Yearwood pulls political shocker; 19 Republicans, 3 Democrats qualify for county races

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Friday, May 25. 2012

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Barrow County Board of Commissioners Chairman Danny Yearwood on Friday morning pulled a political shocker on the final day of candidate qualifying for the 2012 elections.

He did not qualify to run for a second term as county chairman. He instead drove to Atlanta and qualified to oppose Sen. Frank Ginn for the Republican nomination for the Georgia Senate's District 47 seat.

With Yearwood out of the chairman's race, and no Democrats qualifying to run for the position, today's developments mean that Patricia Graham of Braselton is unopposed to become the next BOC chairman.

She told the Barrow Journal today that Yearwood's decision was "quite unexpected," but she would continue to campaign over the summer until she knows whether an independent candidate qualifies the week after the July party primaries.

"I am honored and humbled to be on the (primary) ballot unopposed," she said. "Time will tell if an independent decides to enter the race."Said Graham in a written statement:

"Barrow County has faced many challenges in recent years due to the downturn in our economy. Our Chairman and the entire Board of Commissioners worked hard to cut spending and minimize property tax increases. Their efforts are commendable.

"I seek the office of Chairman because it is time for all elected officials to work together, to implement our new charter proactively, and most importantly work together to bring jobs to Barrow County.

"County spending has been reduced, but we have additional opportunities to improve efficiency in the way services are delivered. Our prime objective must always be to provide essential services at the lowest possible cost.

"I will continue to campaign and attend events across the county during the election cycle. I will be accessible to our citizens and the business community."

LIST OF QUALIFIERS
A total of 19 Republicans and three Democrats qualified to run in their parties' local July 31 primaries. Each candidate listed below will be on their parties' summer ballots, and the victors in the primaries will be on the ballots for the Nov. 6 general elections. These are the qualifiers in county races:

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chairman: Patricia Graham (R).
District 1: Jerry Lampp (R) and Joe Goodman (R)
District 2: Bill Brown (R) and Kenny Shook (R)
District 3: Incumbent Steve Worley (R), Scott Vickery (R), and Johnny Smith (D)

SCHOOL BOARD QUALIFIERS
At-large District 8: Mitch Churchill (I), Phil Thornton (R) and Rushia Cooper (D)
District 2: Dr. Garey Huff Sr. (R)
District 5: Incumbent Lynn Stevens (R)
District 6: Incumbent Rickey Bailey (R)

SHERIFF
Incumbent Jud Smith (R) and James Scott (D)

CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
Incumbent Regina McIntyre (R)

PROBATE JUDGE
Incumbent Tammy Brown (R)

CHIEF MAGISTRATE
Incumbent June Davis (R) and Monica Durden (R)

CORONER
Incumbent David Crosby (R)

TAX COMMISSIONER
Incumbent Melinda Williams (R)

Qualifying in Atlanta this week were:

PIEDMONT CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Incumbent Brad Smith (R)

PIEDMONT CIRCUIT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES (Non-partisan)
Joseph Booth
Currie Mingledorff
David Motes

GEORGIA SENATE
District 47: Incumbent Sen. Frank Ginn of Danielsville (R), Daniel Yearwood of Winder (R); and Tim Riley of Athens (D)

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District 114: Incumbent Rep. Tom Kirby of Loganville (R) and Rodney Upton of Conyers (R)

District 116: Incumbent Rep. Terry England of Winder (R)

District 117: Incumbent Rep. Doug McKillip of Athens (R) and Regina Quick of Athens (R).

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District 7: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (R), David Hancock of Suwanee (R) and Steve Reilly of Lawrenceville (D)

District 10: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Paul Broun of Athens (R) and Stephen K. Simpson of Milledgeville (R)

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#1 Phil on 05/25/12 at 01:37 PM [Reply]

Thank you Lord ... Danny is gone!!

#1.1 JC on 05/25/12 at 02:20 PM [Reply]

I second that!!!

#2 LIKE on 05/25/12 at 02:36 PM [Reply]

B J we need a LIKE Button on the comments section!

#3 Anonymous on 05/25/12 at 02:49 PM [Reply]

When is Rushia Cooper going to learn? She wasn't wanted in 2010, why would we wnat her now?

#3.1 While you are at it, WHY on 05/25/12 at 03:43 PM [Reply]

would we want Lampp and Brown back? They didn't learn in 2008! Voted them out for a reason!

#4 james on 05/25/12 at 06:27 PM [Reply]

its like a real slow gold fish tryin to eat a killer whale and the good news is we we can buy broke down 72 pinto,, across from the 66 station,, for only 99.00 dollars a week

#5 Fortitude on 05/25/12 at 08:38 PM [Reply]

Im just sad that nobody had the want to kick Brad Smith out of the DA's office, so now we have another 4yrs of probation for felons

#5.1 Anonymous on 05/25/12 at 11:51 PM [Reply]

Get this through your head: Only a handful of mouthy malcontents are dissatisfied with the d.a. So, all you can do is whine like a little girl for the next 4 years. (BTW, I have no opinion about him 1 way or the other.)

#5.2 Look at the budget on 05/26/12 at 06:49 AM [Reply]

his budget was cut by 9% from 2011 to 2012 to a little over $600,000.

On the other hand, the county attorney's budget was RAISED by 100% from $200,000 to $400,000.

The D.A. is charged with protecting the people. He is going the best job possible with limited resources. Why waste your LIMITED funds on trials for non-violent offenses when there are alternatives?

On the other hand, the county attorney, is charged with protecting the actions of the chairman and the BOC. Ask yourself why her budget needed to be raised 100%. What are the chairman and BOC doing that is costing us, the taxpayers so much money?

#5.3 What's your problem? on 05/26/12 at 01:41 PM [Reply]

You do realize that Brad Smith was the first elected DA for the Piedmont District since the late 60's.

See Rare DA vote creates a buzz
Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008

http://onlineathens.com/stories/050308/news_2008050300280.shtml

Every DA since, execution of Floyd Hoard

"the 1967 death of Solicitor General Floyd Hoard, who was killed when members of a moonshining and car-theft ring known as the Dixie Mafia rigged his car with dynamite outside of his home near Jefferson."

has been appointed by the Governor.

That he's done his job without being arrested

"Gov. Sonny Perdue appointed Bridgeman in August 2007 to replace former District Attorney Tim Madison, who resigned amid an embezzling investigation."

is a major improvement for an elected Barrow County official.

#5.3.1 So that is the standard????? on 05/30/12 at 12:14 PM [Reply]

The fact that this DA hasn't been arrested is an accomplishment? If that is all Barrow expects of its elected officials, we are in a very sad state of affairs.

#5.3.1.1 Anonymous on 05/30/12 at 12:38 PM [Reply]

They did elect a Used Car Salesman for Commissioner. I think that says more then enough...

#5.4 Anonymous on 05/28/12 at 01:54 PM [Reply]

I agree!!!! We need someone with a spine to take on the criminals in this county. I hear his office is a disorganized mess. No wonder he gives plea deals and probation. He can't get the cases together enough. If I were a criminal I would most definately live in Barrow.

#6 Anonymous on 05/26/12 at 02:16 PM [Reply]

Danny might be gone but as mama always said grass may look greener on other side doesnt mean want be any better that he is gone.

#7 Person of Interest on 05/26/12 at 10:20 PM [Reply]

Brad Smith is the worst D.A. Ever. Him and his dream team Anna and her little side kick Sara or whoever she is should sleep well. All three knowing how many deals they cut on people that run the street and should be locked up. Someone should pull their records on Plea Bargains. Might be a shocker to the community.

#7.1 State law on 05/28/12 at 06:05 AM [Reply]

In case you haven't heard, Deal signed a law this year reducing mandatory sentences for non-violent crimes due to budgetary and over crowding concerns from across the State. It's not just Barrow County....it's the entire State that is cutting criminals lose.

#7.1.1 this on 05/28/12 at 07:30 AM [Reply]

is Good thing too many LAW oFFICERS employers are not in the business of protecting the people from acts against them but in acts against the GOVT or some non existent thing some moral well being for the greater good,
when they should only be arresting charging and jailing those that harm others not those that are doing self harm and by that i dont mean jumping off a bridge i mean long term self harm that is to only themself and those choosing to be around them.

On the Declaration of Independence: “If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just rights from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth and their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when their was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction cannot lay claim to progress.

#7.1.1.1 Historian on 05/28/12 at 10:58 AM [Reply]

If you really must know, Law Enforcement has no responsibility to protect the public. They have the authority to do so, but no responsibility to do so. That's a direct ruling by the US Supreme Court, and there are multiple cases saying such.

Also, the Declaration of Independence has no bearing on the law in the United States. It is a document directed to England expressing our desire to be an independent nation and no longer wanting to be subject to Parlament.

#7.1.1.1.1 Historian on 05/28/12 at 11:09 AM [Reply]

Here's the cases if you want to read them
Gonzales v Town of Castle Rock
Barillari v Milwaukee
Bowers v DeVito
DeShaney v Winnebago County Department of Social Services
Ford v Town of Grafton
Warren v District of Columbia

A direct quote from the court, ""You, and only you, are responsible for your security and the security of your family and loved ones."

#7.2 well on 05/28/12 at 03:52 PM [Reply]

our system is not to punish people ir is to generate revenue and make some people feel safe. mostly to make money and provide jobs for folks that otherwise are unemployable

#8 Anonymous on 05/26/12 at 11:19 PM [Reply]

What the hell makes Yearwood think he could win a multi county race for State Senate when he couldn't get re-elected to his present position.

What an ego. He must be surrounded by Idi**s and talked him into such foolishness.

#8.1 Anonymous on 05/26/12 at 11:43 PM [Reply]

You right. We know him here in Barrow County. But the voters in the other countys do not. We have to educate them.

#8.1.1 Don't worry on 05/27/12 at 07:55 AM [Reply]

Once he opens his mouth, they will be educated

#9 anonymous on 05/27/12 at 10:57 AM [Reply]

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!

#10 Instead of obsessing on the DA on 05/28/12 at 07:54 AM [Reply]

Who is running unopposed, why don't we focus on the outcome we can control -- like in district 1 & 2 of the BOC.

Both Brown & Lampp were/are part of the land grabbing airport crowd. They were/are more concerned with their own agendas than the good of the county.

We voted them out once before and we need to focus and remember WHY WE VOTED THEM OUT.

We need to learn from our mistakes and not make them again. We need people on the BOC who will work with and support Pat Graham.

#11 NotADimesDifference on 05/28/12 at 01:51 PM [Reply]

Question, Why have all direct critical comments about Lampp and/or Brown been removed from your site?

Has Lampp and/or Brown threaten the paper with legal action for any references to their prior bad acts?

Given they are adults with set beliefs, What they did in the prior administration as documented in the press and public documents is a pretty accurate reference of how they will act in the future.

#12 We need to stop whining about on 05/28/12 at 06:08 PM [Reply]

Yearwood and the DA.

Danny's gone, good bye, good riddance!

The DA is unopposed so he's in, not matter what you think of him.

We need to focus on who's up for re-election /election.

We need to insure we don't elect the same old boys who were here 4 years ago. We don't need the old AIRPORT/ LAND GRABBING crowd (Lampp & Brown )back in power.

#13 j on 05/29/12 at 02:02 PM [Reply]

We were voting AGAINST when Danny got elected to BOC!!! JUST SAYING!!! $##%@%%!!! I sure hope you are alone in your thoughts

#14 Anonymous on 05/29/12 at 07:32 PM [Reply]

I'm so glad someone is running against Jud and his dishonesty. Like giving major a different colored car than the usual black one so he can still work maybe 5 hours a day and use a government vehicle to transport his child.

#14.1 Brad on 05/30/12 at 02:48 AM [Reply]

Jud smith is one of the best things to happen to barrow in a long time. He is one of the most honest and genuine persons I have ever met. And ive also met south ga sherriffs who aggree and hold him in very high regard for the way he runs his posistion. And no I'm not a personal friend to him blowing smoke for him. Just an average barrow resident who vote for him again.

#14.1.1 Anonymous on 05/31/12 at 03:32 PM [Reply]

Jughead got the job because of who his daddy is. It's that simple. (And so is he.)

#14.2 i knowthat at the school on 05/30/12 at 05:08 AM [Reply]

for year end chorus a deputy in uniform and county car arrived and drove his kid home in the govt supplied car, but then again Sheriff jud claims his men and women are on call 24/7, so i guess he feels even though this violates comingling of funds between not govt use and private use of officer to drive his family around it is ok.
sorry but the cars and fuel do not belong to the Sheriff or the deputies they belong to the tax payers and the Sherff is violating or letting his peole violate Federa tax laws by using Govt equipment for personal use.

#14.3 still crying it's old on 05/31/12 at 03:22 PM [Reply]

you have no life and are very disappointed in how your own life has turned out. Quit being a baby and show your real self. It sounds like you might be a stalker and have a thing for this Major. Obama,Jessie and Al supporter aren't ya!!!

#15 JL's friend on 06/05/12 at 10:38 AM [Reply]

Lamp and Brown were on the board of commisioners when private property was stolen by the county and handed over to a private enterprise. These men are not americans, all real americans believe in the sanctity of private [property . Dont give them a second chance to steal from the citizens.Else they just might decide to conficate your families farm and give it to their developer buddies.
BE VIGILANT BARROW COUNTY, SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS.

#16 Anonymous on 06/05/12 at 01:38 PM [Reply]

I could care less if Lampp or Brown get elected, however I've heard it all before how your or someone's property has been stolen by the government. Most people might believe that garbage but most intelligent people know that if it were not for eminent domain, we would still be riding on dirt roads.

Any property taken by eiminent domain is compensated very generously. If it is around or for an airport, it is compensated even more generously. No property can be stolen. If there is a need for the greater good of the public, then the process starts with an apprasial then a full apprasial offer and if all negotiations fail, then the government will take the property and monies will be placed with the clerk of court immediately. That money stays with the clerk until there is a settlement. The land owner has the right to take it to court if they are not satisfied with the settlement. I take it that you took your case to court. If you did, you either won and still was not satisfied or a jury of your piers thought you were compensated appropriately. If you did not take it to court, then quit complaining. You had that opportunity and must have decided that a jury of Barrow County citizens would not give you any more than you had already received.

#16.1 Trailers don't count... on 06/05/12 at 03:13 PM [Reply]

Come back after you have had to deal with the county Permit office and the County's attorney...

Come back after you have had to go to to court to fight for your land, your business, the home you live in...

Your business, farm, home is yours until the county or its connected decide to take it...

Go to court, the county will fight using your money against you at all cost.

Wouldn't happen to me... It happened to the Smiths when the connected wanted to expand their play ground.

Wouldn't happen to me... It happened when the county tried to shut down two state licensed long term businesses.

Wouldn't happen to me... Guess what, It has and will... The best you can hope for from the current BOC is that the court doesn't play their run out the clock game. Because, its your money their using to fight against your property rights and its your money you are using to pay the lawyer to keep what you thought was yours.

#17 JLs friend on 06/05/12 at 05:00 PM [Reply]

The simple solution here is not to vote back in the known perpetrators of legalized theft by county government.
Eminent domain is something that is for the betterment of citizens roads and road widening is an example that comes to mind. The airport stuff was not.
If you dont want to sell and they take it anyway it doesnt matter how much they compensate you .

#18 Anonymous on 06/05/12 at 05:42 PM [Reply]

What everyone does not understand is that you do not own your property. The government does. All you do is rent it from year to year. Try not paying your taxes and see how long you own it. About 12 months before the government issues a FIFA and sells it on the court house steps.

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Yearwood pulls political shocker; 19 Republicans, 3 Democrats qualify for ...

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Yearwood pulls political shocker; 19 Republicans, 3 Democrats qualify for county races

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