McGuire is guest speaker at CCLC meeting

The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln County met at the public library March 20 at 6:30 p.m. President Al Bean opened the meeting. John Kennedy gave the invocation. President Bean then led the Pledge of Allegiance. The guest speaker was Brett McGuire, candidate for Ga. State House Representative, District 117.

McGuire, who now lives in Columbia County, said that he was born in Alabama and moved to Georgia when he was seven years old. After high school, he served for four years in the US Army. He attended Augusta College, earning a degree in Business Management. He has worked in factory management for 25 years and has two children.

The candidate first talked about illegal immigration. He said it has had a negative effect on our school system, hospitals and taxes. Georgia has the toughest imigration laws in the country but law enforcement has not had cooperation from the judicial system to curb the problem. McGuire said he would like to see the state let law enforcement do their jobs. Also, McGuire said that there are many times more IRS workers than border patrol guards, and we need local, state and national reform.

McGuire talked about Clark's Hill Lake level. He said Atlanta wants to take water from the Savannah River Basin and divert it to Atlanta. He is very concerned about this project and plans to fight against it, if elected.

On the topic of education, McGuire said that a top notch school system with a nearby college or technical school is required for any community wanting to attract industry. He said that some communities in the eastern portion of the state do not have ready access to higher education. He also expressed concern that the governement has disallowed prayer in schools, and some prohibit the Pledge of Allegiance.

A balanced budget, healthcare and property tax laws are also top concerns for the candidate.

The program also included a question and answer time, and the candidate left business cards so that citizens could call with questions and concerns. He said he would always be available and wants to represent people in his district to the best of his ability.

Following the program, the CCLC discussed the project of the eternal flame. Bean reported that he met with county commissioners March 13 about repairing the flame ad re-lighting it on Memorial Day in honor of the past and present soldiers. Bean also discussed a tax freeze with the commissioners.

The next meeting of the CCLC will be April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Library. Guest speaker will be Lee Anderson, candidate for Georgia State House, Representative for District 117. Everyone is welcome to attend. The CCLC urges all citizens to learn about the candidates running for national, state or county public office.