News Release

Santa arrived early for members of the Union County Republican Party with the election of Republican candidate Donald Trump as well as local and state Republican candidates! To celebrate this “new beginning,” members and their guests gathered at the Union County Community Center in Blairsville near the Butternut Creek Golf Course on Tuesday, Dec. 6, for its annual Christmas Party and 2016 Victory Celebration. Everyone agreed there couldn’t possibly be a better way to usher in the Christmas season!

“Who would imagine President-elect Donald Trump would surprise us with a personal visit!” said Dale Allison, UCGOP Chairperson, as he stood next to the life-size poster of Trump. “Of course, we all know it’s only a poster of him, but I can honestly tell you he’s here in spirit! I think we all know he wants to ‘make America great again’, because he truly loves and cares about the people, and that means you and me!”

Allison and members of the UCGOP Executive Committee greeted more than 60 members and guests who attended the event. Once everyone was seated in the beautifully decorated Community Center Conference Room, Allison asked Lee Knight, Union County Tax Commissioner, to give the invocation and blessing. He then thanked local and state elected officials for attending. In addition to Lee Knight, newly elected District 8 State Representative Matt Gurtler, Union County District Attorney Jeff Langley, and retiring State Representative Stephen Allison were present.

Then Dale Allison turned the program over to fellow Republican Jack McKechnie who asked Representative Stephen Allison to step forward to accept a plaque from the UCGOP for his service. Representative Allison appeared a bit surprised. He wasn’t aware he was going to be honored in this special way.

As he presented the plaque to Allison, McKechnie said, “I’m pleased and honored to express our appreciation for the outstanding work you’ve done representing us!  You were the instrumental in laying the groundwork to make Union County a Republican stronghold. Thank you for your service!”

Enthusiastically, Chairperson Dale Allison added, “It’s no surprise I’m proud of Stephen our retiring State Representative for District 8. After all, he is my son! I’m sure we all agree he has served us with unselfish devotion for eight years. Now he’s retiring to an even more demanding job – full-time husband/father! Right, Regina? You get to take a break! What better Christmas present could you get?!”

Then Chairperson Allison read the inscription on the plaque:

In appreciation for your years of hard work and personal service, your steadfast loyalty, support and dedication to the principles of Union County and District 8 and the principles of Republican Conservatism. You have the distinction of being the first Republican to be elected as State Representative in 92 years. This victory in 2008 opened the door to Republican success in Union County

In accepting the plaque, Stephen Allison said, “Thank you for recognizing me in this way! It’s wonderful to see so many Republicans together.  It’s been a joy to serve you! After all, at the end of the day, remember we elected representatives work for you.  I’ve always had the philosophy I was elected to be a public servant first and a politician second. Most important of all, I believe our Lord Jesus Christ made it possible for me to be elected eight years ago, and I’ll always give him the credit. Finally, I want Matt Gurtler, our newly elected State Representative to know I have great faith in him!”

Gurtler responded by saying, “We share the same conservative principles. It was an honor to serve as your Legislative Aide for four years. You taught me how to carry the torch of liberty. And now, it’s an even greater honor to follow in your footsteps representing the citizens of District 8!”

“Now for what we’ve all been waiting for – the food!” Allison added. “We’re so happy Amazing Grace Catering agreed to provide tonight’s meal! It’s never too early to start consuming those Christmas calories we all love so much! Just serve your plates then have a seat and enjoy your meal. After the meal, we’ll conclude by singing Christmas carols.”

Following the meal, Dena Gooch (Suches Precinct Chair – District 5), Irene Klangos, Kathy Smith, and Judy Burch, all residents of Suches, led the group in singing “Happy Days Are Here Again” and a number of Christmas carols.

In closing the meeting, Dale Allison profusely thanked UCGOP Secretary Linda Hill who was responsible for planning and coordinating the Christmas Party. He also reminded attendees about the UCGOP January meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pat Haralson Civic Center in Blairsville.  . He said, “Join us!  It’s a great way to begin the new year!”

Pictures above: Jack McKechnie, UCGOP member, and Matt Gurtler, newly elected District 8 State Representative, honor retiring Representative Stephen Allison.

Article submitted by: Cherie C. Martin, UCGOP Media Specialist