C O L Q U I T T C O . C O M

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER:
Frank Sutton Archives


Sutton System Fertilizer,
Ellenton, Ga


X-Chairman's Corner Week of November 13

Local Ellenton businessman Frank Sutton has represented Colquitt County in the Georgia legislature for years and most recently was Chair of the County Commission.

Last week, I mentioned some thoughts on a nonpartisan election and gave my reservations about this proposal and I also mentioned that it was all about political patronage. "To the winner belongs the spoils," has always been a slogan whether the winner was Republican or Democrat. Now it appears that the "whiners" are moaning and groaning because the spoils will be going to the Republican leadership in Colquitt County. They couldn't stop the Republicans at the ballot so they want to change the rules of election by nonpartisan elections so that there will be no Republicans or Democrats.

Patronage has always been practiced, but is hard to prove. The fact that your supporters have preferential treatment in State jobs is difficult to prove. To establish such is complex and proof is
demanding. There is one facet of patronage where state records readily attest to
this fact. This is in the rental of buildings to State facilities. These rents often go to political leadership and more often than not are un-advertised, unbid, and at excessive rates.

I already know about this, but my observations would only be considered partisan. In order to prevent this, I have written a letter to Austin Scott asking that he secure these rental records and send them to, the
Moultrie Observer, The Colquitt Shopper, the Buyers Guide and myself. In order to avoid duplication of effort, I also asked that a copy be sent to Senator elect John Bulloch, and Representative elect Ed Rynders. To change the election rules legislation must be introduced as local legislation and be signed
by a majority of the local delegation. It must also pass through the Justice department.

The lawyer from Tifton who labeled Mayor McIntosh and Gene Vereen as the two most powerful political people in Colquitt County offended some other Democrats who thought of as themselves as more powerful. After the election,this came at a bad time. Their batters struck out. One had given $2000.00
to assure himself of patronage. I suppose that his fees will increase now that there will be no l patronage going his way.

Democrats are now whining that it is unfair for a person to run as a Democrat and change to a Republican after the election. Where were they when a Republican Senator died and was replaced by an appointed
Democrat?

Below is a copy of the letter.

Austin Scott
Ga. House of Representatives
501 Legislative Office Bldg.
Atlanta, GA. 30303

Dear Austin;

As you have observed, Colquitt County is now a predominately Republican County. This was evidenced by the election of county offices and the recent results of the vote in the General Election. Shortly after the election of county offices the Honorable William Fallin spearheaded an effort to make local elections in Colquitt County nonpartisan. This was followed by an orchestrated performance contrived to make it appear that there was a ground swell of support. There was not.

It is apparent that the loss of political patronage was the fear and not to save money on elections as claimed. Partisan elections had served the Democrats well while they were assured of Democrat control. Facing a
loss of control, they now want to go nonpartisan.

Patronage is difficult to prove even though the practice is widely known of and accepted as spoils of victory. There is, however; one phrase of patronage which is readily provable by records. This phase is the space
rent of government buildings.

In order that this not be considered a nonconformist zealot charge, I ask you to obtain State records deemed public information relative to buildings in Colquitt County owned by the State and its agencies, the
amount of the lease, and the ones to whom the leases are let. Also indicate those, if any, which were advertised to be rented and for which competitive bids were obtained. I believe that this will prove my
point.

I would like you to send a copy to me, Senator Rooney Bowen, Representative Elect Rynders, Senator Elect John Bulloch, The Moultrie Observer, The Colquitt Shopper, and the Buyers Guide.

By law to make the change to nonpartisan elections legislation must be entered as local legislation and by practice the majority of the elective delegation must approve it.

I ask you to consider this request of the Honorable Fallin very closely. I believe that it will be very counterproductive to the Republican position in Colquitt County. Recent events in
reapportionment and other actions indicate that the Georgia Democratic Party and it key
supporters are more interested in their own political and financial well
being that of their constituency.

I am enclosing a copy of the Op-Ed written by me and published in the Moultrie Observer.

Sincerely;

Franklin Sutton

Past Columns
  
March 14, 2002
March 21,2002
March 27,2002
July 14, 2002
November 7, 2002
   

COUNTY LINKS E L WARRICK SR. COLUMNS COLQUITTCO.NET EMAIL CHAIRMAN'S CORNER:
Frank Sutton Archives

 


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