Oconee Party Chairman Jan Hanley gave thanks.

The delicious southern meal was underwritten by Cindy and Kent Chapman of Kent Chapman, CPA and catered by CountrySide Catering in Winterville - fried chicken, roast beef, potatoes and gravy, squash casserole, hot biscuits, sweet tea, bananna pudding and lemon icebox pie.

After the Pledge to the US Flag, all elected officials present were invited to say a word. State Rep Bob Smith and Commission Chairman Melvin Davis each gave a brief update after which the candidates were invited to speak.

Candidate for Insurance Commissioner, Stephen Northington described in detail how he would conduct the office. He also gave some fundamental information on how to incentivize the insurance industry by rewarding patients and doctors if a person’s health improved over time which would then motivate an insurance company to lower premiums. He also emphasized that carrying an insurance company with you when moving to another state would necessitate that your insurance would abide by the laws of your new state and not Georgia. He also believed that a change is needed in treatment for preconditioned health problems. And he believes that tort reform is needed so that outrageous suits are not initiated and doctors can then lower the cost of liability insurance and thereby lower the cost of treatment to their patients.

Candidate for US Congress, Cason Sisk began his speech by admitting that he was young and inexperienced, but that he possessed the passion to serve publically having taken interest in politics at a very early age. He disagrees with current incumbent, Rep Paul Broun, the Republican opposition in that Dr Broun does not believe in earmarks, “pork” – tax money rewarded to a project back home in the Congressman’s state. Candidate Sisk believes that federal taxes paid by constitutions should be returned to constitutions. He may not garner more votes than the incumbent, but he is surely brave to enter the race and speak his beliefs.

Both candidates were asked interesting questions from the attendees and gave reasonable answers.

Member Carolyn Elster passed out a document to all attendees with a list of all Georgia Districts that she compiled giving information on both the Washington DC and a home office on how to write or call our Congressmen.

Member Tammy Cotton explained a model letter she had written to be mailed by the local Party that members and guests could sign. It will later be mailed to the President and Congress.

Member Kate McDaniel gave a verbal summary of her recent bus trip to Washington DC to participate with the multi-thousands in a march that ended at the steps of the Capitol to protest the Obama Health Care Plan and other insane policies of the present Administration. She described the total trip as quick, inexpensive, enjoyable and awe-inspiring experience. The mantra of the march was “Can you hear us now” pertaining to the nationalized health care plan being debated in Congress and objections by grass roots citizens. She said that another march is being planned just before the election next year in November to carry the same message and said that if they didn’t hear us now, “they will then” - at the polls.

Chairman Jay Hanley announced 2 events that might be of interest: 1) a B-B-Q lunch at the home of Brian Kemp who is running for Secretary of State on Saturday at 12 to 2 pm and 2) the Low Country Boil in Oglethorpe County (Crawford Depot) at 5 to 7 pm sponsored by the Oglethorpe County Republican Party. All candidates running for office were invited to attend and speak to voters.

The Treasurer’s report: Balance reported - $1,565.13.

The total donation tonight for the dinner was $83.00.
Three (3) new members - $45, Robert and Joanne Young and Miss Vinnie Williams

After tonight, the balance will be $1,693.13
Yet to be paid:
New Web Site Creation - $305.00
Newsletter mailing & stamps – approx $45.00

It was an enjoyable evening and the Exe Committee will strive to achieve an even higher attendance.

The next party meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15 at the Watkinsville Community Center. Food and fellowship begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting is at 7 p.m. State Sen. Ralph Hudgens, candidate for Insurance Commissioner, has confirmed attendance and Chairman Jay Hanley is seeking a second candidate to speak.

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