County Commissioner's Office

County Talk
By
Lamar Paris - Commissioner

Q. A helicopter was hovering near the airport with a long cable attached with some object on the end.  We first thought they were getting water, but since there were no fires, we were confused as to what was going on.  Do you know what it was?
A. A helicopter group from Louisiana, contracted by the United States Forest Service, chose Blairsville to train and recertify pilots on helicopter water drop fire fighting techniques.  Pilots from Alaska, Texas, Oregon, Louisiana and Georgia all received training by retrieving water from Lake Nottely and dumping it on different areas around the airport in simulation of  fighting a forest fire.  The pilots were then certified by an FAA inspector.

Q.  We have seen an old pickup truck driving around Blairsville with a big sign in the back with “Paris” written on it and covered by a big 0 with a slash through it indicating their displeasure for you.  We have seen a lot of campaign signs but never a  “negative” campaign sign. Our young son likes you and was mad when he saw it.  Is it legal for someone to do that?
A. This is America and these people are certainly within their rights to campaign against me.  We also have a lady coming into our office on a very regular basis doing open records requests and she has a pin she wears with the same insignia.  I would expect you will see more of these signs prior to the November election. Tell your son not to worry about it at all, as I think it is actually kind of neat and keeps my name before the public without costing me anything.

Q. Who is the person driving the old pickup truck around with the anti Paris sign?
A. While I would like to answer that question here, I do not think it is appropriate.  They have a right to their opinion and method of expressing it.  I will tell you that this pickup belongs to the same family that has been against every commissioner who has been in office for the past twenty years in Union County.  They are also very active with one of the local political parties and have traditionally been against most positive improvements made in this county. However, having said that, they are doing what they think is the proper thing to do, so please do not be concerned. It is just part of this job to put up with things like this.

Q. Can you give us the latest progress report on Wal-Mart?
A.  They are awaiting soil test results and if compaction and seismic test are successful, they plan on pouring footings in mid September.   While they have not given a new opening date, if they begin construction on the building in September, it would probably  put them well ahead of their September ‘09 opening schedule.

Q. Have you gotten any reports on how many people have used the Union County prescription drug discount card and how much money they have saved?
A. Yes, we recently got a report for the five months that the card has been in use and we are happy to report that quite a few people have used the card and have saved money on their prescription drugs.  The first month the card was in use (March) the total dollar savings was $5,054.58, in April it was $10,150.07, in May it was $13,103.79 and in June the total dollar savings for all Rxs filled with the card was $14,645.76 with the average price savings per prescription $12.82.  The percentage price savings per prescription was 27.23%.  The total number of people who represent the total amount of prescriptions (total utilizers) for June was 470. 

We are very pleased that Union County citizens are using the card and saving money.  If you have not already picked up a card you can still do so.  They are available at the Courthouse in the Commissioner’s office, the library, the Senior Center, Dept. of Family and Children’s Services, Brasstown Pharmacy, Rite-Aid, and many doctors’ offices. 

Remember that you can use the card anytime your prescription is not covered by insurance for an average savings of 20%.  The card is free, there are no limits, no age requirements, no income requirements and the card can be used by everyone in the family. 

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