CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Farm Bureau hosted its annual Policy & Patties event April 28 at McClain’s Cattle on Dicks Hill Parkway, bringing together elected officials, candidates and members of the agricultural community.
According to HCFB Program Coordinator Madison Bennett, the event is designed to connect leaders and residents in an informal setting.
“This special evening brings together our elected congressional leaders and staff, General Assembly members, local government officials, educators, agricultural leaders, producers and students for a time of networking, great food and informative updates,” Bennett said.
The evening began with burgers and sides prepared by teXga Farms, owned by Kyle Lewallen, along with Addy J’s condiment bar, before transitioning into a political forum featuring candidates for Habersham County Commission.
District 2 candidates Andrea Harper and Shelley Tullis joined District 3 candidates Jason Smith and Danny McClellon to answer questions about the current and future state of the county.
All four candidates addressed aspects of the proposed Unified Development Ordinance, a topic that has drawn significant public interest in recent months.
Tullis emphasized the importance of protecting property rights.
“There should be two different standards for property owners — one for homeowners and one for developers,” she said. “If a homeowner wants to subdivide their land to give to their children, they should be allowed to do so.”
Harper, a former county commissioner, said she would like to see increased public participation in local government meetings.
Smith focused on the importance of supporting agriculture, warning of broader national trends.
“Soon, this country will outsource more food than it produces,” he said, highlighting the need for stronger support of local farmers.
McClellon reflected on the county’s growth and his personal ties to the community.
“I graduated from Central, my son graduated from Central, and I have grandchildren in the school system,” he said. “I don’t want things to change, but I know it’s coming.”
Following the forum, attendees heard legislative updates from Sen. Bo Hatchett and state Reps. Chris Erwin and Victor Anderson. Their remarks focused on efforts to ease the tax burden of homeownership and initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates across the state.
The evening concluded with an update from County Commission Chairman Bruce Harkness, who underscored the significance of the Unified Development Ordinance.
“It is important that we get this right,” Harkness said.
As the event wrapped up, the mix of policy discussion and community engagement reflected the Farm Bureau’s ongoing effort to keep local voices at the center of decisions shaping Habersham County’s future.
