Questions answered by Lamar Paris, County Commissioner
Q. I read the article last week about you and Union County appearing in the ACCG Georgia County Government Magazine. We were wondering how we could purchase a copy?
A. You can go to the following web site, ACCG.ORG and there is a box located on the right side under the word “Multi-Media” and click on the last phrase, “Georgia County Magazine” and it will take you to the magazine. You have to get used to the program, but you can look at each page and enlarge what you need and you can see and read the entire story.
Another way to access the magazine is to go to Google, simply search for ACCG.ORG and the very first option has a link directly to the Georgia County Magazine section of ACCG.
Thank you for asking and this will be cheaper than purchasing a copy of the magazine. If you do not have a computer and would like a copy of the magazine, please call my office at 706-439-6000. We still have a few copies remaining.
It really is an excellent story on Union County and I appreciate the staff of the magazine doing such an excellent job. Since it is distributed throughout the state to all governments and community organizations, it will help get the word out about what a great county we have.
Q. I heard you appeared on a recent video. What was it about?
A. It is the “Ready Georgia” video about being prepared for hurricane season between June 7 and July 19. You can find it at the “Ready Georgia” website http://ready.ga.gov or on YouTube under Ready Georgia. It was done by several Georgia County Commissioners including myself. While it was a serious issue, they asked me to add a little humor to the story which does not come easy for me.
Q. How many acres in Union County is considered farm land?
A. The latest number I was able to obtain was from 2007. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) there are 20,956 acres in farm land in Union County. Of these, there are approx. 2900 acres in grass/unimproved. There are approx 17,150 acres in pasture and hay grasses and 900 acres in cultivated crops. Considering that approximately 48% of the county is government owned, either USFS National Forest or TVA lake property, that makes the farm/open land in the county approximately 17% of the private land.
In 2002 the reported acreage in farm land was 24,789 so in a 5 year period this is a decrease of 4,000 acres of farm land. This is why it is so important that we do all possible to preserve our farm land and encourage our farmers to continue farming. The new Farmer’s Market and the new Union County Arena where we will have cattle shows and sales, is part of a concerted effort by Union County Government to help continue this trade so that it is passed down to our children and as many as possible of our farms can remain in production for years to come.
Q. I am seeing campaign signs all over the place. What is the law regarding these signs?
A. State law (OCGA 32-6-51) makes it “unlawful for any person to erect, place or maintain within the right of way of any public road any sign, signal or other device except as authorized…”
Violators can be charged with a misdemeanor. Signs that are removed by DOT personnel will be destroyed.
If a candidate is running for office, the only place their campaign signs should appear and are legal is on the property of their supporters (either business or private property), or leased/donated space such as a billboard or installed signs.
Q. What is the major cause of death in Union County?
A. The major causes of death in percentage in Union County as of 2007 are as follows: Heart disease, 25.3%; cancer, 24.1%; stroke, 4.3%; accidents, 3.9%; Alzheimers, 3.9%; influenza and pneumonia, 3.1%; chronic lower respiratory diseases, 2.7%; septicemia, 1.9%; nephrosis, 1.6%; diabetes mellitus, 0.4%. This information comes from “The Georgia County Guide” published by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.