Trying to Be Heard

 Anyone can look at a map of voting results and see the stark difference between the “unheard masses” and “blue urban islands.”

Media, pundits, and, of course, bloggers bombard everyday people with their own brands of bias, while turning a deaf ear to those trying to be heard. Who are we, the unheard?

We’re the average US citizen. Trying to raise a family. Trying to earn a living that will hopefully make the ends meet. We live in average homes, earn average incomes, and trying to make a difference in our small sphere of influence. 

We attend rallies for those running for office who share our views. We might personally know our mayor. We write letters to our state legislators and member of the US Congress who represent us. We show up on voting day, believing our vote will count, even if we choose not to participate in a poll or survey during election season. We believe our greatest power to influence the direction of our country lies in exercising our privilege to vote. 

We don’t mind accountability at the polls, at our job, in our faith  

We want our thoughts and opinions to be heard, objectively considered, civilly addressed - with the same courtesy we extend to those who disagree with us. We don’t want to be dismissed or insulted. We’re willing to suffer a bit for the greater good. 

This article is a great expression of what some of us think about the state of things today, a quarter of the way through the 21st century. 

What say you?

https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/02/27/doge-is-waging-a-class-war-on-americas-new-clerisy/

Blessings!

Shannon \o/

**I know :) It’s been a while. What can I say - lots of life has happened in the in-between. 

Could This Be in the Future for the U.S.?

Under the current administration, the growing class warfare is painfully obvious to anyone paying attention. Very large welfare class, unemployment, rising costs, financial uncertainty...all these are making a tremendous impact on the working and middle classes. "Millionaire and Billionaire" rhetoric only worsens the problem and does not provide a reasonable solution to the growing problem of national deficit and unbalanced budget. 

What is the solution? How about what a family might do. When money gets tight and changes must be made, common-sense families will evaluate their finances--income and expenditures. There are two solution to budget woes: increase income and/or decrease expenditures. Applying both solutions provides the quickest resolution, but not everyone can or wants to work a second or third job, or find a better paying job, particularly in the current employment environment. So the family would then look at reducing expenses, likely evaluating every expense (line by line, so to speak) and make adjustments accordingly. The process of a balanced budget--expenses that do not exceed income--can be long and arduous but is not impossible. 

As a government, why not form a "task force" made up of CFO's from several business with a proven successful financial track record, 1 or 2 elected officials from both parties and several average citizens--people from blue collar, main street America who deal with balancing the budget on a weekly basis in their own finances. This team(s) would review our national budget line by line (talk about long and arduous!) and make cuts without prejudice, just like we must do at home. No politics, no back room deals, just common sense evaluation to bring income and expenses into balance. In other words, to begin living within our means. My money (pardon the pun) is on cutting expenses. By all appearances, it is spending that is wildly out of control in the U.S., not revenues. 

I'm sure this idea falls apart at some point, but it is certainly better than the current practices. Raising revenues on the back of tax payers will not solve anything. And one thing is sure...change must come at the voting booth.


It may, in fact, only lead us closer to the what is brought out in this article:

The U.K. Riots And The Coming Global Class War 

What do you think? Do you have a solution idea to share?

What About the Middle Class?

What do you think is happening to the Middle Class? Do you have any experiences to share about the economy's affect on your family?

Here is an article to consider:

Who Lost the Middle Class?http://www.city-journal.org/2011/eon0811fs.html

Blessings!

Shannon \o/

Unraveling Society

I can't believe I haven't posted here in so long. I have remained extremely busy with church, working, photography, pursuing personal interests, study and research, local government and the Spalding County GOP. You can follow one personal project at smhphotographs.


Today I read an article at newgeography that speaks to a thought in many of our minds. I have long contended that the breakdown of the traditional family is a root cause of much of the decline and problems we have in our society. (At least one commenter on the article shares this sentiment.)


Do you see the three points in this article as major roots of our current societal woes? What other causes do you see as problems? What do you suggest as solutions?


I look forward to your opinions.



Are We Unraveling?


Blessings!
Shannon \o/

As Election Day Approaches

The 2010 mid-term elections are nearly here, and every pundit seems to have an opinion about turnout, results, trends--you name it. This morning I read this article, which gives an interesting appraisal of why voting trends are changing. A changing national demographic seems to ensure a changing political climate in future elections too. Changing political climate may well become the norm as we move through the 21st century. 

Shifting Voter Demographics: America is a Different Country

How do you think changing national demographics will change national, state and local elections in the years to come?

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

It's Not Over

There are still some of us who believe personal home-ownership will make a comeback...in time. While the word around prominent planning people seems to be pushing toward the live/walk, rental style dwelling scenario--a trend I also believe has some merit, just perhaps not in to the extent some predict--there remains tremendous desire by many to have "a piece of land to call their own."

Why Housing Will Come Back


What do you think the future of home-ownership is?

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Disillusioned Small Business

Did small businesses in the U.S. ever have a chance to help with economic recovery, or did big business (who has a chokehold on lending) kill the chance for them? Can the economy really come back without the base drive of small business? 

This article discusses how disillusioned small business is under the current administration.


Why Business Hates Obama


What is the answer?


Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Class Issues

This article highlights a growing issue of class division that doesn't seem to even be on the radar in the two popular US political parties, but is most assuredly in the mind of those of us who make up "Main Street America".
  
The Democrats' Middle-Class Problem

What do you think? 

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

A Sensible Perspective

The reasoning behind the McChrystal dismissal seemed weak to me, to say the least. Here is an article that presents a great perspective about his dismissal, his replacement, and previous presidencies' handling of war commanders.

McChrystal Exit: Obama and His Generals

Blessings!

Shannon \o/

Development

WOW! I just read a great article on the land development process. Not only is it insightful into the process, it explains some of what planners, developers and engineers contribute early in the process. There are some great points about future impact and long term value in the body of the article. What a great resource for future discussions.
Read it here.

What do you think?

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Decentralize

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted! Along with my family, I have been very busy trying to finish the remodeling at our home. We are finally in the home stretch, and after these last few weeks of evenings full of events, we should be able to finish the last of the painting and settle into a more "normal" routine.

I have remained involved in the activities of Griffin politics. I continue to attend Board of Commissioners workshops and meetings, Unified Development Code meetings, republican party meetings and local events. I am excited about the future of Griffin and see many positive and hopeful signs of growth and prosperity in the years ahead. I am really looking forward to June Jam next weekend. I hope to see many of you there!! I hope you will stop and chat when you see me around town.

A few months ago, I read this article, "Decentralize the Government". As always, I don't necessarily agree with every detail, but I believe most of us can agree that our current federal government has grown much too large and far-reaching. Corruption, in its purest form along with lesser degrees of self-serving, self-interested and personal gain forms, greet us at every "turn" of the blogging and Internet news page. We surpassed reasonable sustainability some time ago. Left to reach its own natural conclusions, the mammoth that is our federal government and its burden of debt will not end well for any of us, nor our coming generations.

For this reason (among many others), I urge everyone to become involved in the political process on some level. At the very least, inform yourself of the platforms of the candidates and get out there to vote your convictions at the ballot box. There are so many ways to become involved...volunteer on the campaign of a candidate you support, attend government sessions--the City of Griffin Board of Commissioners hold workshops at 9am and meetings at 6pm every second and fourth Tuesday, attend local events to meet your community and her leaders. Pray. These suggestions are nothing new to hear from me--it was the heart of my campaign last fall and has long been a familiar refrain in my political involvement. I can't wait to hear what you are doing to be a part of the process!

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

A Different View

I read an article this morning offering a completely different view of the Atlanta/Metro Atlanta area. It leaves out a lot of what those of us who live near Atlanta know to be true about crime, diversity, infrastructure, etc., but it reveals a positive view we may not normally notice. I've never been to Portland; therefore, I have no point of reference. And as one of the comments implies, I don't see myself living any closer to Atlanta than I already do. Every city has its (sometimes multitude of) problems, but at the same time, every city has its good points, too.

What do you think?

Atlanta: Ground Zero for the American Dream

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

A Reasonable Assessment

A characteristic sadly lacking in today's political world is objectivity. Everyone is so polarized, from the highest office to the most rural resident, that finding a middle ground seems increasingly unlikely. The vast majority of the mainstream media (msm) has lost not only its objectivity, but a great deal of of its credibility when msm decided to leave behind journalistic integrity for cultural and personal promotion.

(It is tempting to climb on the soapbox again, about the very ones who coined the term "Mainstreet America" having absolutely no clue what Mainstreet America thinks, let alone their daily struggle.)

This article gives a reasonable assessment of the current political climate.

Leaves one with much to consider.

Blessings, and a very Merry CHRISTmas to you all!
Shannon \o/

What the Millenials Think

In a time like this, when there is so much instability around us, every reasonable idea is worthy of consideration, and every segment of society deserves consideration as well. In that spirit, here is a very interesting article about what the Millenials (18-24 yr olds) think about the current state of things. 

For Millennials, It's the Economy Stupid

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Moving Forward

Whew! What a ride! There is no experience like being a candidate for public office! The last couple of days, except for work and Wednesday evening's regular Bible study, have been a time to slow down a bit and spend some much needed time with family.

THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to send up a prayer for me, make a contribution, offer words of encouragement, tell a friend about me, put a sign in their yard, and who voted for me. I will forever be grateful to have had each of your help. I am forever grateful to have made your acquaintance. I am unbelievably honored to have had your support.

A bookkeeping detail--I will continue to accept campaign contributions through the end of December. Donations were few, so most of the campaign costs were from our personal funds. The state allows candidates to be reimbursed for expenses. If you would like to help ease this financial burden, please contact me at your convenience. I can be reached by e-mail: smh4Griffin@gmail.com, or at home, 770-233-9085.

To answer everyone's question--Of course I am disappointed that I will not be a city commissioner beginning in January. Of course I am disappointed in the low voter turn-out. BUT---as I have said all along, my commitment is to the positive future of the City of Griffin. I will still be at the commission meetings, I will still be a citizen advocate---I am not going away :-) I will be able to continue my service on the Historic Preservation Commission (I would not have been able to as a commissioner). I wish Ryan the best--there is much for him to learn and get up to speed on, but I expect nothing less than excellence from him.

Vying for City Commissioner was simply what I considered to be the next step in something I take very seriously--being dedicated to making a positive future for Griffin. I believe God has a plan for my political future. He has been in control of this whole thing from the very beginning. I know that is why the campaign, although extremely busy, was not in the least bit stressful. It still blows my mind that I was an actual candidate on an actual ballot who got actual votes from people other than me and the ones I feed everyday-LOL! I am proud of the campaign I ran. It was an honest, open campaign full of integrity. These are things I am determined to have define me. I am already reaping huge benefits from the campaign--I have met so many wonderful people and discovered many fellow residents who share my desire for a better future for Griffin. I look forward to continued networking among these new friends, as we work together along the way.

So that's what's next. Will there be a run in the future? Well, only God knows, but there is at-large in two years and District 3 in four years. We'll see. ;-)

Check in here periodically, if you wish. I will keep the blog active. I will update from time to time with ideas, news, articles, studies, etc that I feel can benefit us all.

As always, feel free to contact me with questions, ideas, etc. I believe I can make a difference. I believe we, together, can change the future history of Griffin in amazing ways.

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

The Big Day

Today is the big day!! The culmination of over 6 months of campaigning, meeting and talking to you -- the citizens of District 3 and the City of Griffin, getting the word out about who I am and why I am doing this. It's been great fun and tons of work! I am honored to have had the opportunity to seek elected office. So many around the world are denied this amazing freedom, the chance to be a part of the process and the government that leads them. I pray we all will take the time today to exercise our awesome privilege of voting by getting out there and casting our vote!

I hope I have earned your trust and your confidence! I hope you will vote for me today! I am excited about the next steps in my commitment to be a part of the positive future of Griffin!

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Almost There!

It hardly seems possible that a week from Tuesday is the big day! I met about 100 more people today. I am never disappointed after spending time meeting the citizens of Griffin. So many of us share a great fondness for our city and desire the positive future of which I am striving to be a part. I hope you will help me reach my goal of serving you as City Commissioner for District 3.

Last week's forum hosted by the American Business Women's Association was a terrific experience. All candidates for all open districts were represented. We had a pleasant and cordial time. The comment was even made that such a forum had never happened before. I'm sure that was an exaggeration, but everyone truly was friendly and engaging. I think it shows that we share a common goal--the best for the city of Griffin and her residents.

Monday evening I will again participate in a radio forum sponsored by WKEU. I hope you will all listen and tell your friends. As we get down to the wire on the campaign trail, I strongly encourage you to tell your friends about me. As always, I am happy to talk to anyone about questions and ideas, so feel free to contact me.

Thank you for your support! I am very excited about the election and the future!

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Happenings

The campaign has been quite active of late. I participated in the first Candidate's Forum on WKEU Sept. 23rd. That was a blast! I enjoyed being able to share my thoughts on several key issues. I am so excited about the future of Griffin! I am so excited about being a part of Griffin's future!

I continue to enjoy meeting you, the citizens of Griffin, along the campaign trail. Each of you have been friendly and encouraging. There have been many excellent discussions and equally excellent ideas presented. I have particularly enjoyed the visiting with you individually. Each personal visit has been a true pleasure as I get to know you better, share our vision for Griffin's future with each other, and exchange ideas. It will truly be an honor to serve you as Commissioner and continue working alongside you as citizens.

The yard signs have arrived and we have begun placing them with those who have indicated an interest. Please let me know right away if I may place a sign in your yard, or if you have a friend or family member whom I may contact. The yard signs are another easy and very helpful way to let others find out about me.

Allow me to make you aware of two upcoming events. On Tuesday, October 20th, there will be a Candidate's Forum at the County Courthouse Annex at 7pm. It is hosted by the Iris Charter Chapter #1620 of the American Business Women's Association. It will be broadcast live on WKEU. WKEU will host a second live Candidate's Forum at their studios on Monday, October 26th at 7pm. Both will be very informative. I encourage you to listen, and encourage others to listen so we can all become more informed about our local candidates and the upcoming election.

Finally, don't forget that early voting started yesterday (October 12th.) Regardless of which candidate you choose, please make your voice heard by participating in the election process. It is our greatest privilege as citizens. Voting day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Early voting runs through October 30th. Absentee ballots are also available. Of course, I encourage you to vote for me. I plan to be dedicated in my work toward a positive future for our great city. I will appreciate your vote to make this possible.

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Birthday Campaigning

Another great day for the campaign! Spent several hours this morning walking the neighborhood, meeting some of my constituents. This afternoon I attended the Fire Rescue Birthday Bash. Tons of fun! Finished the day with a pleasant birthday dinner. Life is good!

We have such a great town full of great people! I am so looking forward to serving you all!

Please let me know if you would allow me to place a sign in your yard. Be sure to contact me soon if you would like to contribute to the campaign.

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Radio

A first for me this morning--I was a guest on Dick Morrow's radio show! Mr. Morrow invited on the show to discuss the TEA Party movement--a discussion I was happy to have in a public forum! Why? Because it is a fantastic example of one of things I am so passionate about---citizen involvement! The TEA Party movement has given citizens a chance to express their opinions from a local level to a national level. Once again, every level of involvement is making the TEA Part movement so successful. From making signs, to standing at the rally holding a sign, to speaking at a rally, to following the TEA Party Express straight to Washington DC, people all over our country are making the most of the First Amendment of our Constitution and demonstrating one of the most beautiful rights in our great land--the right to have and speak an opinion.

The truth is, our future depends on our citizens having the freedom and courage to speak their piece, to have an influence on the course of our future. I pray Washington will wake up and here the people who have elected them to represent US.

You have opportunities right here at the local level. Become involved! Attend a city or county commission meeting. Speak during citizens comments. Send an e-mail to your elected officials. VOTE!

I am asking for your trust and confidence to represent City District Three. I am asking for your support and your vote.

If you would like to contribute to the campaign, we will appreciate it so very much.

If you would like a yard sign, please let me know and we will place one as soon as they arrive.

Most importantly, I am asking you to tell your friends about me and encourage them to honor me with their vote.

Please let me know how I may serve you.

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Great Week

What a great week last week was for the campaign! Last Monday, I paid the qualifying fee for the November 3rd election. That means my name is officially on the ballot! Be sure to tell everyone you know to vote for Shannon M. Herren on the November 3rd municipal election. It is a really humbling feeling to know I am officially a part of history.

On Saturday, I spent 4 hours meeting folks. I made about 200 direct contacts! Once again I was reminded of what a fantastic resource our citizens are. I was so encouraged by my interactions with the people I met. It was a refreshing reminder of the fact that so many of us want a positive future for the City of Griffin. I am really looking forward to being a part of that process.

As always, if you have questions, comments or would like to make a campaign contribution, please contact me at smh4Griffin@gmail.com.

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Exploring the Future

I have had the privilege recently to attend the first two meetings of the West Griffin Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study. All of the public is invited to participate in these sessions, so I encourage you to become part of the process of visioning toward our future. This study includes the area of West Griffin encompassing Griffin Tech, UGA-Griffin, the old WalMart shopping center, and the residential areas over toward Thirteenth Street and Experiment. The meeting on Aug. 22nd was a sort of introduction to the study area, and the statistics and other factual elements of the study area. This past Saturday was very hands on, where those attending the meeting gathered in groups with a facilitator to dream of what the future could hold for this area. We thought in terms of elements to preserve, elements to change/improve/remove, and transportation/connectivity concerns and ideas for the area. It was one of the most inspiring activities I have participated in recently. It was so awesome to see our citizens gathered together, sharing ideas and dreaming together of ways to achieve a greater potential for Griffin.

I participated in the Town Center LCI study as well as the CCIAP study that established design guidelines for Griffin. At each of these events, I have been inspired by the creativity, imagination and determination of the citizens who freely share their ideas toward a better Griffin.

As I have stated before, our greatest resource in the city of Griffin is our citizens. I urge you to take your next step toward active involvement in our city; attend commission meetings, volunteer to serve on a board or committee, get to know our city leaders. The future is, quite literally, in our hands. Our input, or lack of it, will greatly influence the direction of our future. My desire is to dedicate myself, through hard work, toward a positive future for the city of Griffin.

What is yours?

Blessings!
Shannon
\o/

Meeting You

One of the best parts about being a candidate is the opportunity to meet so many of my fellow citizens. During the past few weeks, I have been meeting with and talking to some of you. I've heard the enthusiasm of some of our younger citizens, who are excited about the new life being breathed into downtown. I've heard wise counsel from some of our longer term citizens, who remember what Griffin once was and desire to see that vitality return. I've listened to the perspective of business people, and their desire to contribute to a larger economy for Griffin. I've spoken with city leaders who have shared some of their exciting plans to help improve Griffin and their desire to lead her to a place of status and influence in our state and region. And I have spoken with many people who live and work and shop in Griffin, who are anxious to see us grow and thrive.

For all of us, this is our town. This is the place where we are raising our families. All of us want what is best for Griffin. All of us want to see positive growth, more jobs, and wise management. That is part of the reason I am seeking to serve as City commissioner. I believe I can make a difference. I believe our citizens our our greatest resource. I would welcome the opportunity to get to know you, to hear your ideas and share your enthusiasm for Griffin. Feel free to contact me.

Blessings!
Shannon
\o/

Why?

I was asked today to make a brief statement about why I am running for District 3 City Commissioner. Obviously, it one of the most common questions a candidate receives. My brief reply is, "I want to be a voice for the average person. We are an average family working to make it from paycheck to paycheck and I think it is time for that demographic to have a voice."

But brief replies are typically so inadequate, as is this one. There is much more to the statement above than a couple of sentences can convey. Here is more of the reason.

13 years ago, we lived in an urban area not far from here. Things were changing, it was too much "city" for this "raised in the country" girl, and I wanted out of there :-).
As we began to look around and consider our options, we looked in many areas. There were perks to a few: convenience, his family, my family. We wanted a good place to raise a family. We chose Griffin. In part to be close to and take care of my husband's father (who passed away in 2004); in part because of the close proximity to Hartsfield (near to which my husband worked at the time); and because it was a small town with opportunity and established neighborhoods and local merchants, and would allow me to be a stay-at-home wife and mom. It was a good choice. I didn't have to return to work until about 2 and a half years ago. God blessed us with the ability to get by on one income far longer than most, but the time finally came when we just couldn't do it anymore. Then He blessed me with two part time jobs I very much enjoy.

Just as we had hoped, Griffin became our hometown. It is the place my boys (ages 13 and 18) have grown up, the place to which they will someday return. It is home. It is our hometown.

One day, about 5 years ago, a friend asked me to attend a city commissioner's meeting regarding a particular issue. My friend said I didn't have to say anything, just needed my presence there to show support for those who would speak. So I went. I didn't say anything. But I did hear something. One of the commissioners, during the meeting, expressed appreciation for our presence but asked where we had been. Where were we when certain other, equally important issues had been before the board? Good question. I took it as a personal challenge. I attended the next meeting...and the next...and the next. I attended the Citizen's Government Academy (I highly recommend it to everyone. It's a lot of great information and the chance to meet other citizens as well as the people who help the City function.) I was asked to serve on a committee. I began attending the workshops to hear more of the discussion behind the decisions. I applied to be appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. I began to see there was much more to the City's government than the word on the street had it. It really hit me hard how important citizen involvement is. I began to get the courage to speak up and voice an opinion on numerous occasions. I learned more than I ever thought there was to learn about local government. I began to realize I really could have an impact on the future of Griffin. Me, an average citizen; not a wealthy or well-connected person. And I realized there are a great many other average citizens in similar circumstances.

That's whose voice I want to represent. I want to be a part of making Griffin a place my children want to return to. I want them to be able to say, someday down the road, that Mom did what she could, that she made a difference.

Blessings!
Shannon
\o/

Exciting Days!

What a busy weekend for the campaign and for my family! I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day and were able to take a bit of time during your celebrations to reflect on the independence and freedoms we have. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the many men and women who have fought and are fighting for the freedom we often take for granted. May God continue to bless this land!

On Saturday, July 4th, we participated in the Griffin Parade. Thanks so much to my family: Roy, Kyle and Skyler, and to my friends: Ashton and Slade, who helped make the event a lot of fun and quite successful. We were able to hand out hundreds of contact cards, meet many people and make my candidacy more widely known. It was a lot of fun watching how excited the little children were!

Afterward, we attended the Griffin TEA Party on the courthouse steps. It is exciting to me to see our citizens becoming vocal and participating in the government process by expressing themselves. The only way to change to direction of the country or community is to become actively involved.

Saturday concluded with a fun time with family and friends. Sunday was an awesome day of worship.

Sunday night brought some destructive storms to our area. Our home, fences and lawnmower were slightly damaged and our backyard filled with fallen limbs. We are so blessed that everyone was okay! Many others in our district are cleaning up, too. My understanding from the paper is around 200 trees fell and several homes were damaged. As far as I know, there were no injuries. Praise the Lord!

I would like to thank the law enforcement, public works department and electric department, and everyone who helped in any way for their efforts over the last couple of days. As always, they were quick to respond and have worked tirelessly to get things back to normal. Thanks guys!!

Blessings!
Shannon
\o/

Goals

I was asked recently what some of the goals I would like to accomplish while in office. Here is what I shared:

1) Bring job opportunities to Griffin. One of the major ways to improve the quality of life in Griffin is to provide good employment with good wages. That means attracting strong employers/businesses to our area.

2) Improve the City's relationship with the County. Ideally, we are all in this together. What is good for the future of Griffin often benefits Spalding County, and the reverse can be true as well. At some point, we have to be completely on the up and up on both sides, and lay aside our issues (whatever they are) for the better future of Griffin-Spalding and her citizens. The focus of both city and county commissioners must be on the better future of Griffin, not personal interests or favors, and serving our constituency with honor, integrity and enthusiasm.

3) See the Land Bank become more functional. Another aspect of improving the quality of life in our area is improving the neighborhoods in which we live. Purchasing properties upon which to make improvement, removing blighted properties, and demanding out of town owners to maintain quality living spaces is imperative. Hand in hand with this is preserving one of Griffin's great assets, her largely intact historic downtown. Continuing to bring business downtown brings people downtown, which begets more business.

4) Perhaps most importantly, to encourage our citizens to become involved. There are so many opportunities available for our citizens to volunteer their time and talents, to serve on local boards and committees, to have their voices heard and make an impact toward our positive future. It doesn't have to be running for an elected office; utilizing the public comments portion of the commission meetings is a prime way for the Board of Commissioners to hear what is on the minds of the people they represent. It is the time when we can make known our support for or disapproval of actions the Board is taking. Our citizen involvement is truly our greatest asset, and most untapped resource.

The bottom line is this: Dedicated Work toward a Positive Future. This is our hometown. It is the place my children call home and the place they will (or won't) return to when they are grown. I feel a responsibility to do my part to make Griffin the best she can be, as far as I am able. I believe as a candidate, and a commissioner, I can make a positive impact on that future. I am part of the demographic of Griffin. We are a family who works hard to make a living and a future for our family. When we moved here 13 years ago, it was because we chose this town. True- we don't have a family name or family money tied to the history of Griffin, but that comes with it's own benefits. My commitment, my focus, is for the best possible future for Griffin, with no strings attached. I am not, nor will I be, in anybody's pocket. Dedication, hard work (including thoroughly educating myself on the issues that come before me), enthusiasm, and pursuing a bright future for Griffin are my goals in this campaign.

I would love to offer anyone interested to help with the campaign. The biggest need right now is (of course) financial. The qualifying fee is $403.20. Yard signs are going to be upwards of $1000, should we decide to use them. Other products to help get my name out would be a terrific help. The biggest push for the campaign will be in August, September and early October, preparing for early voting and pushing through to election day. I have already purchased, with campaign contributions, a voting list for District 3. It is my plan and desire to visit each household personally during August, September, and October. I would value your help and input, particularly as the heart of election season draws closer. Please contact me at smh4Griffin@gmail.com for more information, questions, contributions, etc.

Blessings!
Shannon
\o/

A Forgotten City

Planning and Development Director Frederick Gardener suggested I read the study report, Voices from Forgotten Cities: Innovative Revitalization Coalitions in America's Older Small Cities.

What an important piece! Although using examples from northern cities who were originally larger than Griffin, much of the report is extremely relevant to the current conditions in Griffin. It affected me greatly to read a summation of the challenges we face and where these challenges originated. It showed examples of creative thinking and outside-the-box visioneering so desperately needed in Griffin.

Although it is a LOT of information, and I will have to read it again to determine what exactly is useful toward helping Griffin seek a Positive Future, it left me with a few distinct impressions:

1--I have always been appreciative of Griffin's distinguished past. We are a city of many firsts. We were once a thriving mill town with a solid work force and stable neighborhoods that grew around those mills. The reality of today is we are no longer a mill town. The mills are gone but the mill town mentality is not. We absolutely must honor, recognize and learn from our rich history, the past, and the past generations who once made Griffin a thriving small town. Although those past glory days are a noble and necessary foundation, those ways are likely not the composition of a thriving future. We--citizens from all corners of our community--must determine a viable, achievable and exciting future for ourselves.

2--Citizen involvement is another absolute must. This is our town. This is our children's hometown. For some of us, this is likely our lifelong residence. We must be willing to invest our time, talents and abilities to pursuing our Positive Future. It is worth it. The one with the deepest pockets, longest bloodline or largest influence is not always the one with the best plan, direction or idea for a vibrant future. It takes all of us, from all walks of life, to be willing to invest of ourselves (not necessarily monetarily, although monetary investment is a given requirement) in order to reap the benefits of that investment in the future.

3--We must recognize and capitalize on our existing assets. Our citizens are by far our most valuable asset. We must intentionally seek to tap into the untold depth of resources our citizens possess in the form of talent, experience, abilities, education, and desire for a Positive Future. We must recognize and capitalize on our existing physical assets, like Griffin Tech and UGA-Griffin, our medical-related industry, our beautiful historic downtown, and our available real estate space to attract new business and industry. We must recognize and capitalize on our existing geographical assets, like our close proximity to major cities, state parks, and transportation (both existing {I-75, 19/41} and potential {commuter rail}). These assets are already here, waiting for creative and forward-thinking people to bring them to life and utilize them for the thriving town we desire.

4--The very least we can do is cultivate a positive outlook on our own city. We must overcome our natural inclination to see and talk about the negative aspects. We must adopt a new, hopeful, encouraging, positive perception of our city, and then intentionally share that perception at every opportunity. There is a saying that goes something like--Perception is 9/10's of reality. In order to realize a Positive Future, we must do everything we can to propagate a positive perception of Griffin.

The vast majority of the citizens of the City of Griffin are good, hard working people, striving to make a decent living and family life for themselves. It is the responsibility of our elected officials and city staff to recognize our most valuable asset--our citizens--and determine sensible, achievable ways to meet their needs and attract others to share in our way of life.

It is my desire to serve the citizens of City Commission District 3, along with the citizens of the entire city, in that exact capacity.

Blessings!
Shannon
\o/

Training

On Wednesday this week, I attended a training session offered by the Georgia Ethics Commission. It was a seminar on reporting requirements of candidates for office in the state of Georgia. There were about 4 other people there. It was nice to know I had already completed some of the necessary tasks to begin a campaign. There are specific reports to file, specific deadlines to meet for filing, and significant fines for failure to do so. I really enjoy learning new things and the challenge of seeking excellence. So other than the traffic, the one-way streets, and pouring rain, it was an excellent day!

I am committed to being forthright and thorough while running this campaign. Prior to this training, I had already had discussions with the Spalding County Elections Officer, Terry Colling, and City of Griffin Elections Officer, Judy Flournoy. Both ladies gave me excellent and accurate direction, so we are on track to date. I will continue to seek advice when needed in order keep integrity central in this campaign.

Just a reminder to everyone: we are still in need of funds to help this campaign be successful. The qualifying fee is $403.20, there is advertising to be done, and flyers, signs, and business cards to help get my name out in the community. Please contact me at smh4Griffin@gmail.com to make a donation. I will surely appreciate it!

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

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/

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/

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!!

©Shannon M. Herren 2009

delivered 4/14/2009 at Spalding County Courthouse Steps,

Griffin GA