Oconee County Democratic Committee

For More Information, call 706-372-1062

Oconee Democrats meeting features R.J. Hadley, Coffee Party and more

            The Oconee County Democratic Committee will host their regular monthly meeting 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the free Wi-Fi enabled Jittery Joe's Coffee in downtown Watkinsville (27 Greensboro Highway, Watkinsville, GA 30677 (706) 769-4280). Guests for that evening include former U.S. Senate candidate R. J. Hadley of Conyers and others invited include new 10th District Chair Patsy Harris of Morgan County and UGA Professor Lee Becker of Oconee County.

            Also this meeting will serve as an initial local participation of the Coffee Party with the Movement for the People meeting.

            "We are excited to learn from the Coffee Party some organizational tips," said new Chair Dan Matthews. "We also look forward to learning from R.J. Hadley as to what he might bring to the Democratic Party of Georgia in their county in his role running for Vice Chair of County Parties."

            Hadley is seeking the position against Will Fowlkes and Chris Sloan in the State Democratic Party of Georgia Leadership Elections scheduled on Saturday, January 29 at Middle Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins. 

            Patsy Harris of Morgan County won the 10th Congressional District Chair without opposition, replacing two term chair R. Terry Holley of Columbia County.  

            Also an as-of-yet unconfirmed but intriguing possibility of a guest nonetheless is local blogger and UGA Journalism Professor Dr. Lee Becker who will be discussing his recent scientific sampling of more than 140 local voters to find out what Oconee County registered voters consider the most important local issues. Becker pens the popular blog "Oconee County Observations."  The following is a mere sample of his newest entry about his survey.

            While Oconee County voters are concerned about the local economy, unemployment and the weak housing market, about one in 10 also is concerned, even in the economic downturn, with what these voters see as rapid and unchecked growth with its adverse effects on the quality of their lives.

            Some see a connection between the unwanted growth and the decline in the value of their homes and blame county policies for both.

            While it is clear that not all voters are opposed to development, the opinions of a significant number of citizens are at odds with the strongly pro-development policy articulated by members of the county's Industrial Development Authority and the Board of Commissioners.

            Becker surveyed 149 Oconee County voters last year with the help of his UGA students. If you get lost or need more information, please call 706-372-1062.