Government for its Citizens
An Update from Congressman Austin Scott *
October 27, 2025 Dear Georgian, Last Wednesday, Senate Democrats voted “no” for the 12th time when given another chance to reopen our government. We’re now heading into week five of a senseless government shutdown. Democratic leadership has admitted “Of course there will be families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility seriously,…
Read MoreSpeculation Grows: Short-time Clerk to Become County Administrator?*
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles LANIER COUNTY, Ga. — Unofficial but advanced information suggests that Kirstie Durrance — currently serving as County Clerk for the Lanier County Board of Commissioners (LCBOC) for just over a year — will be named the next County Administrator, replacing…
Read MoreMichael Dockery, Candidate for Georgia House District 176
October 20, 2025 Dear Friend, As I’ve traveled across South Georgia these past months, one theme keeps coming up in nearly every conversation — people are tired of politics that serve themselves instead of the public. Voters want transparency, accountability, and common sense restored to their state government. Our state has faced challenges recently —…
Read MoreMayor Brenda Exum Runs for Re-Election: Experience, Visibility, and Controversy*
By Carol A. Gasser Moore |*La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles EDITORS NOTE: Mayor Exum was asked to submit information about herself, but has not responded. This story is based upon a compilation of stories relating to Exum over her tenure as Ray City mayor. 8 years RAY CITY, Ga. —…
Read MorePotential Conflict of Interest: Questions Arise Over Clerk’s Role in Her Own Hiring Process – Conflicts of Interest — Part 29*
LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is part of an ongoing series and speaks to decision making leaders with known or potential conflicts of interest and employees of area government. The series examines ethics and governance in Lanier County, which includes the incorporated communities of the City of Lakeland and a portion…
Read MoreJack Paulson challenges incumbent Mack*
Meet Lakeland City Council Post 4 candidate By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *Spanish translation follows news in English Lakeland, Ga. — As the November 4, 2025, municipal election draws near, Lakeland voters are preparing to choose who will serve in City Council Post 4 — and one of the challengers, Jack Paulson, is campaigning…
Read MoreVallentio Brockington, Incumbent for Lakeland City Council*
Meet the Lakeland City Council Candidate for Post 3 By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *Spanish translation follows news in English LAKELAND, Ga. — As a dedicated public servant and current member of the Lakeland City Council, Vallentio Brockington is seeking re-election with a renewed commitment to leadership, service, and progress for the citizens of…
Read MoreJason “JD” Walden: Protecting Lakeland’s Character While Pushing Forward
Walden is the Post 2 Councilman Elect By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, GA — For Jason “JD” Walden, service is more than a slogan — it’s the thread that ties together his life in uniform, law enforcement, and now municipal leadership. As a City Councilman in Lakeland (representing Post 2), JD brings a…
Read MoreWesley Bennefield Brings Lifetime of Leadership and Service to Ray City Mayoral Race
By Carol A. Gasser Moore RAY CITY, Ga — Few candidates embody the values of dedication, hard work, and community commitment like Wesley Bennefield, a lifelong South Georgian and seasoned business leader now seeking to serve as Mayor of Ray City. At 74 years old, Bennefield’s roots run deep in the region. After attending…
Read MoreMary Sirmons, Post 5 Elect, Lakeland City Council
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / *La traducción al español sigue a la noticia en ingles Lakeland, Ga. — In a decisive turn of local politics, Mary Sirmons has been named the Councilman Post 5 Elect for Lakeland following a successful residency challenge that led to the removal of incumbent Greg Sealey from the ballot. …
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