Henry's Ruling Class

If you read the newspapers you know that our representative form of government, in fact the legitimacy of our electoral process, is under attack. Not from outside forces, but our own self-appointed ruling class.

Here is a definition of "republic" obviously unknown to the socialists peddling influence on public policy for Henry County. "It is a political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them."

Dana Lemon, an appointee to the state transportation board, fears the loss of power. She "thinks the question undermines prior board votes," and "[a referendum] takes away the need for representative government, and this is unfortunate." She continues to echo the agenda of Henry’s Chamber of Commerce and a handful of people who stand to reap huge profits from development along the rail line. The first problem is that we did not elect Kay Pippin, Dottie Wise or appointees on the transportation board. The next problem is their ignorance and disregard for honest accountability we expect from elected officials. Their attempts to spend our tax dollars are purely elitist and wrong.

Wise labels the state budget provision to approve rail projects through the legislature as "secret." Let's look at the principle of it. The members of the Transportation Board are unelected. Their actions must be held accountable to the legislature. Legislative approval is a good first step to prevent wasteful spending. But our Chamber of Commerce cannot have that! Their influence peddling would come to a grinding halt.

The Henry Republican Party has placed a question on the ballot for the July Primary. It is non-binding but asks whether we should be able to vote on a transit system that is financed with county taxes. Millions of dollars - Clayton County has committed to $4 million annually. Of course Dana Lemon doesn't want to hear the voice of the people so she blasted it. She calls it "unfortunate." The appointed voices of socialism are remaining vigilant in their fight against taxpayers.

Jason Pye, state and county chairman of the Georgia Libertarian Party has publicly called for Dana Lemon, Dottie Wise and Kay Pippin to resign their posts and issue a public apology to the voters and taxpayers of Henry County. He said, "Bad and irresponsible government is letting an unelected political hack like Dana Lemon and two power hungry representatives, Dottie Wise and Kay Pippin, of an already powerful special interest group control the legislative process and work against the people."

What is really sad is that commission chairman Harper and commissioners Holder and Adams formally voted non-support for legislation that would have guaranteed a referendum. They joined the chorus of betrayal, surely in hopes of cementing political support from the socialists.

The county will elect representatives for both commission districts four and five this year. Given the relentless pursuits of our Chamber of Influence Peddling, we must know which candidates have sold their souls to these special interests. Watch for endorsements and campaign contributions. Choose carefully, but do vote on July 18.