Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday Meeting
Monday evening, my husband and I attended a meeting of the local group of Campaign for Liberty. A personal "Thanks!" goes out to Kathy Harper for the invitation, and to Ben Johnson, of Liberty Technology (Taylor Street, Griffin) for hosting the event. Even after I told Kathy I didn't agree with everything at Campaign for Liberty, she still graciously encouraged me to attend. :-) I am still reading through the website and discovering very interesting things there.
I am so glad I did! I met some wonderful people. It was so nice to listen to and share opinions. I believe we can disagree on issues and still have meaningful, challenging dialogue. That is exactly how it was at the meeting. It thrills me to see regular folks--folks like you and me--become involved and informed. It is the direction our country needs. It is a primary reason I chose to run for City Commissioner--to be a voice for the regular folks in local government.
Thank you also, for the campaign contribution. It is the amount needed to purchase the voter registration list for the Third District, a vital tool for the campaign.
Blessings!
Shannon \o/
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Next Step
Yesterday, we took the next step on our campaign--we filed our Declaration of Intention to Accept Campaign Contributions with the City of Griffin Municipal Elections Registrar, Mrs. Judy Flournoy. Later in the day, we established a campaign bank account with United Bank.
Therefore, we are now in the position to begin accepting contributions, both monetary funding and in-kind goods and services. Our first contribution goal is to collect the necessary qualifying fee, since it is required to get my name on the ballot. Although qualifying is not until August, this is one of the most important expenses of the campaign. The amount of this year's qualifying fee is $403.20.
Of course, there will be many other expenses related to running a successful campaign. Advertising and getting information to the public are vitally important. In addition to word-of-mouth campaigning by my supporters, other advertising items will be needed. I will soon be posting a list of items and their estimated costs, so you can see exactly where you campaign contribution will go. If you would like to donate specific items, like signs, brochures, business cards, etc., please contact me at your convenience.
Thank you so much for your support! I believe with Dedicated Work, we can reach a Positive Future for the City of Griffin and her residents.
Blessings!
Shannon \o/
Therefore, we are now in the position to begin accepting contributions, both monetary funding and in-kind goods and services. Our first contribution goal is to collect the necessary qualifying fee, since it is required to get my name on the ballot. Although qualifying is not until August, this is one of the most important expenses of the campaign. The amount of this year's qualifying fee is $403.20.
Of course, there will be many other expenses related to running a successful campaign. Advertising and getting information to the public are vitally important. In addition to word-of-mouth campaigning by my supporters, other advertising items will be needed. I will soon be posting a list of items and their estimated costs, so you can see exactly where you campaign contribution will go. If you would like to donate specific items, like signs, brochures, business cards, etc., please contact me at your convenience.
Thank you so much for your support! I believe with Dedicated Work, we can reach a Positive Future for the City of Griffin and her residents.
Blessings!
Shannon \o/
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
TEA Party Speech
Here is the text of my speech at the April 14th TEA Party Tax Rally.
Good Evening, fellow Citizens!
Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedules to join us today at the Griffin Taxed Enough Already TEA Party Tax Rally.
For the past several months, and over the course of these few days in April, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans who are sick and tired of a Washington elite who are completely out of touch with “the real America”.
Who is the “Real” America?
It is those of us the popular media have begun to call “Main Street America”; people like you and me, from small towns and rural areas, from our nation’s cities and suburbs, we who form the very backbone – the very heart – of these United States.
Who is the “Real” America?
WE are the ones who are now to bear the enormous load of nearly unimaginable debt.
Who is the “Real” America?
WE are -- as the parents and grandparents and great-grandparents of children who will be forced to carry the inconceivable amount of debt with which our Congress has burdened them.
Who is the “Real” America?
We are -- the ones who have toiled away throughout the years, trying to live within our means, trying to make it from this week’s paycheck to next week’s payday.
Who is the “Real” America?
We are – the ones who have tried to make a little something of ourselves and for our families.
WE are the ones who will now bear the unearned and unwanted back-breaking debt of those who did not choose to live by those same ideals.
For years, fiscally conservative Americans have called for our nation’s government to reign in out-of-control spending and unneeded growth and expansion of the size of our government.
We understand taxes used to keep our cities and counties and states operating.
We understand taxes used to fearlessly provide for our public safety.
We DON’T understand taxation used to bail out bad decisions.
We DON’T understand taxation used to bail out ridiculously extravagant corporate lifestyles and poor management of major corporations.
We say ENOUGH!!
Enough earmarks and unrelated amendments to legislation!
Enough pork barrel spending!
Enough pet projects!
Enough interference from lobbyists and Political Action Committees!
We say Enough bail outs of bad decision-making on Wall Street and private corporations!
We say Enough to unprecedented Trillions of Dollars of taxation debt under names like –
TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program costing $700 billion;
Names like the Economic Recovery Plan called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act costing $787 billion;
Names like the Public-Private Investment Program, a $1 trillion Toxic Asset Plan designed by the U. S. Treasury;
Names like a $3.5 trillion budget plan that even the governments own Congressional Budget Office says will create a minimum $9.3 trillion total deficit over nine years.
These are not made up programs or amounts of money.
I have here dozens of pages of research verifying these plans.
Anyone willing to spend 30 minutes with an internet search engine can find it!
We say Enough legislation that spends away the futures of our children, and their children, and their children!
What can we, the average citizens, do to bring about this kind of change?
What can we, the average citizens, do to demand accountability of those we elect to represent us?
We become involved.
We can make phone calls and write letters and e-mails to our elected officials, advising them politely but firmly of our position on current issues.
We can attend public meetings of our City and County Commissions and our State and Federal Congresses.
We can volunteer to encourage and inform others.
We can volunteer to serve on the Boards and Committees of our local governments.
We can run for elected office and begin to turn the tide.
You might be asking – who is this woman and what qualifies her to speak on these things?
I am the descendant of Polish, German and French immigrants who, 3 generations ago, CHOSE to seek a better, though hard-won destiny for themselves and their future generations.
I am someone who, along with her husband, nearly 13 years ago, CHOSE to call Griffin her home and to make this the hometown of her children.
I am a working wife and mother who realized I CAN make a difference.
Your story qualifies you, too. You can make a difference!
About 4 years ago, I attended a city commission meeting to support a cause I believed in. One of those commissioners asked where we had all been when other, more critical issues, had been before the board.
I took that commissioner’s comments that night as a personal challenge to become more active in the direction and future of the community where I live.
I began attending meetings.
I began expressing my opinion to those who represent me in government.
I began to volunteer to serve on committees and boards who influence the future of my community.
And tonight, I am making public before those of you here, my intention to run for City Commissioner of District Three.
These are opportunities available to each of us.
Our descendants may not have these same opportunities if we do not determine to make the most of the opportunities before US.
Our future generations are depending upon US to make a difference.
When will Washington turn a LISTENING ear back to those whom they were given the responsibility to represent?
When will Washington decide to listen to those who’s blood, sweat and hard-earned dollars have made this nation great?
I submit to you that it will not happen until WE THE PEOPLE insert ourselves so deeply into the daily happenings of our government that they have no choice.
I propose to you that it will not happen until WE THE PEOPLE use our voices and our votes to deliver a tide of change that CANNOT BE IGNORED.
I say, LET IT BEGIN TODAY!!
Good Evening, fellow Citizens!
Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedules to join us today at the Griffin Taxed Enough Already TEA Party Tax Rally.
For the past several months, and over the course of these few days in April, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans who are sick and tired of a Washington elite who are completely out of touch with “the real America”.
Who is the “Real” America?
It is those of us the popular media have begun to call “Main Street America”; people like you and me, from small towns and rural areas, from our nation’s cities and suburbs, we who form the very backbone – the very heart – of these United States.
Who is the “Real” America?
WE are the ones who are now to bear the enormous load of nearly unimaginable debt.
Who is the “Real” America?
WE are -- as the parents and grandparents and great-grandparents of children who will be forced to carry the inconceivable amount of debt with which our Congress has burdened them.
Who is the “Real” America?
We are -- the ones who have toiled away throughout the years, trying to live within our means, trying to make it from this week’s paycheck to next week’s payday.
Who is the “Real” America?
We are – the ones who have tried to make a little something of ourselves and for our families.
WE are the ones who will now bear the unearned and unwanted back-breaking debt of those who did not choose to live by those same ideals.
For years, fiscally conservative Americans have called for our nation’s government to reign in out-of-control spending and unneeded growth and expansion of the size of our government.
We understand taxes used to keep our cities and counties and states operating.
We understand taxes used to fearlessly provide for our public safety.
We DON’T understand taxation used to bail out bad decisions.
We DON’T understand taxation used to bail out ridiculously extravagant corporate lifestyles and poor management of major corporations.
We say ENOUGH!!
Enough earmarks and unrelated amendments to legislation!
Enough pork barrel spending!
Enough pet projects!
Enough interference from lobbyists and Political Action Committees!
We say Enough bail outs of bad decision-making on Wall Street and private corporations!
We say Enough to unprecedented Trillions of Dollars of taxation debt under names like –
TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program costing $700 billion;
Names like the Economic Recovery Plan called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act costing $787 billion;
Names like the Public-Private Investment Program, a $1 trillion Toxic Asset Plan designed by the U. S. Treasury;
Names like a $3.5 trillion budget plan that even the governments own Congressional Budget Office says will create a minimum $9.3 trillion total deficit over nine years.
These are not made up programs or amounts of money.
I have here dozens of pages of research verifying these plans.
Anyone willing to spend 30 minutes with an internet search engine can find it!
We say Enough legislation that spends away the futures of our children, and their children, and their children!
What can we, the average citizens, do to bring about this kind of change?
What can we, the average citizens, do to demand accountability of those we elect to represent us?
We become involved.
We can make phone calls and write letters and e-mails to our elected officials, advising them politely but firmly of our position on current issues.
We can attend public meetings of our City and County Commissions and our State and Federal Congresses.
We can volunteer to encourage and inform others.
We can volunteer to serve on the Boards and Committees of our local governments.
We can run for elected office and begin to turn the tide.
You might be asking – who is this woman and what qualifies her to speak on these things?
I am the descendant of Polish, German and French immigrants who, 3 generations ago, CHOSE to seek a better, though hard-won destiny for themselves and their future generations.
I am someone who, along with her husband, nearly 13 years ago, CHOSE to call Griffin her home and to make this the hometown of her children.
I am a working wife and mother who realized I CAN make a difference.
Your story qualifies you, too. You can make a difference!
About 4 years ago, I attended a city commission meeting to support a cause I believed in. One of those commissioners asked where we had all been when other, more critical issues, had been before the board.
I took that commissioner’s comments that night as a personal challenge to become more active in the direction and future of the community where I live.
I began attending meetings.
I began expressing my opinion to those who represent me in government.
I began to volunteer to serve on committees and boards who influence the future of my community.
And tonight, I am making public before those of you here, my intention to run for City Commissioner of District Three.
These are opportunities available to each of us.
Our descendants may not have these same opportunities if we do not determine to make the most of the opportunities before US.
Our future generations are depending upon US to make a difference.
When will Washington turn a LISTENING ear back to those whom they were given the responsibility to represent?
When will Washington decide to listen to those who’s blood, sweat and hard-earned dollars have made this nation great?
I submit to you that it will not happen until WE THE PEOPLE insert ourselves so deeply into the daily happenings of our government that they have no choice.
I propose to you that it will not happen until WE THE PEOPLE use our voices and our votes to deliver a tide of change that CANNOT BE IGNORED.
I say, LET IT BEGIN TODAY!!
©Shannon M. Herren 2009
delivered 4/14/2009 at Spalding County Courthouse Steps,
Griffin GA
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
WELCOME!
Welcome to the web home of my campaign for City of Griffin Board of Commissioners, District 3!
I appreciate your visit, and hope you will return periodically for updates, events, and other information as the campaign develops and grows.
I humbly ask for your vote in November. Over the next few weeks, I will share my thoughts relating to this campaign (and of course, other topics!). Please feel free to leave your comments and questions. I will be happy to address the answers here. Currently, all comments are under moderation. It is my intention to run a campaign of honesty and integrity--this website, being an extension of the campaign, will be run with the same standard.
Blessings!
Shannon \o/
I appreciate your visit, and hope you will return periodically for updates, events, and other information as the campaign develops and grows.
I humbly ask for your vote in November. Over the next few weeks, I will share my thoughts relating to this campaign (and of course, other topics!). Please feel free to leave your comments and questions. I will be happy to address the answers here. Currently, all comments are under moderation. It is my intention to run a campaign of honesty and integrity--this website, being an extension of the campaign, will be run with the same standard.
Blessings!
Shannon \o/
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who attended the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party Tax Rally on the steps of the Spalding County Courthouse in Griffin, Georgia, this evening! I feel the whole event went really well. We counted roughly 150 people in attendance. There were at least 3 media outlets present. We extend a big THANK YOU to Representatives John Yates and David Knight, and City Commissioners Doug Hollberg and Dick Morrow, who took the time to come speak at the TEA Party and show their support of our efforts.
A special "Thanks" to all of you who expressed enthusiasm over my announcement of my intention to run for the Third District seat of the City of Griffin Board of Commissioners. I would like to encourage each of you to find your place of active involvement in your community's leadership, whether it is calls and letters at home or seeking public office. Together, we CAN make our voices heard and we CAN influence a positive future for our community.
Blessings!
Shannon \o/
Who is Shannon Herren?
I am a woman trying to live up to my epitaph every day: Devoted Christian, Wife, Mother and Friend.
I am married to Roy G. Herren, Jr. for fifteen years this August. :-) I am the mother to two sons: Kyle, 18, and Skyler, 13, and one baby born into Heaven. I am currently employed part-time by the Flint River Baptist Association as the Communications Ministry Assistant, and also part-time at Union Baptist Church as their Administrative Assistant.
I was a stay at home, home-schooling mother for 13 years, returning by necessity to employment outside the home in 2007. It was a big adjustment for my family and for me, but God has been gracious. It was no surprise to God when my husband was laid off from his job on Nov. 3, 2008. We thanked Him constantly over the 5 1/2 months Roy was out of work for providing my jobs ahead of time. It made a difficult time considerably easier.
I believe I can make a difference for the future by getting involved. My family chose to move to Griffin since 1996. We chose Griffin as our home, and as the hometown for our young sons. We were, and are, hopeful for Griffin's future.
I have been attending and actively involved in City of Griffin Board of Commission Meetings since 2005.
I completed the City of Griffin Citizen's Government Academy in 2006.
I served on the City of Griffin Heavy Vehicle Ordinance Committee in 2006.
I served on the City of Griffin Community Choices Implementation Assistance Program Stakeholders Group in 2007.
Currently, I am serving on the City of Griffin Historic Preservation Commission, since 2006.
I have never been comfortable with such a long list of "I's", but it provides you with an idea of my intentionality in becoming involved in making an impact on the future of the City of Griffin. The truth of the matter is, it is important for those of us who make up the demographic of Griffin to choose to be actively involved in our local government. When we educate ourselves on the facts, and utilize our opportunities, we begin to impact our future. Whether it is a giant step like a campaign for City Commissioner, or the less visible steps like speaking during the Citizen's Comments portion of a commission meeting, or attending meetings and workshops to become informed of the City's current issues, volunteering, or even contributing to a fledgling campaign like this one, every intentional effort you make has the potential to change the future.
Won't you join me as I seek to do just that?
I am married to Roy G. Herren, Jr. for fifteen years this August. :-) I am the mother to two sons: Kyle, 18, and Skyler, 13, and one baby born into Heaven. I am currently employed part-time by the Flint River Baptist Association as the Communications Ministry Assistant, and also part-time at Union Baptist Church as their Administrative Assistant.
I was a stay at home, home-schooling mother for 13 years, returning by necessity to employment outside the home in 2007. It was a big adjustment for my family and for me, but God has been gracious. It was no surprise to God when my husband was laid off from his job on Nov. 3, 2008. We thanked Him constantly over the 5 1/2 months Roy was out of work for providing my jobs ahead of time. It made a difficult time considerably easier.
I believe I can make a difference for the future by getting involved. My family chose to move to Griffin since 1996. We chose Griffin as our home, and as the hometown for our young sons. We were, and are, hopeful for Griffin's future.
I have been attending and actively involved in City of Griffin Board of Commission Meetings since 2005.
I completed the City of Griffin Citizen's Government Academy in 2006.
I served on the City of Griffin Heavy Vehicle Ordinance Committee in 2006.
I served on the City of Griffin Community Choices Implementation Assistance Program Stakeholders Group in 2007.
Currently, I am serving on the City of Griffin Historic Preservation Commission, since 2006.
I have never been comfortable with such a long list of "I's", but it provides you with an idea of my intentionality in becoming involved in making an impact on the future of the City of Griffin. The truth of the matter is, it is important for those of us who make up the demographic of Griffin to choose to be actively involved in our local government. When we educate ourselves on the facts, and utilize our opportunities, we begin to impact our future. Whether it is a giant step like a campaign for City Commissioner, or the less visible steps like speaking during the Citizen's Comments portion of a commission meeting, or attending meetings and workshops to become informed of the City's current issues, volunteering, or even contributing to a fledgling campaign like this one, every intentional effort you make has the potential to change the future.
Won't you join me as I seek to do just that?
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