2017 Meeting Minutes
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
November 7, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Victor Calle.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Kent Kingsley.
Recognition of our Veterans
Secretary Report given by Karl Heidbrink.
Recognized Brent Taylor, Chair of Pike County Republican Party
Treasurer Report by Jane Huguely, balance is $2992.92
County Commissioner report by Nancy Thrash. County will do a complete reclamation of Fellowship Drive at the Industrial Park. Got nearly $400,000 from DOT to help with the project. Should begin repairs in January. Approval of budget will happen in December. Inmate labor will help to build Milner Library; ground breaking will be soon. Will be building the Waste Energy Project buildings at the Landfill. The waster energy project should bring a little over 200 jobs to the county. Legislative session will be coming up soon. Nancy has been appointed by the President to a committee for local elected officials and will be in Washington DC on December 4-5. The President wants to hear from local officials about what is going on in our areas.
For Veteran’s Day, we must remember all those who serve, and all those who lost their lives in service to our country, and the families of those veterans.
Our speaker was Josh McKoon, GA State Senator and Candidate for Secretary of State. Senator McKoon is famous for his stand on RFRA. It has become harder for the average person being able to achieve their American Dream because the Government has become too big and in the way. Our job as Conservatives and Republicans is to roll back the layers.
Senator McKoon is running for Secretary of State to make GA the fastest state to get a job and the hardest state to cast an illegal vote. It is getting harder for start-ups instead of easier. Today, over 1 in 4 must be licensed to go to work. Elections technology used for us to vote is almost out of date. The solution should be a verifiable paper audit trail in our elections. The process needs to be transparent and competitively bid. There are 159 counties holding elections in GA.
The Democrats are attempting to change the elections process in GA by filing lawsuits. Voter registration is a good example and they want it to be extended. We need to have an attorney as Secretary of State in GA that will stand up and put a stop to this or to elevate the arguments to the State Supreme Court or the US Supreme Court if needed. The Secretary of State office needs to establish legal defense instead of just surrendering to expensive lawsuits. Our absentee ballot system needs to be updated to allow for the identity of the voter, such as a notarized absentee ballot. The Secretary of State should be the chief transparency officer in GA. For instance, in the State House, you can see the entire process, but in the State Senate, you cannot see the entire process of voting unless you drive to Atlanta. In January, we will be able to see the entire process from the time that a bill is introduced to when it goes to the Governor’s desk. Also, Senator McKoon is pushing for the GA Checkbook, which is an online database of state spending, so that all citizens can see where the money is being spent at the state level in GA. Senator McKoon is the only candidate running for Secretary of state that is an experienced attorney, who does not mind taking heat to do the right thing, and who knows how to debate the issues for the office against a leading Democrat who is running for Secretary of State.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
October 3, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Victor Calle.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink.
No Sheriff Report
Jane Huguely gave Treasurer Report. Balance is $2820.98
No State of the State Report
No State of the Nation Report
Low Country Boil on October 5th was discussed.
Michael Williams, candidate for Governor, was our speaker. He is married with 4 children and he is a GA State Senator. He is conservative and is a CPA by profession. He also bought into a barbershop franchise, and grew that business into 18 barbershops.
When he decided to run for the Senate in GA, Michael Williams ran against a longtime incumbent Senator in Forsyth County.
Donald Trump calls the way things are done in the government the swamp. Senator Williams says the swamp is the process, or the way things are done in government. He was the first elected official in GA to publicly endorse Donald Trump.
Senator Williams is the only candidate in the race for Governor who is reliant on small donations and self-financing his campaign.
An audio recording of Senator Williams speech is available to all our members by request. Just check with the chairman after the meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
September 5, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Floyd Moye. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink.
No Sheriff report.
No Treasurer Report
No State of the State Report
No State of the Nation Report
State Committee Report by Monica Walters, meeting held in Warner Robins, began at 10am and ended at 2pm with no lunch break. State committee has 2 funds, Victory fund that is used for campaigns and the operating fund. Lawsuit still going on, a discrimination suit against John Padgett that has not been settled. John Watson presided. Approved a lot of resolutions. Most debate caused by the Resolution on Casino Gambling and the Resolution on RFRA. RFRA Resolution was to have every candidate to have his commitment in writing. It was decided a verbal commitment would do.
Low Country Boil on October 5th was discussed.
Ken Pullin introduced himself as Candidate for State Representative, running against Johnnie Caldwell.
Introduced Geoff Duncan, our speaker, who is running for Lt. Governor.
Went to college on football scholarship, played professional baseball. Began a small marketing business in his home. Got into politics because he was in church and got challenged by pastor to help in the community. Decided to run for office and ran for State Representative. People in Forsyth County were tired of voting for people who said one thing in campaign and did something different once elected. The people who were actually getting things done were good at the relationship business. His first legislation was the Cargo bill. In one year cargo after passage theft dropped by 68%. Michael’s Law was because a young man got beaten to death in a bar. Once passed, Michael’s Law created more accountability in bars in GA and raised the age of bouncers to 21. Third bill was Rural Healthcare Bill. Upson Regional was the cornerstone in the US for rural hospital needs. Bill stated that corporations and citizens could write checks directly to hospitals up to $10,000 for married couple. 90% tax credit for this giving.
Good ideas can make needed changes. As Lt. Governor, Geoff Duncan can influence the culture in the Senate and wants to reward good policy over good politics.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
August 1, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Robert Heiney. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink.
County Commission report by Robert Heiney. $200,000 short on revenue. Considering 1 mil increase in taxes. May have to lay off county employees. Would like to get the millage increase down to .5% or .75%. On cemetery, county had to decide if city had complied with all county requirements. Mr. Heiney and Ms. Thrash voted against moving the cemetery. Lawsuit has been started with the city to block moving the cemetery. Dog ordinance tabled. Gave more authority to animal control director than our sheriff has. Too much for a county our size. Going to redo it. Need to look at dog abandonment, dogs running wild, spay/neuter and cruelty to animals.
No Sheriff report.
Treasurer Report $
No State of the State Report
State of the Nation report by Jere Moore. He shared about all the healthcare proposals to Congress all being shut down. There was a hackers convention where they attempted to hack voting machines, and they compromised 2 of them within 1 ½ hour, also compromised newer machines. Ransomware is a big problem now. Do not open email attachments due to viruses.
Recognized our first responders.
Introduced Jim Beck, our speaker, who has spoken to large and small groups and has appeared on TV. Has been deputy insurance commissioner, and is a deputy in the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, and was Chief of Staff for Insurance Commissioner Hudgens.
He is president of the GA Underwriting Association. A person with bad credit rating can pay more for insurance than a person with multiple DUIs. GA Arson Control is housed under the GA Underwriting Assn. Reward is offered for the arrest and conviction of an arsonist in GA. Arson is seen as a victimless crime, but it is not victimless. 7400 people and 10 firefighters have died due to Arson. Only 5-7% of arsons are ever convicted. Very hard to convict on anything except circumstantial evidence. Juries are increasingly unwilling to convict on circumstantial evidence. He also spoke on God and family and touched on how morality and even sexual orientation is changing for the worse in our society.
Meeting adjourned.
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NO JULY MEETING
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
June 6, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Brad Raffensperger. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report suspended. Motion to suspend by Jere Moore, second by Kent Kingsley.
No Sheriff report
No Treasurer Report for June.
No State of the State Report
State of the Nation report by Jere Moore. He shared about the NSA violating privacy rules for Americans and about a high school that said a pro-life club was too controversial, about the farmer fined $2.8 million for plowing on his own land and 5 reasons Trump was right to pull our country out of the Paris Accord.
Monica Walters gave a brief report on the State Committee meeting.
Connie Whitney introduced our speaker, Brad Raffensperger, who is running for Secretary of State. He is currently a GA State Representative for District 50 and intends to make the Secretary of State office more responsive to the people it serves. It would be a good idea if the voting machines had software where the source code is open, so that it would enable people to be sure the machines are not hacked during an election.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
May 2, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Kent Kingsley. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink
County report by Nancy Thrash. Just finished ACCG Conference and had great attendance. Planning session for future plans for the county. Considering lack of fire services in north end of county. Got a new front end loader. Trying to work smarter and not harder in the county. Do commissioners want to replace equipment or use other options to use our taxpayer funds well. Just got a new 911 bill through state legislature. More rural counties could not properly have 911 center. Becomes public safety issue. State increased 911 fee from 75 cents to 1.50 to support 911 needs.
No Sheriff report
No Treasurer Report for May.
Membership voted to pay for District and State Conventions, $35 for District and $75 for State for each delegate and alternate that attend.
Membership does not approve paid newspaper ads for meetings at this time. Kent mentioned that we approved letters in 2015 to be sent to Republican voters in Lamar County but it did not bring in any new folks. Best way is to invite friends.
Robert Heiney gave a brief report: HB1, Space Flight Act. Bill introduced by Jason Spencer. Has been signed into law by Governor Deal. Automated cars – SB 219, provides for driving automated vehicles on certain roads. Introduced by Steve Gooch, signed into law by Governor Deal. HB280 - Campus Carry introduced by Mandi Ballinger, signed into law by Gov. Deal. HB 434 - Blighted Property introduced by Willard Wendell; signed into law by Gov. Deal. The bill allows local governments to use their power of eminent domain to condemn blighted property and transfer that property to private developers. Not required to be held for 20 years. May now be held for 5 years. Fire Dept Volunteers will now be covered by workman’s compensation if cancer is incurred by fighting fires.
Jere Moore spoke on state of the nation. A lot going on at the national level. Trump doing a great job. Article 5 Convention of States could be an existential threat to our Republic. The supporters of Article 5 are getting closer and closer to having a convention to amend our constitution. Only have had 1 Constitutional Convention so far. That was to rewrite Articles of Confederation. Threw those out and we got our Constitution. Same could happen again.
Motion made and passed to NOT have our July meeting on July 4th.
Our speaker is former GA Senator Mike Crane, the new District 3 Chairman. Our national debt is an existential problem. All our debtors would have to do is say Pay Up! In this time frame of GA History, Republicans have only been in charge for a few years. If there is one thing Republicans should stand for, it is the concept of liberty. With life and liberty you can pursue happiness. How do we measure success in GA for Republicans? As a general contractor, Mike spends about the first quarter of each year to get licenses, continuing education, etc. Did our Republicans advance the cause of life issues or advance the cause of religious freedom? Our measure as Republicans should be liberty. We can feel strangled by the bureaucracy around us.
The public has become gullible. Bureaucracy is stifling us. Should be a correlation between hard work and reward, but we are working harder for no more reward.
Why are people not engaged? The system has been corrupted by money. Whoever can bring more money seems to win the day, whether it be lobbyists or special interests so our Republicans not doing any better than Democrats in GA and we could do better if others rise up with fortitude to stand up to backroom dealings and corruption. We need true R’s in our state.
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Lamar County Republican Party County Minutes
April 4, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Kent Kingsley. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
No county or city reports
No Sheriff report
Treasurer report by Jane Huguely. Total $3099.03 in the bank.
Robert Heiney gave a brief report on the budget for the State of GA. GA state budget is $25 billion, an increase of $1.26 billion. Increased revenue is due to growing economy and population. Jobs increasing faster than national average in GA. GA the #1 state to do business in 4th year in a row per Site Selection Magazine. 17% of the budget is discretionary spending, leaving 83% of spending in GA on non-discretionary matters.
Jere Moore had to be at a Resolutions Committee meeting for the District, so no State of the Nation report given.
Our speaker, Ryran Traylor, is the newest member of our Lamar County Commission for District 3. He has deep roots in Barnesville/Lamar County, extensive participation and leadership in sports programs for our youth and is committed to Lamar County citizens in his term as Commissioner. He is very interested in the budget and in keeping costs of running the county at levels to achieve maximum benefit for Lamar County. He mentioned that, if Lamar County taxes were collected by birth dates of citizens, we probably would not need the tax anticipation notes. Ryran believes in an open door access to his office.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party County Convention Minutes
March 18, 2017 10:00am
Meeting called to order by Kent Kingley, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Kent Kingsley. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Kent Kingsley elected as Convention Chairman. Julia Heidbrink elected as Convention Secretary.
7 voting members present.
Business for the day, elect delegates to District and State. 8 District Delegates and 6 State Delegates.
Delegates elected to District: Alternates to District:
Jimmy Hearn Jere Moore
Dwight Fleming Robert Heiney
Monica Walters Jane Huguely
Joy Kingsley Ryran Traylor
Connie Whitney Nancy Thrash
Kent Kingsley Janet Powell-McCord
Julia Heidbrink Floid Ray McCord
Karl Heidbrink
Delegates elected to State: Alternates to State:
Karl Heidbrink Dwight Fleming
Julia Heidbrink Jere Moore
Joy Kingsley Jane Huguely
Monica Walters Robert Heiney
Kent Kingsley Ryran Traylor
Connie Whitney Nancy Thrash
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
February 7, 2017
Meeting called to order by Kent Kingsley.
Opening Prayer by Floyd Moye;
Pledge of Allegiance led by Harold Jackson.
January 2017 minutes read by Julia Heidbrink.
Treasurer Report: Jane, December balance 2760.03; January balance 2775.03.
Kent Kingsley reported that Jimmy Hearn had resigned to take a position on the Lamar County Elections Board. Kent, because he was First Vice Chair, moved up to Chairman until new officers are chosen at the 2017 County Convention in March.
Charles Glass gave the County Report. New permanent Fire Chief is Douglas Matthews. Received 10 applications and did interviews, and unanimous choice was Douglas Matthews. SPLOST vote coming up March. Still working on Grant for new Health Department building. Spent money to keep old building maintained and it is time for a new building.
Kent Kingsley spoke about County Convention to be held at County Courthouse on March 18th. If you want to be a delegate, you must be at the Convention. Convention begins at 9am for Precinct Meetings and Convention begins at 10am. Will be electing officers. District Convention will be at the same location as last year in Newnan on April 22nd. State Convention to be held in Augusta on June 2nd.
Marty Harbin is starting his second term in our GA legislature. At the state right now, they are watching what is going on at the Federal level. May be called into an extended session, depending on what is happening nationally. Government is like kudzu. You have to cut it or kill it. When government gets more money, they tend to grow more and more. GA is #1` state to do business in second year in a row. People sent a message to Governor on Opportunity school district by pushing back on his position on schools. People pushed back against Governor on Campus Carry and Religious Liberty. Governor vetoed both, but they will probably come back up. Casino gambling in GA would be in Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah. Government would get about 25% of revenues. Governor would approve it, but it may not get out of the Senate. Somewhere between 40 – 50% of students that get Hope Scholarships flunk out. Retro Hope would mean students go to school, pass course, then student would be reimbursed via HOPE. Another option is interest free loan that would have to be paid back if students do not pass courses.
There is recorded vote on all bills, but not on amendments. Takes 5 people to request recorded vote on amendments. SR24 would require recorded vote on all bills including amendments.
People often do not know if they have life insurance, so the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has put up a website to search for insurance. Companies are not currently required to respond. Each state is regulated for insurance at the state level. Marty Harbin introducing a bill to make all companies in GA check the information from the NAIC submissions, so that families can find out if there are policies out there. If no one claims insurance the state gets the money.
There is a pharmacy bill so that the druggist is allowed to tell us if drug is less expensive if customer pays cash. At this time, druggist is not allowed to speak up if the drug is cheaper if paying cash rather than using insurance. Medical marijuana is being looked at to allow its use for more diseases.
Governor is probably going to do something more on schools. GA has a very powerful Governor. If you vote against the Governor, they don’t like it. Legislators should be independent and not on “the team” for the good of the people of GA. We need to see young people to become involved in the process.
GA Budget will be about 42 to 43 billion. About 20 billion comes from the federal government. Federal government is borrowing about 1/3 of its money. GA needs a rainy day fund. We need to be more state driven.
Health insurance has to get better. Average family spending 1200 – 1500 per month and deductibles high. Federal government tied subsidies to income tax.
Meeting adjourned by Kent Kingsley.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
January 3, 2017
Meeting called to order by Jimmy Hearn.
Opening Prayer by Jimmy Hearn
Pledge of Allegiance led by Philip Whitney.
December minutes read by Julia Heidbrink.
Treasurer Report:
Mayor Banks reported for the City. First meeting of the new year. Adopted fees for those wanting to run for city office, 2 or 3 seats coming open this year. Worked on SPLOST along with county and approved that. Considering some sidewalks. Traffic light at Taylor St and 341 needs rehab and state has provided funds to rehab that traffic signal. Working on potholes in some roads.
Jimmy Hearn reported that county and city SPLOST comes up in March. Usually passes when voted on. Dues are now due. Need to be paid by February if possible. March will be our County Convention and officers will be elected, along with delegates for District and State.
Working on getting someone to replace Harold Jackson in Board of Elections. Cannot campaign for anyone or be a party officer if working on Board of Elections.
Brant Frost told us we will have a new State Chairman this year for the Republican Party. Convention in Augusta this year on June 2-3. You can have a good candidate and a great message, but if no one hears the message it is no good. He has begun a People’s PAC. In today’s world, to win an election, one must raise money. The core group of 300 people would be committed to support the group and vet candidates for state legislature, particularly the House of Representatives. To elect a new Governor costs 5 to 10 million dollars, to get control of State Senate, you would need 1 to 2 million dollars, and to get control of the State House of Representatives you need one quarter to 1 million dollars. Getting control of state government means electing 5 to 10 new good legislators each session we can make the State House better and get more done.
The Rules Committee is the most powerful committee. Over 50 committees in House and Senate, but all those must filter through Rules Committees in House and Senate.
It all starts with the people’s PAC to get better legislators elected to the state House.
Meeting adjourned by Jimmy Hearn.
November 7, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Victor Calle.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Kent Kingsley.
Recognition of our Veterans
Secretary Report given by Karl Heidbrink.
Recognized Brent Taylor, Chair of Pike County Republican Party
Treasurer Report by Jane Huguely, balance is $2992.92
County Commissioner report by Nancy Thrash. County will do a complete reclamation of Fellowship Drive at the Industrial Park. Got nearly $400,000 from DOT to help with the project. Should begin repairs in January. Approval of budget will happen in December. Inmate labor will help to build Milner Library; ground breaking will be soon. Will be building the Waste Energy Project buildings at the Landfill. The waster energy project should bring a little over 200 jobs to the county. Legislative session will be coming up soon. Nancy has been appointed by the President to a committee for local elected officials and will be in Washington DC on December 4-5. The President wants to hear from local officials about what is going on in our areas.
For Veteran’s Day, we must remember all those who serve, and all those who lost their lives in service to our country, and the families of those veterans.
Our speaker was Josh McKoon, GA State Senator and Candidate for Secretary of State. Senator McKoon is famous for his stand on RFRA. It has become harder for the average person being able to achieve their American Dream because the Government has become too big and in the way. Our job as Conservatives and Republicans is to roll back the layers.
Senator McKoon is running for Secretary of State to make GA the fastest state to get a job and the hardest state to cast an illegal vote. It is getting harder for start-ups instead of easier. Today, over 1 in 4 must be licensed to go to work. Elections technology used for us to vote is almost out of date. The solution should be a verifiable paper audit trail in our elections. The process needs to be transparent and competitively bid. There are 159 counties holding elections in GA.
The Democrats are attempting to change the elections process in GA by filing lawsuits. Voter registration is a good example and they want it to be extended. We need to have an attorney as Secretary of State in GA that will stand up and put a stop to this or to elevate the arguments to the State Supreme Court or the US Supreme Court if needed. The Secretary of State office needs to establish legal defense instead of just surrendering to expensive lawsuits. Our absentee ballot system needs to be updated to allow for the identity of the voter, such as a notarized absentee ballot. The Secretary of State should be the chief transparency officer in GA. For instance, in the State House, you can see the entire process, but in the State Senate, you cannot see the entire process of voting unless you drive to Atlanta. In January, we will be able to see the entire process from the time that a bill is introduced to when it goes to the Governor’s desk. Also, Senator McKoon is pushing for the GA Checkbook, which is an online database of state spending, so that all citizens can see where the money is being spent at the state level in GA. Senator McKoon is the only candidate running for Secretary of state that is an experienced attorney, who does not mind taking heat to do the right thing, and who knows how to debate the issues for the office against a leading Democrat who is running for Secretary of State.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
October 3, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Victor Calle.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink.
No Sheriff Report
Jane Huguely gave Treasurer Report. Balance is $2820.98
No State of the State Report
No State of the Nation Report
Low Country Boil on October 5th was discussed.
Michael Williams, candidate for Governor, was our speaker. He is married with 4 children and he is a GA State Senator. He is conservative and is a CPA by profession. He also bought into a barbershop franchise, and grew that business into 18 barbershops.
When he decided to run for the Senate in GA, Michael Williams ran against a longtime incumbent Senator in Forsyth County.
Donald Trump calls the way things are done in the government the swamp. Senator Williams says the swamp is the process, or the way things are done in government. He was the first elected official in GA to publicly endorse Donald Trump.
Senator Williams is the only candidate in the race for Governor who is reliant on small donations and self-financing his campaign.
An audio recording of Senator Williams speech is available to all our members by request. Just check with the chairman after the meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
September 5, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Floyd Moye. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink.
No Sheriff report.
No Treasurer Report
No State of the State Report
No State of the Nation Report
State Committee Report by Monica Walters, meeting held in Warner Robins, began at 10am and ended at 2pm with no lunch break. State committee has 2 funds, Victory fund that is used for campaigns and the operating fund. Lawsuit still going on, a discrimination suit against John Padgett that has not been settled. John Watson presided. Approved a lot of resolutions. Most debate caused by the Resolution on Casino Gambling and the Resolution on RFRA. RFRA Resolution was to have every candidate to have his commitment in writing. It was decided a verbal commitment would do.
Low Country Boil on October 5th was discussed.
Ken Pullin introduced himself as Candidate for State Representative, running against Johnnie Caldwell.
Introduced Geoff Duncan, our speaker, who is running for Lt. Governor.
Went to college on football scholarship, played professional baseball. Began a small marketing business in his home. Got into politics because he was in church and got challenged by pastor to help in the community. Decided to run for office and ran for State Representative. People in Forsyth County were tired of voting for people who said one thing in campaign and did something different once elected. The people who were actually getting things done were good at the relationship business. His first legislation was the Cargo bill. In one year cargo after passage theft dropped by 68%. Michael’s Law was because a young man got beaten to death in a bar. Once passed, Michael’s Law created more accountability in bars in GA and raised the age of bouncers to 21. Third bill was Rural Healthcare Bill. Upson Regional was the cornerstone in the US for rural hospital needs. Bill stated that corporations and citizens could write checks directly to hospitals up to $10,000 for married couple. 90% tax credit for this giving.
Good ideas can make needed changes. As Lt. Governor, Geoff Duncan can influence the culture in the Senate and wants to reward good policy over good politics.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
August 1, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Robert Heiney. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink.
County Commission report by Robert Heiney. $200,000 short on revenue. Considering 1 mil increase in taxes. May have to lay off county employees. Would like to get the millage increase down to .5% or .75%. On cemetery, county had to decide if city had complied with all county requirements. Mr. Heiney and Ms. Thrash voted against moving the cemetery. Lawsuit has been started with the city to block moving the cemetery. Dog ordinance tabled. Gave more authority to animal control director than our sheriff has. Too much for a county our size. Going to redo it. Need to look at dog abandonment, dogs running wild, spay/neuter and cruelty to animals.
No Sheriff report.
Treasurer Report $
No State of the State Report
State of the Nation report by Jere Moore. He shared about all the healthcare proposals to Congress all being shut down. There was a hackers convention where they attempted to hack voting machines, and they compromised 2 of them within 1 ½ hour, also compromised newer machines. Ransomware is a big problem now. Do not open email attachments due to viruses.
Recognized our first responders.
Introduced Jim Beck, our speaker, who has spoken to large and small groups and has appeared on TV. Has been deputy insurance commissioner, and is a deputy in the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, and was Chief of Staff for Insurance Commissioner Hudgens.
He is president of the GA Underwriting Association. A person with bad credit rating can pay more for insurance than a person with multiple DUIs. GA Arson Control is housed under the GA Underwriting Assn. Reward is offered for the arrest and conviction of an arsonist in GA. Arson is seen as a victimless crime, but it is not victimless. 7400 people and 10 firefighters have died due to Arson. Only 5-7% of arsons are ever convicted. Very hard to convict on anything except circumstantial evidence. Juries are increasingly unwilling to convict on circumstantial evidence. He also spoke on God and family and touched on how morality and even sexual orientation is changing for the worse in our society.
Meeting adjourned.
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NO JULY MEETING
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
June 6, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Brad Raffensperger. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report suspended. Motion to suspend by Jere Moore, second by Kent Kingsley.
No Sheriff report
No Treasurer Report for June.
No State of the State Report
State of the Nation report by Jere Moore. He shared about the NSA violating privacy rules for Americans and about a high school that said a pro-life club was too controversial, about the farmer fined $2.8 million for plowing on his own land and 5 reasons Trump was right to pull our country out of the Paris Accord.
Monica Walters gave a brief report on the State Committee meeting.
Connie Whitney introduced our speaker, Brad Raffensperger, who is running for Secretary of State. He is currently a GA State Representative for District 50 and intends to make the Secretary of State office more responsive to the people it serves. It would be a good idea if the voting machines had software where the source code is open, so that it would enable people to be sure the machines are not hacked during an election.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
May 2, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Kent Kingsley. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Secretary Report by Karl Heidbrink
County report by Nancy Thrash. Just finished ACCG Conference and had great attendance. Planning session for future plans for the county. Considering lack of fire services in north end of county. Got a new front end loader. Trying to work smarter and not harder in the county. Do commissioners want to replace equipment or use other options to use our taxpayer funds well. Just got a new 911 bill through state legislature. More rural counties could not properly have 911 center. Becomes public safety issue. State increased 911 fee from 75 cents to 1.50 to support 911 needs.
No Sheriff report
No Treasurer Report for May.
Membership voted to pay for District and State Conventions, $35 for District and $75 for State for each delegate and alternate that attend.
Membership does not approve paid newspaper ads for meetings at this time. Kent mentioned that we approved letters in 2015 to be sent to Republican voters in Lamar County but it did not bring in any new folks. Best way is to invite friends.
Robert Heiney gave a brief report: HB1, Space Flight Act. Bill introduced by Jason Spencer. Has been signed into law by Governor Deal. Automated cars – SB 219, provides for driving automated vehicles on certain roads. Introduced by Steve Gooch, signed into law by Governor Deal. HB280 - Campus Carry introduced by Mandi Ballinger, signed into law by Gov. Deal. HB 434 - Blighted Property introduced by Willard Wendell; signed into law by Gov. Deal. The bill allows local governments to use their power of eminent domain to condemn blighted property and transfer that property to private developers. Not required to be held for 20 years. May now be held for 5 years. Fire Dept Volunteers will now be covered by workman’s compensation if cancer is incurred by fighting fires.
Jere Moore spoke on state of the nation. A lot going on at the national level. Trump doing a great job. Article 5 Convention of States could be an existential threat to our Republic. The supporters of Article 5 are getting closer and closer to having a convention to amend our constitution. Only have had 1 Constitutional Convention so far. That was to rewrite Articles of Confederation. Threw those out and we got our Constitution. Same could happen again.
Motion made and passed to NOT have our July meeting on July 4th.
Our speaker is former GA Senator Mike Crane, the new District 3 Chairman. Our national debt is an existential problem. All our debtors would have to do is say Pay Up! In this time frame of GA History, Republicans have only been in charge for a few years. If there is one thing Republicans should stand for, it is the concept of liberty. With life and liberty you can pursue happiness. How do we measure success in GA for Republicans? As a general contractor, Mike spends about the first quarter of each year to get licenses, continuing education, etc. Did our Republicans advance the cause of life issues or advance the cause of religious freedom? Our measure as Republicans should be liberty. We can feel strangled by the bureaucracy around us.
The public has become gullible. Bureaucracy is stifling us. Should be a correlation between hard work and reward, but we are working harder for no more reward.
Why are people not engaged? The system has been corrupted by money. Whoever can bring more money seems to win the day, whether it be lobbyists or special interests so our Republicans not doing any better than Democrats in GA and we could do better if others rise up with fortitude to stand up to backroom dealings and corruption. We need true R’s in our state.
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Lamar County Republican Party County Minutes
April 4, 2017
Meeting called to order by Julia Heidbrink, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Kent Kingsley. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
No county or city reports
No Sheriff report
Treasurer report by Jane Huguely. Total $3099.03 in the bank.
Robert Heiney gave a brief report on the budget for the State of GA. GA state budget is $25 billion, an increase of $1.26 billion. Increased revenue is due to growing economy and population. Jobs increasing faster than national average in GA. GA the #1 state to do business in 4th year in a row per Site Selection Magazine. 17% of the budget is discretionary spending, leaving 83% of spending in GA on non-discretionary matters.
Jere Moore had to be at a Resolutions Committee meeting for the District, so no State of the Nation report given.
Our speaker, Ryran Traylor, is the newest member of our Lamar County Commission for District 3. He has deep roots in Barnesville/Lamar County, extensive participation and leadership in sports programs for our youth and is committed to Lamar County citizens in his term as Commissioner. He is very interested in the budget and in keeping costs of running the county at levels to achieve maximum benefit for Lamar County. He mentioned that, if Lamar County taxes were collected by birth dates of citizens, we probably would not need the tax anticipation notes. Ryran believes in an open door access to his office.
Meeting adjourned.
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Lamar County Republican Party County Convention Minutes
March 18, 2017 10:00am
Meeting called to order by Kent Kingley, Chairman.
Opening Prayer by Kent Kingsley. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Philip Whitney.
Kent Kingsley elected as Convention Chairman. Julia Heidbrink elected as Convention Secretary.
7 voting members present.
Business for the day, elect delegates to District and State. 8 District Delegates and 6 State Delegates.
Delegates elected to District: Alternates to District:
Jimmy Hearn Jere Moore
Dwight Fleming Robert Heiney
Monica Walters Jane Huguely
Joy Kingsley Ryran Traylor
Connie Whitney Nancy Thrash
Kent Kingsley Janet Powell-McCord
Julia Heidbrink Floid Ray McCord
Karl Heidbrink
Delegates elected to State: Alternates to State:
Karl Heidbrink Dwight Fleming
Julia Heidbrink Jere Moore
Joy Kingsley Jane Huguely
Monica Walters Robert Heiney
Kent Kingsley Ryran Traylor
Connie Whitney Nancy Thrash
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
February 7, 2017
Meeting called to order by Kent Kingsley.
Opening Prayer by Floyd Moye;
Pledge of Allegiance led by Harold Jackson.
January 2017 minutes read by Julia Heidbrink.
Treasurer Report: Jane, December balance 2760.03; January balance 2775.03.
Kent Kingsley reported that Jimmy Hearn had resigned to take a position on the Lamar County Elections Board. Kent, because he was First Vice Chair, moved up to Chairman until new officers are chosen at the 2017 County Convention in March.
Charles Glass gave the County Report. New permanent Fire Chief is Douglas Matthews. Received 10 applications and did interviews, and unanimous choice was Douglas Matthews. SPLOST vote coming up March. Still working on Grant for new Health Department building. Spent money to keep old building maintained and it is time for a new building.
Kent Kingsley spoke about County Convention to be held at County Courthouse on March 18th. If you want to be a delegate, you must be at the Convention. Convention begins at 9am for Precinct Meetings and Convention begins at 10am. Will be electing officers. District Convention will be at the same location as last year in Newnan on April 22nd. State Convention to be held in Augusta on June 2nd.
Marty Harbin is starting his second term in our GA legislature. At the state right now, they are watching what is going on at the Federal level. May be called into an extended session, depending on what is happening nationally. Government is like kudzu. You have to cut it or kill it. When government gets more money, they tend to grow more and more. GA is #1` state to do business in second year in a row. People sent a message to Governor on Opportunity school district by pushing back on his position on schools. People pushed back against Governor on Campus Carry and Religious Liberty. Governor vetoed both, but they will probably come back up. Casino gambling in GA would be in Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah. Government would get about 25% of revenues. Governor would approve it, but it may not get out of the Senate. Somewhere between 40 – 50% of students that get Hope Scholarships flunk out. Retro Hope would mean students go to school, pass course, then student would be reimbursed via HOPE. Another option is interest free loan that would have to be paid back if students do not pass courses.
There is recorded vote on all bills, but not on amendments. Takes 5 people to request recorded vote on amendments. SR24 would require recorded vote on all bills including amendments.
People often do not know if they have life insurance, so the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has put up a website to search for insurance. Companies are not currently required to respond. Each state is regulated for insurance at the state level. Marty Harbin introducing a bill to make all companies in GA check the information from the NAIC submissions, so that families can find out if there are policies out there. If no one claims insurance the state gets the money.
There is a pharmacy bill so that the druggist is allowed to tell us if drug is less expensive if customer pays cash. At this time, druggist is not allowed to speak up if the drug is cheaper if paying cash rather than using insurance. Medical marijuana is being looked at to allow its use for more diseases.
Governor is probably going to do something more on schools. GA has a very powerful Governor. If you vote against the Governor, they don’t like it. Legislators should be independent and not on “the team” for the good of the people of GA. We need to see young people to become involved in the process.
GA Budget will be about 42 to 43 billion. About 20 billion comes from the federal government. Federal government is borrowing about 1/3 of its money. GA needs a rainy day fund. We need to be more state driven.
Health insurance has to get better. Average family spending 1200 – 1500 per month and deductibles high. Federal government tied subsidies to income tax.
Meeting adjourned by Kent Kingsley.
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Lamar County Republican Party Minutes
January 3, 2017
Meeting called to order by Jimmy Hearn.
Opening Prayer by Jimmy Hearn
Pledge of Allegiance led by Philip Whitney.
December minutes read by Julia Heidbrink.
Treasurer Report:
Mayor Banks reported for the City. First meeting of the new year. Adopted fees for those wanting to run for city office, 2 or 3 seats coming open this year. Worked on SPLOST along with county and approved that. Considering some sidewalks. Traffic light at Taylor St and 341 needs rehab and state has provided funds to rehab that traffic signal. Working on potholes in some roads.
Jimmy Hearn reported that county and city SPLOST comes up in March. Usually passes when voted on. Dues are now due. Need to be paid by February if possible. March will be our County Convention and officers will be elected, along with delegates for District and State.
Working on getting someone to replace Harold Jackson in Board of Elections. Cannot campaign for anyone or be a party officer if working on Board of Elections.
Brant Frost told us we will have a new State Chairman this year for the Republican Party. Convention in Augusta this year on June 2-3. You can have a good candidate and a great message, but if no one hears the message it is no good. He has begun a People’s PAC. In today’s world, to win an election, one must raise money. The core group of 300 people would be committed to support the group and vet candidates for state legislature, particularly the House of Representatives. To elect a new Governor costs 5 to 10 million dollars, to get control of State Senate, you would need 1 to 2 million dollars, and to get control of the State House of Representatives you need one quarter to 1 million dollars. Getting control of state government means electing 5 to 10 new good legislators each session we can make the State House better and get more done.
The Rules Committee is the most powerful committee. Over 50 committees in House and Senate, but all those must filter through Rules Committees in House and Senate.
It all starts with the people’s PAC to get better legislators elected to the state House.
Meeting adjourned by Jimmy Hearn.