Environmental Summit draws crowd last weekend

Last weekend, a large group gathered for an Environmental Summit at the Tugaloo Center for Performing Arts in Toccoa.

The event was organized by a 9^th District group of the Georgia Concerned Citizens.

EPA Regional Administrator Daniel Blackman was the keynote speaker.

After the keynote speaker, a panel of environmental experts gave presentations from their fields.

Panelist included Georgia Public Service Commission’s Tim Echols, North Georgia Conservation Coalition’s Dr. Betty Holland, ForestWatch’s J.D. McCrary, and Soque River Watershed Association’s Becca Risser.

Following the Environmental Summit, several county democrat committees from the 9^th Congressional District hosted a forum for democratic candidates who have qualified for federal, state, and district and local offices.

Candidates participating included Mike Ford, running for Lieutenant Governor; Erick Allen and Charlie Bailey, for the Labor Commission; Nicole Horn, for Secretary of State; Deputy Political Director for Bee Nguyen Amin Ghoneim; Nakita Hemingway and Fred Swann for Agriculture Commission; Janice Laws-Robinson for Insurane Commissioner; Currey Hitchens and Nick Morrow for State School Superintendent; Chandra Farley for Public Service Commission District 3; and State House candidates June Krise and Kim Floria.

Local county candidates included Virginia Webb for Habersham County and Kathy Pauly for Stephens County.

There were over 100 citizens in attendance.