Senator Loeffler hosts meet and greet

Community, Election 2020, Featured, Featured News

On Oct. 2, Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler and Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn hosted a meet and greet at Black Diamond Grill. Both Senators were behind schedule – planned to start at noon – due to getting tested for COVID-19 prior to their arrival.

Both. Loeffler and Blackburn had been in contact with President Trump in recent days. Both senators’ tests came back as negative. Loeffler’s goal for her campaign and the upcoming election is to shake up the status quo as a businesswoman.

Blackburn –who introduced Loeffler – said since Trump has been in office, the economy has grown as well as the strength of the country. It will continue to grow with the leadership of figures like Trump and Loeffler, according to Blackburn.

“This country is coming back because with Donald Trump and Republican leadership, we can do this again and we will,” Blackburn said.Senator Blackburn introduced Senator Loeffler at meet and greet.

Loeffler said Washington is in need of more businesspeople like herself and Trump. Her fight for the Georgian’s will not stop, according to Loeffler.

“There’s nothing that the radical left fears more than a strong, conservative businesswoman, so I am proud to stand by you,” Loeffler said. “The radical left is working overtime to take away our freedoms, our opportunities, our way of life here in Georgia. They’re trying to get outsiders, like myself, like President Trump out of Washington but we’re not going to let them.”

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcrkSdOKon4[/embedyt]

Loeffler’s campaign is based on the American Dream and to continue to fight for it. Loeffler has focused on her core values of pro-life, pro-second amendment and holding China accountable.

“I have stood up to the radical left’s cancel culture and I’ve drawn the line and said we will not be canceled; we will not be silenced. I’m going to be that voice for every single Georgian who feels like they can’t speak out,” Loeffler said. “I am working for you…for all Georgian’s.”

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6_m8MShpm0[/embedyt]

Clyde & Gurtler Debate LIVE July 17th 8pm on FYNTv.com

Featured, Featured News, News

 

Watch Georgia’s 9th Congressional District Republican Debate LIVE FYNTv.com!

Georgia 9th Congressional District Republican Primary runoff will be August 11th 2020.  Watch tonight as
runoff candidates Matt Gurtler and Andrew Clyde will be joining #BKP LIVE on FYNTv.com the evening! Friday, July 17 @ 8 p.m.
TUNE in to see where your candidate stands on issues facing the district.
Click on FYNTv.com to watch LIVE at 8pm or download our app
L-R Georgia’s Congressional 9th District Republican Candidates
Andrew Clyde                               Matt Gurtler

Union County General Primary Election Returns

Election, Election 2020
election returns

UNION COUNTY, Ga – The polls have closed for the June 9 General Primary. To review the unofficial election returns for your local, state, and federal races, check out the list below. Please remember all the results are unofficial until certified by the Secretary of State.

Precincts: 100% reporting

COUNTY

Sole Commissioner 

Democrat

Presumptive Winner: Lamar Paris (Incumbent)

Tax Commissioner 

Republican

Presumptive Winner: Lee Knight (Incumbent)

Sheriff

Republican

Presumptive Winner: Mack Mason (Incumbent)

Clerk of Superior Court 

Democrat

Presumptive Winner: Judy Odom (Incumbent)

Magistrate Judge 

Presumptive Winner: Cary Cox (Incumbent)

Probate Judge

Presumptive Winner: Dwain Brackett (Incumbent)

Board of Education District One 

Republican

Presumptive Winner: Janna Akins (Incumbent)

Board of Education District Three 

Republican

Presumptive Winner: Julia Barnett – 3,543 – 62%

Dale Spivey – 2,130 – 38%

County Surveyor

Republican

Presumptive Winner: Jason Henson

County Coroner

Republican

Presumptive Winner: Benny Erwin (Incumbent)

U.S. House of Representatives District 9

Republican

Michael Boggus – 1.38%

Paul Broun – 3.94%

Andrew Clyde – 15.44%

Matt Gurtler – 52.88%

Maria Strickland – 2.64%

Kevin Tanner – 12.30%

Ethan Underwood – 4.88%

Kellie Weeks – 2.24%

John Wilkinson – 4.29%

Democrat

Devin Pandy – 31.05%

Brooke Siskin – 41.53%

Dan Wilson – 27.42%

State House District 8

Republican

Stan Gunter – 72.41%

Steve Townsend – 27.59%

Democrat

Dave Cooper – 100%

To see the state election returns, click here. This article contains the overall race winner and identified runoffs for State House, State Senate, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate in FYN’s coverage area.

Run-off elections will be held on August 11 if needed. The General Election is scheduled for November 3 as well as the jungle primary for Senator Kelly Loeffler’s seat.

 

To review everyone who qualified this year, click here. 

2020 9th Congressional District Candidate Interviews with BKP

Featured, Featured Stories, News, Politics

BKP interviews the candidates for the 9th Congressional District. These candidates discuss with BKP the latest in the news from Black Lives Matter, Pro-Life or Pro-Choice, Department of Education and the 2nd Amendment on if they support it or not. These interviews will better help you get to know the candidates for the June 9th election.

 

Kevin Tanner:

https://youtu.be/lP8onU8Vmso

 

Ethan Underwood:

https://youtu.be/__wdNGJi28s

 

John Wilkinson:

https://youtu.be/46KPENUZdqU

 

Andrew Clyde:

https://youtu.be/4bIqQ0uAPwE

 

Paul Broun:

https://youtu.be/5aiG64e3inE

 

Matt Gurtler:

https://youtu.be/aYQ8q3gn54Q

 

Meet Steve Townsend candidate for Georgia House District 8

Election, Election 2020
Townsend

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – With the Georgia Primary less than a month away, Steve Townsend (R) hopes his message of principled politics, religious freedom, and small business liberties win over voters in Ga-8.

Townsend entered the race in the eleventh hour. He just made the Friday deadline on March 6 because he was only approached about running on Thursday, March 5.

Conceding, he didn’t have a lot of time to think about the prospect of becoming a representative. Townsend started making phone calls and praying about it.

“People kept saying go for it,” said Townsend. “The Lord began to confirm over and over to run this race.”

One of the calls he made was to current District 8 Rep. Matt Gurtler who Townsend considers to be a good friend. Gurtler encouraged him to enter along with several other Rabun Republicans. However, Gurtler hasn’t endorsed Townsend at this point.

Townsend

According to Townsend, the rest of District 8 has responded with enthusiasm to his bid even though no one can meet because of the coronavirus shutdowns. Social distancing presents unique problems to all those seeking office in 2020, but Townsend believes people are beginning to resonate with his message.

One could feel the animation in his voice when he spoke about representing the “good old, rugged individuals” found in the North Georgia mountains and his plans for the area.

The biggest issue facing Union, Rabun, Towns, and White is the economy. Townsend commended former Gov. Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal for incentivizing Georgia for businesses but believes more actions could be taken to make small businesses more lucrative. Namely, eliminate the state income tax to put more money back in Georgian’s pockets. Sales tax would be used in place of the income tax. People would only be taxed on what they spend.

“If people have money in their pocket, they still spend it,” explained Townsend. “People would still put [money] in the economy if we eliminated income tax.”

Townsend believes that Georgians and Americans, in general, are taxed too much and only 40 to 50 cents of every dollar ends up in a person’s personal bank account. He also spoke about providing tax relief to retirees who live on a set income and many of whom live in the mountains. As a country, Americans need to “cut down the appetite of the government,” and tax reform is how Townsend wants to accomplish it.

Also, now that Georgia’s slowly returning to normal, he said now is a good time to find new opportunities for the mountains. Up here, people can spread out and take advantage of all the space safely.

Additionally, during the times of “cancel culture,” when individuals and businesses are bullied for voicing differing opinions, Townsends wants all businesses to have the right to operate according to the owner’s belief systems. Yes, he means if a gay couple requests a cake with sayings on it that contradict the baker’s beliefs, then the baker can refuse to fill their order.

“Good, conservative business owners have the right to stick to their beliefs,” affirmed Townsend. He brought up the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which grants owners the protection to operate according to their “conscience and deeply held religious beliefs without fear of attack or repercussion.”

Another principle that Townsend doesn’t believe will win him any favor with Georgia House Speaker David Ralston is his support of HB 982 or Hailie’s Amendment. The bill would change the legislative leave clause and eliminate trial continuances for sexual and violent crimes.

As the interview progressed, it became apparent that Townsend doesn’t necessarily approve of everything Ralston does in the General Assembly.

When questioned about his ability to work with Ralston, he said, “I’ll work with him; I’ll work with anybody. I’m a preacher I’m used to working with people, but would he be willing to work with me?”

Townsend also suggested that the group of Stan Gunter supporters in Rabun County are also Ralston supporters and that the speaker would like for Gunter to win the race. Gurtler expressed a similar line of reasoning before he decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives District 9.

However, Gurtler earned the reputation of “Dr. No” because he often wouldn’t compromise with his fellow legislators to move agendas forward.

When pressed if Townsend would continue this tradition of no votes, he conceded that District 8 shouldn’t suffer because of political squabbles.

“I would represent the whole Eighth District not just my own personal agenda,” he said. However, if he felt something was morally wrong or sent Georgia into debt, he would be compelled to vote against it.

Townsend agrees with the job President Trump as done so far even if Trump wasn’t his first choice in the primary. Trump keeps his promises, which you don’t see from politicians expounded Townsend.

As for Townsend’s background, he moved to Clayton, Ga on Jan. 1, 2001, and served as a preacher for 14 years. After resigning he thought he would go to another church, but he ended up at Write Your Congressman, an organization dedicated to informing elected officials on the opinions of their constituents. He and his wife have five children, three daughters and two sons.

Townsend with family minus the eldest daughter.

The Georgia Primary takes place on Tuesday, June 9. Please find out from your local election office about any special protocols in place due to COVID-19.

Read our interview with the other District 8 Stan Gunter, here.

Presidential Primary postponed until May 19

Announcements, Election
Presidential Primary

ATLANTA, Ga – The March 24 Presidential Preference Primary has been moved to May 19 with the rest of Georgia’s primary elections in an effort to keep the public safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said in a statement that early in-person voting for the Presidental Primary will be halted.

Georgia now joins Louisiana as a state that has chosen to push back elections because of COVID-19.

On Saturday, Georgia reported 66 COVID-19 cases and one death from the virus. Earlier today, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a public health emergency and has called in the National Guard to assist with the pandemic.

Final Qualifying update from in Union

Election, Election 2020
public hearings millage rate courthouse Qualifying meetings state of emergency property

UNION COUNTY, Ga – Qualifying for the 2020 election season officially opened on Monday, and candidates will have until Friday, March 6 at 12 p.m. when the window closes. The list below is an account of everyone who has qualified through Friday, March 6.

Union has ten local races on the primary ballot on Tuesday, May 19. Voter Registration for the General Primary is April 20, 2020. Early voting will begin on April 27, 2020, and mandatory Saturday voting will be on May 9, 2020.

Check below to see who has qualified thus far this week.

COUNTY

Sole Commissioner 

Lamar Paris (Incumbent – Democrat)

Tax Commissioner 

Lee Knight (Incumbent – Republican)

Sheriff

Mack Mason (Incumbent – Republican)

Clerk of Superior Court 

Judy Odom (Incumbent – Democrat)

Magistrate Judge 

Cary Cox (Incumbent – Non-partisan)

Probate Judge

Dwain Brackett (Incumbent – Non-partisan)

Board of Education District One 

Janna Akins (Incumbent – Republican)

Board of Education District Three 

Julia Barnett (Republican)

Dale Spivey (Republican)

County Surveyor

Jason Henson (Republican)

County Coroner

Benny Erwin (Incumbent – Republican)

STATE

District 8 State Representative

Stan Gunter (Republican)

Steve Townsend (Republican)

Dave Cooper (Democrat)

State Senator District 51

Steve Gooch (Incumbent – Republican)

June Krise (Democrat)

Public Service Commission District 4

Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. (Incumbent – Republican)

Nathan Wilson (Libertarian)

Daniel Blackman (Democrat)

John Noel (Democrat)

Judge of Superior Court Enotah Circuit

Joy R. Parks (Incumbent – Non-partisan)

FEDERAL

Ninth District U.S. Congress

Michael Boggus (Republican)

Andrew Clyde (Republican)

Matt Gurtler (Republican)

Maria Strickland (Republican)

Kevin Tanner (Republican)

Ethan Underwood (Republican)

Devin Pandy (Democrat)

Paul Broun (Republican)

John Wilkinson (Republican)

Dan Wilson (Democrat)

Kellie Weeks (Republican)

Siskin (Democrat)

United States Senate – Perdue Seat

James Knox (Democrat)

Jon Ossoff (Democrat)

Teresa Pike Tomlinson (Democrat)

Tricia Carpenter McCracken (Democrat)

Sarah Riggs Amico (Democrat)

Shane Hazel (Libertarian)

Marc Keith DeJesus (Democrat)

Maya Dillard Smith (Democrat)

David Perdue (Incumbent – Republican)

United States Senate – Loeffler Seat (Special Election in November) 

Kelly Loeffler (Incumbent – Republican)

Doug Collins (Republican)

A. Wayne Johnson (Republican)

Kandiss Taylor (Republican)

Tamara Johnson-Shealey (Democrat)

Matt Lieberman (Democrat)

Joy Felicia Shade (Democrat)

Ed Tarver (Democrat)

Richard Dien Winfield (Democrat)

Al Bartell (Independent)

Allen Buckley (Independent)

Brian Slowinski (Libertarian)

Derrick E. Grayson (Republican)

Rod Mack (Write-In)

Annette Jackson (Republican)

Deborah Jackson (Democrat)

Jamesia James (Democrat)

Raphael Warnock (Democrat)

Michael Todd Green (Independent)

Valencia Stovall (Independent)

John “Green” Fortuin (Green)

The Presidential Preference Primary takes place on March 24, 2020, and early voting opened on March 2. The mandatory Saturday voting will be held on March 14.

Here’s a list of all the federal and state races that are qualifying in 2020. If needed, a General Primary run-off will take place on July 21, 2020.

FreedomWorks endorses Gurtler for District 9 seat

Election, News

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Georgia State House Rep. and current candidate in the Congressional race Matt Gurtler’s earned his second endorsement, this week, from FreedomWorks.

The organization had this to say about Gurtler:

“Our grassroots community in Georgia has only good things to say about Matt Gurtler’s tenure in the Georgia House of Representatives. Time and time again, Gurtler has been a principled voice in defense of liberty and the small-government values that many Georgians hold dear. He is also not afraid to take a hard stance against bad legislation, having voted ‘no’ on 40 percent of floor votes in the past. FreedomWorks for America’s grassroots community looks forward to supporting Gurtler’s bid to represent Georgia’s ninth district in Washington.”

FreedomWorks

Logo courtesy of FreedomWorks.

FreedomWorks has promised to send their “Georgia activists” to assist with turning out the vote by knocking on doors and connecting with peers. The group also has a mobile texting initiative in place to reach more voters.

“We’re excited about it,” Gurtler told Fetch Your News.

At this time, it’s unclear if FreedomWorks will be helping the Gurtler ninth district campaign monetarily as well. Fetch Your News asked Gurtler about the organization’s potential financial support and didn’t couldn’t confirm or deny this possibility. However, since FreedomWorks endorsed Gurtler, he can no longer speak with the group.

Gurtler did confirm that he met with Club for Growth while in Washington D.C. but doesn’t if they will endorse him or not. “We met with several groups, and it’s up to them to decide,” said Gurtler.

Who is FreedomWorks?

According to FreedomWorks 2020 policy platform, it “supports the preservation and defense of free markets, limited government, and individual liberty.” FreedomWorks advocates for these principles and educates citizens to share their ideas in local communities.

The platform outlines six tenets:

  1. Unleashing economic freedom and the free market.
  2. Immigration and strong borders.
  3. Restoring constitutional limits.
  4. Rolling back the regulatory state.
  5. Achieving the American Dream through justice reform.
  6. A more open government.

The organization also has stated that it wants the government to belong to the people, not special interests. The grassroots service center consists of six million activists, and several notable political names have praised it, including Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky), Glenn Beck, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tx).

“FreedomWorks [has] been the invisible hand behind much of the recent conservative activism around the country, ” wrote The New York Times.

In 1984, FreedomWorks went by Citizens for a Sound Economy.

Rep. Gurtler Kicks-off 2020 Campaign and Addresses Criticisms

Election, Featured
Gurtler

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Incumbent Georgia District Eight State Representative Matt Gurtler officially kicked-off his 2020 campaign on Nov. 19 and addressed comments made by his opponent about the representative’s effectiveness in the state capitol.

Gurtler spoke to a crowd of supporters at the Pat Haralson Civic Center and fielded questions about Georgia’s General Assembly, the Republican Party, and his goals while in office.

The state representative and establishment Republicans have a contentious relationship. They continually butt-heads over bills due to government or budget growth.

“If a bill grows government, you vote no. If it violates the constitution, you vote no,” stated Gurtler, who originally ran in 2016 to bring principles back to politics.

According to Gurtler, his position to follow the ideas of limited government earned him a lot of heat within the capitol.

He called out fellow Republicans during his speech saying, “The largest tax increase, in Georgia’s history, passed under a Republican regime.”

The budget receives a lot of attention from Gurtler. When he started as an aide, he saw it growing every year. Originally, it was $19B, and now it is $30B. One reason for the ever-expanding budget is the movie industry in Georgia. Hollywood receives massive tax incentives to come to the state. The influx of the film industry into the state also threatens to flip it from Red to Blue, which can be seen in every election cycle. Most notably in the 2018 Governor’s race, where Democrat Stacy Abrams only lost by 1.4 percentage points.

District Eight Representative believes those elected to the General Assembly should stop cow-towing to Hollywood and start looking into how to aid local Georgians.

Gurtler

Rep. Gurtler hosted supporters at Pat Haralson Civic Center.

“I do vote no a lot,” explained Gurtler, “That first year was pretty tough, a lot of threats and intimidation, all kinds of tactics from leadership and establishment, used against me to get me to falter and come to their side.”

After the first three months of alleged intimidation, leadership left Gurtler alone, and he gained some respect from his colleagues for not changing his position.

However, his tendency to vote no serves as a point of contention with his 2020 opponent retired judge Stan Gunter. Fetch Your News asked Gurtler to respond to Gunter’s challenge that Gurtler is hard to work with, causing constituents to seek out Senator Steve Gooch for assistance.

“This is the same tactic that was used last time against me. It’s a falsehood,” admonished Gurtler, “If what my opponent says is true, that you’re voting off principle, and district money is being taken away, wouldn’t that prove we have a corrupt government?”

Gunter previously stated he has better connections in the capitol and that Gurtler’s positions have hurt the overall welfare of District Eight.

“Of course, my opponent is the establishment candidate because the establishment is going to behind him. The same people who supported my last opponent will be supporting him…The culture of the capitol, in my experience, is pretty corrupt. People come in with the greatest intentions and through fear and intimidation falter to the establishment,” said Gurtler.

He’s very open about establishment Republicans corrupting the party’s ideals, citing Speaker Ralston’s continuances scandal from the past legislative session as part of the problem. The District Eight Representative is one of ten who signed the resolution stating that the multiple continuances issued by Ralston reflected poorly on the Georgia government and the Republican Party.

Previously, Governor Nathan Deal and Ralston campaigned against Gurtler in 2018 – a move typically unprecedented in Georgia politics. Still, he has faith in his constituents, “The people have spoken twice now, overwhelmingly, winning by 20 points the last two elections, so we’re going to continue doing that, continue to lead by example, and that’s why we’re here.”

DA Langley Reviews Mueller Report with Union County GOP

Community
Mueller Report

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – District Attorney Jeff Langley presented a prosecutors viewpoint of the Mueller Report during Saturday, Sept. 21 Union County GOP meeting.

Langley read all 400 pages of the Mueller Report and concluded the investigation provided a lack of evidence for collusion or obstruction of justice. He did preface that he didn’t follow all the intricacies during the two-year investigation, but he did read the actual findings.

“Did the Mueller Report exonerate the President? Did it show he committed obstruction?” commented Langley, “We had people for two years accusing the President of treason.”

He noted that even today people disagree on what exactly the report states. It differs based on an individual’s political leanings. For this presentation,

Langley tried to step outside of politics and review it as a lawyer.

Mueller hired 19 lawyers, over 40 FBI professionals, and issued 2,800 subpoenas. At the end of the two years, six indictments were sent out.

Donald Trump. Jr. did meet with operatives who said they had dirt on Hilary Clinton, but after seeking a second opinion, he never took the information.

The report doesn’t uncover any wrongdoing according to Langley’s interpretation of events.

Russians, however, regularly try to interfere with the United States’ elections.

“The Mueller Report laid out a pretty convincing case that Russian military operatives hacked the DNC and provided those leaks to WikiLeaks, not proved absolutely but pretty compelling that was the case,” said Langley.

Additionally, the Russians spent an estimated $100,000 of Facebook ads. The

Trump and Clinton each spent almost $1 billion in advertising on the social media platform.

“It’s a drop in the bucket,” stated Langley, “Don’t let anyone tell you that they stole the election for Trump.”

The investigation discovered that Russians sponsored rallies for Trump and Bernie Sanders, neither very large – around 500 people.

Zero instances uncovered evidence of Russians hacking into voting machines. They did try to hack into voting lists, but not the actual machines.

“Page 175, 181, this investigation did not identify evidence that any US person coordinated or communicated with this IRA [Internet Research Agency], the Russian intelligence agency. This investigation did not establish that the contact described in volume one amounted to any agreement or any substantial found violation, including foreign influence or campaign finance law,” read Langley from the report.

Jeff Langley

DA Jeff Langley gives a legal review of the Mueller Report.

The next 200 pages deal with obstruction. Trump’s behavior provided traction for the investigation, but ultimately, nothing turned up to charge the President.

However, most legal scholars agree that Congress must impeach a president before charging them with a crime. This argument led to the muddy waters that many find themselves in today. Still, the findings, according to Attorney General Barr and Deputy Rosenstein, didn’t provide strong enough evidence to prosecute the President.

2020 Election wise, the Board of Elections representative confirmed that new machines are being tested. Union County will receive enough equipment to process all voters’ ballots. Now, voters will select print ballot instead of cast ballot on Election Day.

The next Union County GOP meeting be on October 19 at 10 a.m. in the Skillet Café with a featured speaker about the upcoming reappraisal throughout the county.

Collins submits resume to Governor Kemp for Senate Seat

Featured, Politics
Ga Rep Collins

Georgia, – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp began a process to fill U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s seat this week. The Governor set up a website requiring the potential candidates to submit a resume. FYN has learned Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) has submitted his resume for consideration. The seat will be filled following Johnny Isakson’s retirement effective December 31, 2019 and the chosen applicant will serve for the remainder of his unexpired term.

Rep. Collins is a United States Representative from Georgia’s 9th congressional district. Collins has served the 9th District since 2013. Previously he was a state representative in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 27th district, which includes portions of Hall, Lumpkin, and White counties.

Collins is considered to be a front runner for the Senator seat. Because this would leave a vacancy we question who will replace Collins. So who will be the new US Representative in the 9th District? According to our information as a result of Collins receiving the appointment, that would trigger a special election. What names will surface in the 9th District hoping to take Collins’ place? FetchYourNews will follow closely and update as more information becomes available.

Sheriff Mason Discusses His Achievements and Plans for Future

Election, News
Mason

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – On Oct. 9, incumbent Sheriff Mack Mason announced his intentions to run for reelection in Union County. Fetch Your News sat down with sheriff to learn more about his platform and hopes for the county’s future.

Three tenants of his 2020 campaign could be Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) efficiency, community safety, and inmate mental health.

Mason took office almost seven years ago in 2013, and before being elected as Sheriff, Mason spent 29 years as a Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

When asked why he decided to run for a third term, Mason referred to the alarming trend in this country where officers are losing respect and becoming afraid to do their jobs. “That’s not going to happen in Union County,” he said, referring to cities across the country being destroyed due to lack of law effective law enforcement.

“We have some of the most dedicated people that I have ever seen,” said Mason, “One fact that I am extremely proud of is when I took office, we have one female deputy, and she worked at the school. Now we have six female deputies on our shifts.”

Given today’s atmosphere, women deputies are essential to manage the female prison population and ensure everyone receives fair treatment at UCSO jail.
He also substantially raised the pay since taking office. When first elected jailers received “$8 or $9” an hour, and now they make $15. As for deputies in 2013, they started at $12. Currently, they earn $17 an hour.

“We could not get female applicants at $12 an hour,” stated Mason.

While raising wages to better his employees’ lives, overall, Mason tries to run a lean department.

In his seven years in office, the sheriff’s office has received approximately $572,000 in tax funding or $82,000 per year. This amount operates a 60 vehicle fleet, 40 deputies, jail staff, and part-timers.

All vehicles log their mileage and gas consumption from month to month. The records let Sheriff’s Office maintain an efficient and well-oiled fleet that’s always ready to roll for the community.
In his first two years, Mason began a crackdown on drugs after being elected as sheriff. UCSO collected enough drug seizure money to purchase new vehicles. Due to the drug task force’s vigilance, drug arrests are down for the year with only 67 thus far. In 2018, officers arrested123 individuals on drug-related charges.

UCSO has cracked down on drugs in the last seven years.

“Hopefully, people are getting the message,” Mason stated about individuals understanding Union County takes drugs seriously wants to keep them off the streets.

However, overall activity is still consistent with over 15,000 service calls so far into 2019.

“We don’t want to short our citizens with a lack of service of any kind,” said Mason, “We preach to these deputies to watch your driving mannerisms and use your head.” Mason wants to make sure that his deputies understand their role in the community and do not abuse it. Since taking office, he has set up patrol zones for deputies, so everyone knows their area. Deputies know where to patrol and can effectively monitor their zone.

Officers undergo 40 to 60 hours of training a year. The state of Georgia requires deputies to perform for at least 20 hours a year of training. Mason likes to be proactive with his deputies, so they are equipped for any situation that might arise in Union County.

The animal control unit also received praise for keeping an eye on the whole county from dogs to cows. The two officers will respond and take care of the incident promptly with the animal’s welfare in mind.

One area that Mason wants to improve is inmate care and mental health. Some inmates have been in the system for over 500 days without a court date.

Some inmates never see a lawyer because conflict attorneys from other counties don’t make an effort to visit or call. As a result, people remain stuck in jail for years. When a local public defender cannot represent an individual due to already representing another defendant in the same case, a conflict attorney takes responsibility for the unrepresented individual.

The jail has an occupancy of 54. However, the facility regularly experiences overcrowding, and UCSO houses inmates out when necessary.

Mason conceded, “We can get things done if they’ll talk, but if they never see their attorney.” He provides jail reports monthly to county officials, district attorneys, and judges, so they know how long people have been in jail without trial.

Also, some inmates have mental health issues and need to be in a facility for treatment. These inmates include people addicted to drugs who need rehab.

“It takes sometimes two to nine months for the state to call for [individuals sentenced to a mental facility],” explained Mason, “My question to the state is why is that happening? Why aren’t their more facilities? They have dropped the services for these people. The county jail is not the place for these people.”

“I’m trying to shed light on these problems,” said Mason referring to jail overcrowding and inability to properly care for inmates.

Cagle campaign brings out the big guns

Election 2018, Politics
Hall County, Gainesville, Georgia, Secretary of State, Lt. Governor, Governor, Gubernatorial, Election, 2018, Runoff, Republican Nomination, Campaign, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, National Rifle Association, NRA, President, President Elect, Lt. Colonel, Oliver North, Second Amendment, Stacey Abrams, Democratic, George Soros, July 24

Lt. Colonel Oliver North was met by large crowds as he hit the campaign trail supporting Casey Cagle in becoming Georgia’s next Governor.

Gainesville, Ga. – “There’s only one candidate who’s been endorsed. There’s only one candidate for Governor’s office who actually meets the standard of what we need and that’s Casey Cagle,” retired Lt. Colonel Oliver North enthusiastically spoke to the large crowd gathered in Gainesville, Ga. this weekend.

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has been the center of controversy for several weeks after the release of a secret recording in which Cagle speaks candidly to former gubernatorial candidate Clay Tippins about politics over policy.

Regardless of this recent smear on Cagle’s bid to be Georgia’s next Governor, one fact remains and cannot be disputed, Cagle is the only candidate for governor in Ga. to receive the coveted endorsement from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

With this point being perhaps one of the largest differences between Cagle and his opponent, Brian Kemp, Cagle’s campaign decided it was time to bring out the “big guns”.

President elect of the NRA, North, hit the campaign trail with Cagle on July 14 making three stops across the state to share with constituents why Cagle is the only candidate that will uphold the values of the NRA.

“I’m here because there is only one candidate for governor who has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association,” North said explaining his stance on Georgia’s heated gubernatorial race.

According to North, Cagle has “sterling record as supporter of the Second Amendment”. North went on to say that Cagle “is going to make sure that your gun rights and others are going to be defended when he’s in office as your Governor.”

Doting on Cagle’s record of fighting for the rights of gun owners in Ga., North also brought attention to Cagle’s support of firearms manufacturing and the jobs that have created in this field.

“He’s created the best, pushed through the best legislation, I think, in the country for giving you the right to defend yourselves,” North was met with cheers from the large crowd as he presented Cagle’s record on the Second Amendment.

North added, “I’m just reassured by what he’s already done, and what he’s committed to do.”

Constituents also got a peek into the private life of North as he shared personal stories of how the fight to defend the Second Amendment hits close to home threatening a long standing family tradition.

Hall County, Gainesville, Georgia, Secretary of State, Lt. Governor, Governor, Gubernatorial, Election, 2018, Runoff, Republican Nomination, Campaign, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, National Rifle Association, NRA, President, President Elect, Lt. Colonel, Oliver North, Second Amendment, Stacey Abrams, Democratic, George Soros, July 24

Casey Cagle with wife Nita stand beside North as he addresses the crowd.

North, grandfather to 17 grandchildren, shared this tradition, “I get to give them a present. The only present I get to give them. Everything else comes from Betsy (wife) and me.”

This present given by North when each child turns 14 is a box containing three items, a Bible, a map and compass, and a 20 gauge shotgun.

North labels each box with “There are three things in this box that you have got to learn how to use, and if you do learn to use all three things, you’ll never go hungry, you’ll never be lost and you need fear nothing, but you have to learn to use all three.”

Each child is then told to read Proverbs, one Proverb per day for a month. After this task is completed and understood, North teaches the children how to use the compass and map. The final item that the child can then master is the use of the shotgun.

North told of how each child must learn to take apart, put together and clean the firearm before they can tackle the task of learning to shoot.

A bonding experience for a grandfather and a grandchild, one which his family holds dear, North joked, “The kids call me by my first name…Colonel.”

But according to North this tradition is threatened and he pointed to the fact that a couple of states have already passed laws where it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or purchase a firearm.

Speaking of Virginia, the Lt. Colonel’s current state of residence, North said, “If that happens in Virginia, you know where I’m moving? I’m moving right here.”

North concluded his endorsement with a request, “I want each one of you, if you would please, go out and find a family member and a co-worker and a neighbor and a friend. So now you’re talking four of each one that you know that’s not here today and get them to the polls on the 24th of July so that this man….”.

Upon saying this North turned to Cagle and was drowned out by cheers from the audience.

Cagle briefly shared his thoughts on North’s personal endorsement: “I just value, not only what he has done in his life but also what he is doing by standing up for the Second Amendment.”

Referring to North as a good friend and speaking of the encouragement that North has given him, Cagle simply added, “This man is a real patriot.”

 

 

 

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Hunter Hill visits Ellijay

Election 2018

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Continuing his campaign for Governor, Hunter Hill made a stop in Ellijay on May 2 to speak with local citizens about his plans for the office if elected.

Hill spoke to local citizens over breakfast at Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant on Highway 282.

Arriving at 8 a.m., Governor Candidate Hunter Hill steps off his bus to meet citizens at Mike's Ellijay Restaurant.

Arriving at 8 a.m., Governor Candidate Hunter Hill steps off his bus to meet citizens at Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant.

Hill is a former Army Ranger who has been in the State Senate for five years now. After resigning his seat in August to run for Governor, Hill has been focusing on his vision for Georgia and spreading that message to rally voters. Today, he spoke with citizens in Ellijay about the ideals for “less government, less taxes, and more freedom.”

With “career politicians,” as Hill noted, in office, it is an undermining of our values as a nation. He called out those politicians saying they were not even willing to risk their next election to uphold their oath.

Focusing more specifically on the recent issue of sanctuary cities. Adamantly against the topic, Hill said, “If a city or county in this state were to claim itself a sanctuary city, they would not receive a nickel of state funding.”

After his speech, Hunter Hill paused to answer questions from citizens attending his breakfast meet and greet.

After his speech, Hunter Hill paused to answer questions from citizens attending his breakfast meet and greet.

His second point on his vision for the office reiterated his opinions and intention to eliminate the state income tax. With bordering states already without an income tax, the competitive disadvantage is hurting our state, according to Hill. He went on to say replacing the income tax with a consumption tax setup would alleviate the tax burden from honest Georgians and redistribute that to everyone including visitors to the state and even those making money in illegal ways. Hill stated, “A broad-based consumption tax allows us to have more people that we’re bringing money in from, which allows us to do so at lower rates.”

On a personal note, Hill mentioned his faith pushed him to focus not only on the points of pro-life, pro-second amendment, and also religious liberty. FYN asked Hill if he would be seeking a “Faith Restoration Act” in his first year to which he replied, “Very good chance of that, yeah.”

Hill did confirm that he wanted to pursue faith-based adoption as a part of it saying, “We’ve got to protect our faith-based adoption agencies. We’ve just got to do it. A lot of the reasons that faith-based adoption agencies get involved is to be helpful in congruence with their faith. If you don’t protect their ability to do it in congruence with their faith, then they will just stop doing it altogether.”

 

Meeting with Gilmer residents for breakfast allowed Hunter Hill a chance to meet and speak with local citizens about issues and his vision for the Governor's Office.

Meeting with Gilmer residents for breakfast allowed Hunter Hill a chance to meet and speak with local citizens about issues and his vision for the Governor’s Office.

Protecting people of faith and their ability to live and work based on that faith was a focus of Hill’s speech about the governor’s office, but also on his words about his future view of the state. He noted after winning on key policy issues aligned with our values and principals, he wanted to remind senators and house members of the values and principals that they were elected for, providing a singular vision to move forward under.

 

“Fighting for the people of Georgia” is what he says his focus is as Hill says he sees polls with him ahead of Kemp and closing in on Cagle. Separating himself, Hill says he’s not the career politician like Cagle and is very different than Kemp on issues like the income tax and limited government. But when comparing, Hill said he wanted to focus on his campaign and his vision to protect liberties and endorsements like the Georgia Right to Life to be a different candidate.

While most of those present were already Hill supporters like retired Gilmer county citizen, George Winn, who said he’s been a Hill supporter “all the way.” Based upon his stances as a military, Christian conservative who is a believable and trustworthy conservative.

Others like Ken Bailey find themselves supporting Hill as the best candidate. Following the campaign because “Hunter is not a politician. He is a fresh, young face and not a part of the established system, which needs to be broken up I think. I think he’s got good ideas. We don’t need to have a state income tax, that puts a handicap on us.” Bailey went on to say that he liked some of the other candidates and even knew some personally, but felt Hill was the best choice.

He also commented his appreciation of the choice in the election. With fine candidates available, Bailey said its great to not have to pick the best of a bad selection.

Hill continues his bus tour across Georgia with his final stop at the Cobb GOP Headquarters in Marietta on Saturday afternoon, May 2.

07, Nov 2018 – And Nothing Really Has Changed

Opinion

5:00 am, 07 Nov 2018 – By now, most people are acquainted with national voting outcomes and realize
there was no wave, Red or Blue and American politics will remain a mishmash. Democrats regained the
House by 34, meaning two more years of stalemate. Republicans kept the Senate by increasing their hold
there by three. Missed by the media is that the candidates that Trump campaigned for all won. Trump
now will turn to the use of his veto pen. Military spending will slow, for two years at least, and spending for
illegals will be vetoed to death. It will be a wasted two years for Democrats, but the Judiciary will turn to its
original roots of strict constitutionalism. Watch Trump negotiate the art of the deal with Democrats.

Sorting out voting results for local and other state candidates and issues will take a while. That the US
House of Representatives slipped back into Democrat hands, while consistent with mid-presidential term
voting patterns, is still an issue that will ensure continued political conflict and an even wider divide
between Conservative and Socialist supporters of the direction America will take. Will this signal another
step toward a Venezuela and Cuba style life or a misstep of retaining Americans position as the worlds
economic and military steadying super power? Imagine, Nancy Pelosi once again as Speaker of the
House and that demented screeching mad Max(ine) Waters chairing the House Financial Committee. The
inmates are truly taking control of one wing of the asylum.

I lay the loss of the House of Representatives at the feet of Speaker Paul Ryan, a hopeless never
Trumper extrodinaire, whose lack-luster performance for supporting conservative trending Republican
candidates betrayed his desire for retaining a big government, ’business as usual,’ anybody but Trump
attitude. But, he’ll be gone soon and a rearrangement of the chairs on the Houses deck will commence
while the screaming Democrats start their inquisition trials against Trump and Kavanaugh. Wait for it.

Sadly, Scott Walker, three time winning Governor of Wisconsin, (don’t forget the recall) was outed by a
percentage point to Tony Evers, so watch as that state once again slips under the corrupt influence of
union thuggery. Kansas, whose Republican Attorney General, Kris Kobach, took a shot at the
Governorship lost to Democrat Laura Kelly, while Florida remained all “Red.” It is now safe for the DoJ to
indite losing Democrat candidate Andrew Gillum for his fraud crimes. California, under Gavin Newsom,
will continue to function as a pitiful example of Americas potential Venezuela outcome. Blackburn won the
Republican seat vacated by a RINO and McSally kept Arizona in GOP hands.

The good news is that most of the House Republicans whose seats were challenged and won by
Democrats, were Republicans who quit or retired leaving a vacant seat to be refilled. So be it! Most of the
emotional news worthy Senate contests fell favorably to Republicans, including Arizona, Texas. Democrat
Senators in battleground states who voted against Justice Kavanaugh, all lost and that includes
Missouri’s Macaskill. Michigan's splendid Republican candidate for Senate, West Point graduate and
combat veteran John James slipped below the waves, while a dead whorehouse owner in Nevada won
his House seat.

I’ll not continue with more election results because they’ll be all the news today. What I will say is that
America clearly stands at the edge of meaningless. The next several years will be a head butting contest
between a Constitutional, law abiding citizenry and Sanctuary City, open border loving Socialists.

What was revealed is that democrats gains came despite their having absolutely no program to run on
except “Impeach Trump.” The campaigns of Democrat candidates were all propaganda and fake news,
designed to move their candidate to the center politically, and avoid what they realize is a non-starter for
most Americans, the aura of being a true communist candidate.

Conservatives have two years to reconstruct their Congressional candidates to rid congress of the
remaining RINO’s. Pelosi, if she survives her own caucus, should be a boon to regaining the house in two
years.

For Republicans, cleansing the institutions charged with the education of America’s children in our nearly
totally corrupted colleges and universities, must become a priority. Challenging them directly won’t work but making them redundant can. Conservatives must also keep up their pursuit of the Black and Latino
voters and convince them to leave the Democrat plantation for conservatism where they can have the
opportunity to prosper. The next time I use the term “Republican” and don’t have to hold my breath doing
so, will be when conservatives predominate in the Congress, the Senate remains Republican and Trump
starts his second term.

Watch for the Left to reengage their shock-troops to hit the streets in support of any issue they think
necessary to boost their limited power and, their power is limited. The swelling sanctuary city rolls will
economically collapse those leftist governments that have abandoned the rule of law while anarchy will
sweep their streets when they run out of tax payer funds. Expect Paul Ryan to challenge Trump for
President in 2020 but first, he’ll have to nudge former Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, out of the way.

For the next few years, bipartisanship will be a nonstarter. We’re in for an interesting two years and
Conservatives have a lot of work to do so, we cannot lose faith, but get out there and get busy; continue
the attack on the idiots and idiocy of the Left.

Finally, the good news is that I can now have my e-mail back. Daily, and I suspect most of you also,
delete hundreds of pleas for donations, double donations, split donations and etc. especially from
democrats PAC’s whining about being stabbed in the back and etc.

Today is the first day of Trump’s campaign for re-election. He’s a winner so let’s find politicians who will
work with him.

Remember, freedom is the goal, the Constitution is the way, now, go get ‘em! (07Nov18)

Kemp Chooses the High Road After Cagle Fires False Runoff Attacks

FYNTV, News, Politics, State & National

Exclusive Interview this morning on FYNtv.com with Candidate for Governor Brian Kemp, and where he stands on the attacks of the Cagle Campaign, against him.

 


Join us on #GMFTO every weekday starting at 8AM! We will be featuring Fetch Your News FYNTV.com TV personality #BKP and his political opinion, and #AnythingGoes ! Have a question, comment, or want to be on the show? Call or text 706-889-9700 !

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