blue Ridge St. in Blairsville, Monday through Thursday.

The UCGOP meeting for January is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pat Haralson Civic Center. Everyone’s welcome!

ABOVE PHOTO: UCGOP Chairperson Dale Allison welcomes Martha Zoller to Republican Party Nov. meeting in Suches.