Political Hopes for 2009

First of all, Happy New Year!

I apologize for the lack of posts recently, but my Mom has been in and out of the hospital. Now, hopefully, she's on her way to recovery.

With the New Year, I decided I'd list a few of my political hopes for the year.

I hope for a successful, productive and harmonious state legislative session.

I hope for an upswing in the housing market (I know, not really political, but it sure would help many of my friends and supporters in the real estate business.)

I hope for a year of continued growth in membership and involvement in the Oconee County Republican Party.

I hope that this year, our district is not embarrassed by comments of our Congressman.

I hope for a quality challenger to the Mayor of Watkinsville should he run again (I hope he doesn't.)

I hope to gain more friends and contacts in the political world.

I hope to wage a successful campaign for Watkinsville City Council.

I hope to regularly update this blog.

Jay Hanley for City Council Exploratory Committee

Yes, the title speaks for itself. I am exploring another run for Watkinsville City Council. They say the third time is the charm. It looks like I'll be running against Councilman John Walsh Jr. for Post 2 in November 2009.

John Walsh has been pleasant in the interactions I have had with him and in my race against him in March 2005, but I think we need more of an independent voice on the city council rather than just occupying a seat and being a "yes man" for the Mayor.

I have received encouragement to run again before each recent qualifying period and I am evaluating the support that is out there for another run.

I grew up in and still live in Watkinsville's Bishop's Vineyard subdivision and have always wanted to serve my community to make it a better place to live. Watkinsville has had a history of conservative leaders like Sammy Sanders, Toby Hardigree, Billy Porterfield, Hoyt Watson, Wilson White and others and I want to continue their legacies.

While I am a Republican, I understand the race is non-partisan and should I run and be elected, I will represent all citizens regardless of party affiliation.

I have a strong working relationship with Sen. Cowsert and Rep. Smith, Chairman Davis and the county commissioners and would be able to be an effective advocate for the city at the state and county level.

I will keep readers updated as I continue exploring a run.

I'm Back...

After an absence of a year or so, I am going to attempt to start regularly blogging again. Again, the focus will be politics, mostly local and state.