Hall County has changed. And it's not always changed for the better.

With increased traffic, congestion, crime, property taxes, shootings, theft, our little town at the base of the Appalachians is not the same as it was when I first came in 1976. Blue Laws still existed meaning many stores never opened on Sundays. Dawsonville Highway was a simple 2-lane road. Northeast Georgia Medical Center was basically one building. It's amazing the amount of progress that has been made and it's disturbing how that progress has forever changed our little version of Mayberry.

We are now watching growth and development explode in all areas of the county. But that growth has come in the form of warehouses and high-density housing instead of single-family residences in neighborhoods.

I routinely carry my weapon because of the news reports of random shootings into gas stations or at community functions. I would have NEVER dreamed of feeling unsafe in my community but now I'm much more aware of my surroundings and realize that we now live in the NEW Hall County.

We have a Sheriff that should not be in his position. We have a Board of Commissioners that have created a 'good 'ole boys network' with their relator friends and connections. It's dirty all the way around.

Stay involved.

Stay informed.

Stay aware.

Stay safe.