Newly elected congressman Rob Woodall told those in attendance Tuesday morning at the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues” gathering that “our best days are ahead.”
“Your federal representatives have taken freedom for granted,” Woodall said.
Brad Bishoff, chairman for governmental affairs, also addressed the issues that would be in discussion with the chamber including sales tax, water supply, job creations and the Barrow County School System.
The Chamber had many issues to discuss however the ones addressed at the meeting were at the top of the list and had been discussed and voted on by members.
State Representative Terry England serves on several committees such as the K-12 Education Sub Committee, The Georgia Agriculture Exposition Authority Overview Committee and the National Council of State Legislators Agriculture and Energy Committee.
England was quick to address the room with a comedic manner and explained that many of his colleagues have been in sessions at the University of Georgia, to help them in their upcoming drive in Washington.
“We are looking forward to being the stable body,” said England. “We are also looking forward to working with Governor Deal.”
England also addressed the water consumption issue.
“The water issues is the least complicated,” said England.
He explained that reservoirs cannot hold enough water because of lack of rainfall and the heavy use by industrial factories.
England also commented on the HOPE scholarship issues, stating that the budget for scholarships and the growth of the lottery have finally crossed paths on the chart.
However, he addressed the importance of the education system.
“We are going to see someone who takes politics out of the way, and focuses on students,” England Said.
State representative Tommy Benton, who serves as a member of the Transportation Committee and Ethics Committee, addressed the issues of state tax and what might be in store for the future of the County. Benton explained the need for communities to work together.
“The small counties need the large counties and the large counties need the small ones,” he said.
Benton also explained that legislature was working on the sales tax issue.
State senator Frank Ginn was last to speak. He is the newly elected senator and will be sworn in this January. Ginn currently serves on the Advisory board for the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Athens.
Ginn was optimistic about his upcoming responsibilities, but reminded everyone that he was at their service immediately giving out his cell phone number to the entire audience.
“This job is a public service,” said Ginn. “One guy can only do so much, if we get everyone to work together look what we can do,” he said.
Although issues arose about School System budgets, the question to reinforce Pre-K was on the table and Ginn addressed it saying,”its important to have a good foundation, that is important in a child’s life.”
Collectively the elected officials along with the chamber were optimistic about the upcoming year, and were excited to get the ball rolling on several issues pertaining to Barrow County and the state.
