Rep. Holmes Talks to DAJC Board

Development Authority of Jasper County (DAJC) board members received a firsthand update of the 2017 Georgia Legislative session from Monticello native and House Representative Susan Holmes Tuesday afternoon.

“There was not a whole lot done this session,” said Rep. Holmes.

She noted that the legislature did get a medical cannibus bill passed in addition to passing some important rural health care initiatives. (See Page 5).

Rep. Holmes also said that paving Shepherd Road near Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield would be one of her forthcoming initiatives to pursue.

As a Monticello resident, Rep. Holmes said that the condition of the local downtown business area concerned her with many business owners closing their storefronts and still others contemplating closure.

{{more}}

“Very concerned about downtown development in Monticello. Every time I come here I see a new business closing,” she said.

Discussions center around complex parking issues on the Square as a major culprit.

DAJC board member Jan Gaston said that Jasper County was very lucky to have Sen. Jones and Rep. Holmes because they can be found easily during the legislative session.

Daniella Erickson with Sen. Johnny Isakson’s office and Josh Finley with Rep. Jody Hice’s office also provided updates.

Mrs. Erickson noted that the senator was working on multiple veteran issues including abandoning the 30 day waiting period for veterans to enter a VA hospital, instead allowing them to seek private health care services.

Mr. Finley said that Rep. Hice had attended two meetings over the past week with the president and was working on health care changes and tax reform. He said that Rep. Hice would be in Jasper County on May 12 and that his office would take feedback on any issues.

David Dyer provided an update on local industry. He said Water, Wind & Soil had grown rapidly in the two months since its opening. Also Norton Packaging is in the process of expanding by adding a new building which would take its employment numbers from 62 individuals to approximately 100.

Board members took action not to replace the billboard near Minnetta Crossing. The billboard was blown over last week during a storm. Mr. Dyer had a contractor estimate the cost of replacing it which totaled $3,000 whereas the current billboard client pays $150 per month to lease it. Therefore the board voted not to replace it and refund the client any funds paid.

Board members heard from various individuals from local agencies about updates as well as two local citizens who were in attendance.