New Hartwell Mayor Lauds City Council, Police Chief as Great Team
Dozens of Hart County citizens now have a better grasp of the issues facing lawmakers.
The annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast took place Saturday morning in the Adult Learning Center of the Hart County Public Library. It was sponsored by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce.
Lamakers attending included a representative from U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss’ office, U.S. Representative Doug Collins, State Representative Alan Powell, Hartwell Mayor Brandon Johnson, Hart County Commission Chair Joey Dorsey, Hart County Industrial Building Authority Director Dwayne Dye, and Hart County Assistant School Superintendent Kathy Leard.
Brandon Johnson took office as the new Hartwell mayor on January 1st . While he’s only beein in office for a couple of months, Johnson said he and the city council are working together as a great team.
“I think we’re all working very well together – a team that has many of the same goals and a team that’s eager to work together; something you’ve not seen in past days,” he said.
Johnson cited several changes this year in the City of Hartwell including a new police chief, Chief A.D. Davis whom Johnson praised for the positive changes he is making in the department.
“He has made a lot of positive changes; a new philosophy, a new attitude,” Johnson said. “Chief Davis is doing a wonderful job.”
Johnson also noted the city’s recent purchase of a new fire truck.
The mayor noted Hartwell is on solid financial footing with a healthy fund balance and he said he and the City Council are committed to continuing to keep taxes low.
As for the future, Johnson said one of his campaign goals is already taking place and that is the formation of a pro business task force. Johnson said members of the task force have been selected.
“These business owners have been successful during Hartwell’s great days and with the economic downturn, they stayed in business,” he said. We believe they know how to run a business.”
Johnson said the business owners will help the city see where they can do better and be more probusiness.
“When the council decided to pass a new policy, it would be good to run that new policy or ordinance under the noses of those business owners and see if we get a bite on that. That is a positive step,” he said.
Johnson said another goal is to continue to work to increase tourism, citing the lake as an important economic aspect of the town’s future.