Elections

Snellville Area Election Guide: Vote Today!

Candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Snellville and southern Gwinnett County.

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As you head out to vote today, Snellville Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in the area.

Find out more on what to expect on tomorrow's ballot here.

1. TSPLOST: To say that the penny sales tax for transportation projects across the region is polarizing is an understatement. Voters will vote "yes" or "no" for it on July 31. Proponents say there is no other way to fund much-needed projects that will alleviate traffic congestion, while opponents say the tax isn't about congestion relief at all, among other things.

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2. Board of Commissioners, District 3: Commissioner Mike Beaudreau has three Republican challengers in the July 31 race. Tommy Hunter of Buford, Mike Korom of Dacula and Jerry Oberholtzer (former mayor) of Snellville. With four people vying for the seat, it could get interesting.

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3. Superior Court (Gwinnett): It would seem who sits on the Gwinnett County State Superior Court would be kind of important. And, this year there are five people seeking the seat of retiring Judge K. Dawson Jackson. Attorney Tracey Mason Blasi, originally from Snellville, is competing with Chris McClurg, an attorney from Lawrenceville; Kathy Schrader, an attorney from Duluth; Giles Sexton, an attorney from Lawrenceville; and Magistrate Judge Robert Walker.

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4. Challengers for U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall: Congressman Woodall has two challengers for his District 7 seat: Lawrenceville attorney Steve Reilly, a Democrat, and Suwanee resident David Hancock, chief operating officer of Automation Control Products. Hancock said on his website that he would serve just one term and would not accept any campaign funds. Reilly has said on his website that he wants to get Congress back to a “sensible center."

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5. Sen. Don Balfour's Seat: Balfour's has three challengers: Travis Bowden, of Snellville; Steve Ramey, of Lilburn; and Scott Drake, of Lawrenceville. Balfour has come under fire recently for ethics and money, so it's not surprising that people want to unseat him. This is for the State Senate District 9.

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6. State House District 93: This is a new district, serving Lithonia, Loganville, Snellville and Stone Mountain. There are four people vying for the seat, and three of them live in Snellville. Dar'shun N. Kendrick, who currently represents District 94, is from Lithonia and is considered the incumbent. Challengers are Snellville residents: Glen B. Williams, a small business owner; Christine Hoffer, a registered nurse; and Dexter Dawston, a truck driver.

For further reading:

7. Other district races that include Snellville residents:

State Senate District 55: Incumbent Sen. Gloria Butler, of Stone Mountain, and Mark Williams, of Snellville, a counselor, are running.

State House District 94: This is a new district that includes the far eastern section of DeKalb County and extends into Rockdale County, including parts of greater Snellville. There are four people running for the seat: Karen Bennett, of Stone Mountain, a small business owner; Patricia Bourdeau, of Snellville, a teacher; Tony Lentini, of Snellville, a field collector; and Jaye Lynn Peabody, of Snellville, a nonprofit director.

State House District 106: Incumbent Rep. Brett Harrell, a Republican, is unchallenged in the July 31 primary.

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George Wilson

3:16 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Too bad Rep.Brett Harrell doesn't have any opposition given his extreme right wing voting record but tha'ts what a gerrymandered district gives you...extremism.

Brett Harrell

3:35 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

George, we have known each other for several years; have had numerous discussions. I am open, honest, trustworthy, and consider the opinion of all - Dem/Rep; Liberal/Conservative; Black/White/Hispanic/Asian; Gay/Straight; old/young; rich/poor and I have modified and/or changed my position when the facts required. That said, I am a person of values, beliefs, and convictions. Those core beliefs are unwavering. I'm sorry you feel the need to describe me as an extreme right winger. I may be wrong, but I suspect others of your party and beliefs disagree with your characterization. If adhereing to the Constitution and believing in an almighty God make me an extremist in your estimation, then so be it. I believe many in your party subscribe to the same core values.

Brett Harrell
State Representative District 106 (One who is under no illusion assuming I am unopposed this year it is because everyone agrees with my positiions or vote and realizes that I must represent the will of the people of my district and does so gratefully and humbly.)
Cell: 404-966-5804
Brett@VoteHarrell.com

George Wilson

5:18 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Did Melvin Everson leave you his play book?

George Wilson

3:44 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

You are in a safe gerrymandered Republican district and that is why you have no opposition.Your overall record and the attacks on women, poor people , and voter supression speaks for itself.The drawing of voting districts by political parties needs to be changed and the financing of elections by special monied interests needs to be reformed.I doubt if you or your party will be in the vanguard of these two movements.

phaedrus

4:12 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

As someone who was raised in Snellville and has worked directly with Rep. Harrell, I can say with 100% confidence that he is a man of integrity and honesty. You may disagree with his position, but he will be honest with where he stands and listen to your perspective with respect. If you paid attention to the redistricting process of 10 years ago, where the Democratic Party drew what I believe to be the most gerrymandered districts of all time, then you will know that this is not unique to either party. The point is, both parties draw the lines to benefit their own party. This has no reflection on who Rep. Brett Harrell is. If Mr. Wilson truly believed in changing the system, I hope he spoke this loudly 10 years ago.

Michelle Couch

4:20 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

WOW! Thank you for your continued, dedicated and always honorable service to the community Brett.

Liz Carter

4:21 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Keep up the great work Brett! But when did you start attacking women? As a woman, I don't feel like you've ever attacked my rights, in fact, I think you'd attack someone who attacked the rights of women! But Brett, really, you've attacked the poor...again, I think not. Keep up the great work, you've done a fantastic job and that is why you have no primary challengers.

And by the way, you keep suppressing those voters...because after all, how dare you support Voter ID laws that protect the American Citizen from fraudulent votes! Real American Citizens know they have to show an ID to buy a beer, go to the doctor, cash a check and even sign up for government assistance - meaning everyone who wants and needs an ID has access to one and should have one. But really Brett, wanting to protect the integrity of our voting rights...and not wanting those who do not have the right to vote for individuals who can change the laws that govern and that can impact every aspect of our lives...oh Brett, Thank you!

One last thing, you can't please them all, if you do, your doing something wrong!

George Wilson

5:13 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Have you paid off your campaign debt after being defeated by Hank Johnson?

Phyllis Barabino

4:24 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Honestly, George is coming off as the extremist.

Patrick T. Malone

4:52 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Brett and I have agreed to disagree a number of times but he is the last person I would label a right wing extremist. He is someone who has the courage of his convictions and we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable. These kind of "off the wall" attacks occur when people run out of logical arguments for their position and are what is wrong with political discourse today.