Concerned citizens meet May 15
By Barbara Sublet

The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln County met Thursday, May 15 at the public library at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was opened by President Al Bean. Vice President Linda Burns welcomed the members and visitors. The invocation was given by John Kennedy. The Pledge of Allegiance as led by President Al Bean.

The President introduced the candidates for county offices: Maurice Cadden, candidate for county commissioner from District 3, Cooper Cliatt, candidate for county commissioner from District 3, Joe Banks, candidate for Probate Judge and Rob Robinson, candidate for county commissioner from District 4 and Sheriff Gerald Lawson, candidate for reelection for sheriff. Each candidate gave a short speech about themselves.

President Al Bean introduced our guest speaker, Wade Johnson, who is a candidate for Chairman of the County Commissioners.

Mr. Johnson stated he grew up in Richmond County, graduated and attended college in Augusta. He has a degree in business administration and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. He worked many years for the state of Georgia as an inspector in schools, jails, etc. He covered 88 counties from Tennessee to the Florida line. He had from 10 to 100 employees under his management. Mr. Johnson also taught at the Police Academy later. His wife, Beverly, was born and raised in Lincoln County. They live on a farm in the north end of Lincoln County and raise cattle.

Wade stated he loves Lincoln County and wants to see the government of the county go back to an open government for the citizens of Lincoln County. He would like the commissioners to have meetings with the citizens of their districts to find out the needs in their districts and have the money disbursed accordingly. He would call for an audit of all departments. Mr. Johnson stated he feels some of the zoning laws are not suited to the citizens of Lincoln County. The citizens of the county should have the right to build what they need and want on their own property. He is for the property tax freeze, and said "Legislation should be behind the lake water problems. We need to get back to the basics, open government for the citizens of Lincoln County."

He would work on getting jobs in Lincoln County and to keep the businesses that are in the county as some have left. Our young people need incentive to stay and live in Lincoln County. Wade answered many questions that were asked by the audience. A warm thank you was given to him by the group.

The following discussions were held:

..Primary voting; registration to vote closes on June 16. Voters make sure they are on the voter active list.

.. County water coming to the north end of the county in about four months. A letter will be sent to the residents about hooking up to the water.

..The new carport laws which have been changed. If you are planning to put up a carport, check before you build.

.. The eternal flame issue. The group felt the county should be able to afford the costs of a flame to honor our veterans. A plan will be devised at a later date.

New business item discussed was the election of offices at the June meeting.

Sheriff Lawson was asked by the audience about the lawsuit brought on by the chairman. He explained what it was about and stated it was on appeal as of March and is still in litigation.

The meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting will be held June 19, at the public library at 6:30 p.m. There will be a guest speaker. The CCLC is inviting all citizens of Lincoln County to attend its meetings. You will find the meeting very interesting and informative. We are not a political organization so we ask anyone that would like to attend or be a guest speaker at our meetings to contact President Al Bean. His phone number is (706) 359-6981. He will be glad to try and answer any questions you have about our organization.