Barrow County Republican Party Meeting
August 15th
At last month's meeting, Chairman Debbie Reid agreed to a member's request to allow the County Committee to vote in new voting members. Members who have paid the Advanced Member fees, and wanted to be a voting member were asked to raise their hand. At least 7, possibly a dozen people raised their hands and it appeared they were put on a list. At this months meeting, Chairman Reid tried to adjourn without allowing the vote and when reminded of it, said "No, it's not on the agenda". However, it was in the minutes from the previous meeting that the vote was planned. Members were told that regardless of their Advanced Fees paid, which include a subscription to the monthly newsletter and an invitation to all special events, plus an application to become a Barrow GOP Voting Member of the County Committee, they are only going to allow them to become voting members every two years at the County GOP Convention. Many of the members feel they have been mislead and cheated. The BCRP Rules state :
.
"The County Committee shall have the power between conventions to expand or alter the
membership of the County Committee to whatever extent it deems appropriate by a
majority vote of the Committee when a quorum is present, provided, however, that an
actual notice designating the time, place, and purpose of such is sent to all members of
the County Committee at least ten (10) days prior to the day of the meeting"
Chairman Reid seemed happy at the July meeting to announce that at the August meeting, new qualified members would be voted in as voting members. One member, Mike Pentacost, the District 1 Barrow GOP Rep., whom has close ties with Governor Kemp, and works at the Georgia State Capitol as the Administrator for the SITF insisted that the vote not take place, and that the new members would have to wait until the convention. He claimed that he believes that the only reason these people want to become voting members is because they are upset about recent events within the party. One party member, whom the Chair told personally that she was excited to see become a voting member, objected to Mr. Pentecost's statements, and said she has been wanting to become a voting member for a long time and was told she would be voted in that night. He continued to insist that she can not be voted in until the next convention in March of 2023. Another member called a point of order, attempted to make her point, then was interrupted by the Chairwoman who slammed her gavel several times and said "Stop, it's over, no more!" The Chair did not refer to the rules, and failed to allow discussion among the County Committee voting members about what they would like to do, and did not allow them the option to vote. It was said during this unexpected altercation, that it seems like the Chairwoman and Mr. Pentecost do not want new members at all. This impression has developed among many members after hearing the insults toward new members by Ken Young, the Former GOP Chair and the current Chair's mentor, at the July meeting during his speech, and after the billboard rental, Summer BBQ, Sunflower Festival, and possibly other planned events have failed to take place, or have been cancelled. There seems to be no effort being made to bring in new members, and new voting members are being blocked. Another member asked the Chair on a different occasion if they could sign up new members and register voters at an event that was supposed to have been planned. The Chair said "no, we don't do that", with no explanation.
A complaint will be filed with the State GOP and also with the RNC. The District 10 Chairman, James Cooper was present at this meeting as well as the July meeting, but only sat quietly and made no comments on the matters to the committee during the meetings. The audio recording of the part of this meeting related to this matter has been included underneath the rule shown in the middle of this post. These are public meetings, and unfortunately there were many guests present who were not at all impressed with the actions and non-actions of Chairman Reid. At least one guest stated that they intend on submitting a complaint as well.
So who is the real Chairman of the Barrow GOP? It appears that someone who is not in that position, a District Rep. with strong ties to the Governor is actually calling the shots.