Since 1995, we have filed disclosure reports, first with the Secretary of State, now with the State Ethics Commission. Recent reports can be viewed at www.ethics.ga.gov. Our local Party web site is www.barrowgop.org.
We’re not an incumbent protection agency during our Primary process. The local Party has not picked sides in a contested Republican race, and will not except in the most extreme circumstance. Party officials and members do get involved in individual campaigns under the First Amendment. After our nominees are selected, the local Party supports each one facing opposition on the general election ballot.
The Republican Party is the most color-blind political party in Barrow. Our minority percentage of membership is close to the percentage of Barrow’s total minority population, if that even matters. We backed wholeheartedly Robert Wimberly for School Board in 2000, who won with more white than black votes.
We believe in equal opportunity and responsibility for all citizens, lifting people up, instead of equal misery for all, which brings the successful and hardworking down to a lower level. We believe in lower taxes and less governmental intrusion in our lives, even if elected officials and candidates do not.
We can’t go into someone’s house, kidnap them, and force them to run for public office. With many who want to gripe, complain, and not lift a finger to do anything positive, please don’t complain to us about having to choose between inferior candidates (in their opinion).
If you don’t vote in the July 15 Primary Election (by absentee ballot now, early voting on July 7-11, or in person on July 15), then don’t complain about county government or our schools. While you have the freedom to do so, if you don’t vote, you’re part of the problem instead of the solution.
Ken Young
Chairman
Barrow County Republican Party
