Thursday, November 12, 2009

100 Contributors in 100 Days to the Harrell for House Campaign

Brett Harrell (R-Snellville), candidate for State Representative, District 106, announced today that his campaign as of October 11th had received contributions from 100 supporters in the first 100 days of his campaign—a clear sign of the strength and growing momentum of his campaign for State House.

Harrell said, “It is an honor to have such tremendous support from people all over District 106, Gwinnett County and Georgia. In the tough economic times we are in, it is a true testament of support to have so many people invest in me in the first 100 days of the campaign. These supporters know that I have a long record of taking action and delivering on vital issues, and they know I will continue that record at the State Capitol. They are tired of promises from career politicians. They are ready for a leader who will stop the talk and deliver.”

Harrell served as mayor of Snellville from 2000 until 2003. During his tenure he cut property taxes every year and reduced the overall burden of government by 52 percent while expanding the police force, preserving over 100 acres of permanent green space, and establishing the vision that led to a new Recycling Center, Senior Center, and City Hall.

Most recently, Harrell served as the executive director of the Evermore Community Improvement District (CID), where he managed the day-to-day operations of a self-taxing business district comprised of 469 commercial property owners and 1,585 businesses providing over 16,000 jobs. While managing the CID, Harrell successfully advanced over $130 million in projects, including vital transportation improvements like the Hwy. 78 improvements.

Harrell is running for state representative for District 106 to succeed Melvin Everson, who is running for Labor Commissioner. District 106 includes the City of Snellville and parts of unincorporated Grayson and Lilburn in Gwinnett County.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Former City Attorneys endorse former Mayor for State House


Former Snellville City Attorneys Michael Byrne and Thomas Mitchell today endorsed former Mayor Brett Harrell for State Representative, District 106.

Byrne says, “Brett Harrell served with caring and compassion while maintaining a steadfast adherence to the rule of law and defense of the city. I served with him during the greatest tragedy to ever impact Snellville, the 2001 billboard collapse, and witnessed a man possessing tremendous faith, fortitude, and leadership.” Byrne adds, “We need more people like Brett Harrell in elected office, he is truly a public servant, a statesman, and a gentleman.”

Mitchell agrees, saying, “Brett gets the job done without regard for who gets the credit. He is interested in solving problems and doing so efficiently, effectively, and judiciously.” Mitchell continues, “Brett Harrell has a unique ability to see the big picture, to envision solutions others miss, and to build alliances to accomplish goals. Brett Harrell simply delivers.”

Harrell says, “I have been fortunate to work with many professionals over my career. I have learned from all of them – perhaps no others more so than Michael Byrne and Thomas Mitchell.” Harrell concluded saying, “With the support of the citizens of District 106, I will continue to listen and seek wise counsel as their representative at the state Capitol and I will continue to deliver for our community.”

Harrell served as mayor of Snellville from 2000 until 2003. During his tenure he cut property taxes every year and reduced the overall burden of government by 52 percent while expanding the police force, preserving over 100 acres of permanent green space, and establishing the vision that led to a new Recycling Center, Senior Center, and City Hall.

Most recently, Harrell served as the executive director of the Evermore Community Improvement District (CID), where he managed the day-to-day operations of a self-taxing business district comprised of 469 commercial property owners and 1,585 businesses providing over 16,000 jobs. While managing the CID, Harrell successfully advanced over $130 million in projects, including vital transportation improvements like the Hwy. 78 improvements.

Harrell is running for state representative for District 106 to succeed Melvin Everson, who is running for Labor Commissioner. District 106 includes the City of Snellville and parts of unincorporated Grayson and Lilburn in Gwinnett County. ###

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Former council members Smith and Anderson endorse former Mayor Harrell for State House


Two former Snellville City Council members, Mike Smith and Joe Anderson, who served with former Mayor Brett Harrell, have endorsed his campaign for State Representative for District 106.

Smith says, “As I reflect on my service in Snellville and what we accomplished during my term, my appreciation for Brett Harrell’s leadership continues to grow. He has truly remarkable vision, builds coalitions, and delivers for those he represents.” Smith concluded saying, “Brett is well-known at the state capitol and he is without doubt, the best candidate to represent Snellville and southern Gwinnett as our next State Representative.”

Anderson added, “Brett respects both homeowners and business owners. He is a man of action, principle and passion that has and will represent our community well. I am honored to join in support of Brett Harrell for State Representative and I encourage our community to rally behind Brett who will continue to deliver for us.”

Harrell said, “Council Members Smith’s and Anderson’s contributions to our community are immense and the successes we enjoy today would not be possible without their participation. I am honored and welcome their endorsement for my candidacy to represent south Gwinnett at the State House of Representatives.”

Harrell served as mayor of Snellville from 2000 until 2003. During his tenure he cut property taxes every year and reduced the overall burden of government by 52 percent while expanding the police force, preserving over 100 acres of permanent green space, and establishing the vision that led to a new Recycling Center, Senior Center, and City Hall.

Most recently, Harrell served as the executive director of the Evermore Community Improvement District (CID), where he managed the day-to-day operations of a self-taxing business district comprised of 469 commercial property owners and 1,585 businesses providing over 16,000 jobs. While managing the CID, Harrell successfully advanced over $130 million in projects, including vital transportation improvements like the Hwy. 78 improvements.

Harrell is running for state representative for District 106 to succeed Melvin Everson, who is running for Labor Commissioner. District 106 includes the City of Snellville and parts of unincorporated Grayson and Lilburn in Gwinnett County.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Former Chief and former Manager endorse former Mayor for State House


Snellville’s former Chief of Police Jimmy Davis and former City Manager Jeff Timler today announced their endorsement of former Mayor Brett Harrell for State Representative for District 106.

Chief Davis (retired) said, “Harrell and I were change agents for the City of Snellville. We modernized internal systems, made the tough decisions, and set the city on a path for future progress. I was proud to serve with Brett. He is not afraid to fight for what is right and he delivers for his constituents.”

Timler added, “Brett is a visionary leader that inspires others to reach new heights. His collaborative working attitude resulted in significant improvements within his four short years as mayor. He challenged staff to deliver more for less and to always keep our citizens and business owners at the forefront of whatever task we engaged in as he always reminded us our position was one of service. Simply put, Brett always rolled up his sleeves and delivered for Snellville, and I know he will do the same in the State House.”

Harrell said, “I am sincerely gratified to have the support and endorsement of those that I’ve worked with so closely in the past. Personally, the greatest rewards I have ever received for my prior service is the continuing relationship I maintain with so many staff and citizen’s I’ve had the honor to serve.”

Harrell served as mayor of Snellville from 2000 until 2003. During his tenure he cut property taxes every year and reduced the overall burden of government by 52 percent while expanding the police force, preserving over 100 acres of permanent green space, and establishing the vision that led to a new Recycling Center, Senior Center, and City Hall.

Most recently, Harrell served as the executive director of the Evermore Community Improvement District (CID), where he managed the day-to-day operations of a self-taxing business district comprised of 469 commercial property owners and 1,585 businesses providing over 16,000 jobs. While managing the CID, Harrell successfully advanced over $130 million in projects, including vital transportation improvements like the Hwy. 78 improvements.

Harrell is running for state representative for District 106 to succeed Melvin Everson, who is running for Labor Commissioner. District 106 includes the City of Snellville and parts of unincorporated Grayson and Lilburn in Gwinnett County.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Brett Harrell answers questions about state House race

Brett Harrell answers questions about state House race
by D. Dixon is an Examiner from Atlanta.

July 27, 3:12 PM

When Georgia State Representative Melvin Everson recently decided to run for the office of Labor Commissioner, Harrell decided he would enter the race for State Representative House seat 106.

Brett Harrell served as Mayor of Snellville from 2000-2003, has been Executive Director of the Evermore Improvement District from September of 2003 to May, 2009. Brett Harrell has also been a small business owner for twenty years.

I asked both Twitter land and Facebook users to send in their questions for Brett Harrell, and the questions and answers are shared below.

@thekencook asks:

Who do you support for Governor?

Originally, Casey Cagle; however, since his departure from the race and my decision to enter the House race, I have not made a decision on which gubernatorial candidate I will personally vote for.

What do you think of Barnes entering the race?

Governor Barnes will energize a segment of the electorate and encourage additional citizens to get involved – that’s positive. His entrance may also shape much of the debate and that may be helpful and instructive as well.

How far will you go for State's Rights?

I believe our Federal government is constitutionally limited and those powers not specifically provided are reserved for the states and/or individuals. I will defend Georgia’s right to self-govern and Georgian’s right to self-determination to the fullest consistent with the U.S. Constitution.

If you were voting on HB1, how would you vote?

I believe life begins at conception and from that point until natural death each person has an unalienable right to life endowed by their Creator as clearly stated in our Declaration. That said, I would vote No on HB1 for numerous reasons including the bill’s inclusion of unnecessary and extraneous material that serves only to incite, fails to advance the cause, and may encourage legal challenge.

Do you understand HR1 (this one is a resolution, not a bill) and do you think it is the right thing for the citizens?

I believe I do and I believe the question goes beyond HR 1 and the freezing of property reassessments. Similar initiatives have been tried in cities, counties and states around the country, and they haven’t worked well. However, I understand the frustration with rising real estate assessments that often fail to accurately reflect true market value. We need comprehensive property tax reform in Georgia. So, instead of focusing on one particular exemption or another or freezing reassessments, we need to overhaul the entire system to make it just and equitable for all our homeowners and businesses.

@DLTMontana asks:

What is your plan to help balance the budget while tax revenues continue to deteriorate?

I support a two-fold approach. First, the zero-based budgeting proposal requires that all State agencies and departments, periodically, justify their existence by developing a budget starting at $0 rather than the prior year’s spending. Over time, zero-based budgeting will limit bloat in worthwhile programs and departments and reveal those programs and departments that have outlived their usefulness to the taxpayers and therefore, should be discontinued. Second, the Legislature also needs to re-examine on a periodic basis the numerous exemptions, allowances, and exclusions provided in the voluminous laws passed each session for opportunities to repeal those provisions no longer positively contributing to our State. The repeals would thereby increase state revenues.

What will you do that is "Pro-small business" in Gwinnett?

Both my parents own small businesses as does my wife and as I did for twenty years. State government’s primary burden on small business is administrative. Frequently the reporting requirements and information is the same furnished to the Departments of Labor, Revenue, Licensing and others. I believe we can streamline reporting, standardize the information and reporting cycles, and relieve small business of a significant burden of compliance and penalties that result from attempting to comply.

Further, the State must recognize that economic development is not simply about attracting new business, but includes opportunities for existing small businesses to grow and prosper. Appropriate incentives providing a measurable return on taxpayer investment should be available to existing small business as well as larger corporate relocations.

Dan Dixon asks:

What do you want to accomplish in the Georgia House of Representatives?

Working with my fellow Legislators, I want to accomplish the following:

Transportation: Finally pass a transportation funding plan that will result in measurable improvements to mobility, congestion mitigation, and access.

Service Delivery: Complete a comprehensive streamlining of state government that includes zero-based budgeting, elimination of numerous entitlements and exemptions, and fairly and efficiently delivers services to our taxpayers at the lowest possible cost.

Education: Preserve our public education system while allowing expansion of charter schools and school choice by empowering parents and local educators to determine the best environment for each individual child.

Taxes: Reform the outdated tax code of Georgia resulting in improved efficiencies and lower taxes on our families and businesses. What worked 50 years ago, may not work today. By reducing the burden of government, we will encourage expansion of private enterprise and additional job creation.

As the campaign moves forward, I will present plans and ideas to accomplish these goals.

What can be done in Georgia about unfunded mandates from the federal government?

Not all federal programs are mandatory; sometimes we just have to say no. By saying yes to every offer, we have too often tied our hands, given up local control, and shackled our local taxpayers with burdens that last years.

In other instances, we must advocate forcefully with our Congressional delegation to pass changes to federal regulations, especially administrative authority within many departments that has grown beyond its’ original intent, to eliminate the burden on state governments imposed by passage of federal legislation. We must also do the same with regard to state mandates passed on to our counties and cities.

What do you think of term limits for the Legislative Branch?

Clearly the Constitution and our Founding Father’s realized the need for term limits within the Executive Branch. I suspect most would have also supported term limits for legislators as well. I certainly support term limits as I implemented limits on both the Office of Mayor and Council in Snellville when in office previously.

How much government is too much on the state level?

Just as the federal government is limited by the U.S. Constitution, our State Constitution establishes the parameters for local government. I believe firmly in free-market principles and individual liberty and responsibility; therefore, I will work to limit the scope of government whenever possible and whenever government attempts to grow beyond its’ Constitutional bounds.

@SnellvilleBlog asks:

What would you consider to be your biggest failure, and how did you come back from it?

My biggest failure in public life was the inability to secure our community’s overwhelming desire regarding billboards and being forced via court order to stand aside as improperly manufactured structures were patched and re-erected. I don’t know that one ever comes back from a tragedy that results in the loss of innocent life, you fight the good fight, you eventually move on, but you never forget or feel a complete sense of recovery.

If someone came to you and expressed a desire to get into political office, what advice would you give?

I would encourage them to pursue their desire. I would encourage them to maintain a sense of vision, excitement, passion, and service and guard against cynicism, detachment, and personal animosity. Holding political office can be a tough job, but immensely gratifying too when you are a part of solving a problem impacting your community.

My campaign slogan is Less Talk, More Action, Brett Harrell Delivers. I have been fortunate to be a part of several significant improvements to our community – Snellville’s new City Hall, Senior Center, and Recycling Center and the soon to be completed U.S. 78 safety project that removed the overhead reversible lane and light system. It is very gratifying to witness hundreds and thousands of citizens benefit from such improvements and if fortunate enough to represent our community at the State Capitol, I intend to continue delivering for all who live or work in District 106.

How can people get involved in your campaign?

I welcome any and all that would like to get involved with the campaign. There are many opportunities:

Join our Facebook supporter page and receive campaign updates and information.www.facebook.com/voteharrell [add a link on your page too]

Encourage your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to do the same.

Volunteer to be a street or neighborhood Captain (assist with signs, literature, phone calls)

Invite me to a neighborhood, church, or business event to visit, listen, or speak.

Support the campaign financially by contributing to: Friends of Brett Harrell, P.O. Box 1135, Snellville, GA 30078 or via a secure online contribution at: http://www.voteharrell.com/

You can reach Brett Harrell at 404-966-5804 or by email: Brett@VoteHarrell.com

Connect with me:

You can follow me on Twitter -You can also find Gwinnett County Headlines Examiner on Facebook Have an interesting story? E-mail me! I can't promise to use everything you send, but I do promise to consider it.
Author: D. Dixon

You can see D.'s articles on D.'s Home Page.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Walton Co. Tea Party - Remarks on 22nd Amendment

I was honored to be asked to share remarks at the Walton County Tea Party, on our Independence Day, July 4, 2009 on the 22nd Amendment.

Good evening, I am Brett Harrell from Gwinnett and I will share some thoughts on the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951 and provides that, “No person shall be elected to the Office of President more than twice.”

In common language, the 22nd Amendment to our Constitution establishes Term Limits for our highest elected executive office. It is an example that ought to be emulated throughout the executive branches of government at all levels as our Founder’s wisely established a system of citizen legislators not career politicians.

Before you surmise the 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was simply a more recent response to President Franklin Roosevelt’s four terms, recall the words of Thomas Jefferson in 1805 who wrote, “General Washington set the example of voluntary retirement after eight years. I shall follow it and a few more precedents will oppose the obstacle of habit to anyone after a while who shall endeavor to extend his term. Perhaps it may beget a disposition to establish it by an amendment of the Constitution.” Clearly Jefferson contemplated Constitutional term limits.

Further evidence our Founder’s intended limited terms for many in public office, Jefferson wrote in 1807, “If some to the service of the Chief Magistrate be not fixed by the Constitution or supplied by practice, his office normally four years, will in fact become life.” His letter to the Legislature of Vermont continued, “Believing that a representative government, responsible at short periods of election, is that which produces the greatest sum of happiness to mankind. I feel it a duty to do no act which shall essentially impair that principle; and I should unwillingly be the person who, disregarding the sound precedent set by an illustrious predecessor, should finish the first example of prolongation beyond the second term of office.”

Our Founder’s recognized the dangers of extended terms and in practice, voluntarily set term limits themselves. They understood the dangers of an accumulation of power and their actions reflected the adage of Lord Acton who wrote in 1887, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

As citizens, we must remain ever vigilant. We cannot rest on the wise counsel of our Founding Fathers or even an established Amendment to our Constitution.

Consider that on January 20, 2009, the very day President Barack Obama swore an Oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, those that would see him serve indefinitely launched an internet campaign and website at End22.com an effort to repeal the 22nd Amendment. New York Representative Jose Serrano introduced House Resolution 5, as his has done several times previously, on January 6, 2009 to abolish the 22nd Amendment.

Were it not for the incredible personal integrity of our first President George Washington, we may very well live under a Monarch today. As free citizens, we must remain vigilant and involved and we must insist that those we elect serve with the integrity, courage, and honor of our Founders.

Thank you, happy Independence Day, and God Bless you all.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Thank you Susan

I am exercising a point of personal privilege today and posting a message that may mean little to many, but means much to me and those that have had the privilege of learning from Susan Weiner. Susan has led the Coverdell Leadership Institute since its' founding in 1995.

Dearest Susan:

I apologize for not standing and delivering these comments last evening. I was too concerned that I would not complete my thoughts, facing you, without losing composure. That would surely have disappointed you and that is something no Coverdell graduate would ever knowingly do.

That said; this is what I should have said:

Good evening.

My name is Brett Harrell, Class of 1999, Gwinnett County.

A decade ago, I walked into a classroom at Callaway Gardens and met a white, Yankee woman, from New York City no less, who spent a career in performing arts, and also happened to be Jewish. She said she was a Republican.

She told our class an incredible story. A story of stereotypical contradictions no fiction writer could imagine. A story of this foreign woman, a woman of sincere conviction, beliefs, and values that traveled to the most Southern of cities – Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah was a city steeped in Southern tradition, none too welcoming of any Yankee, especially not a New Yorker, most especially not a woman, and most certainly not a Jew. She told a story of persistence, outreach, determination, and steadfast reliance on core values that she knew would resonate with all people of goodwill.

She told a story of constant outreach and absolute transparency to all interested individuals regardless of creed, color, or ideology. She told a story of a “good ole boy”, male-dominated, Bible-belt community comprised of significant Democrat and minority populations and strength.

Her story ended after battle, after battle, after battle, with her successful election. A white, New York, Jewish, female, artistic, Republican elected Mayor of the most Southern of southern cities – Savannah, Georgia.

But, as we all know, that wasn’t the end of her story, rather the beginning of ours. We all know how Susan infects our minds, she gets under our skin, but most importantly, she is infused into our hearts.

As she concluded her story in Callaway Gardens, she said she would teach us how to do the same. How to change our communities for the better – no matter the obstacles before us – maintaining a steadfast adherence to core beliefs and principles, armed with the tools necessary to persuade and communicate, we too, could change our communities.

I was inspired. So, in 1999, a decade ago, based on the principles and guidance provided by Susan Weiner, I assembled a team and set out to change my community. Future CLI graduates including current City of Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer and current State Representative and soon to be Georgia’s first Republican Labor Commissioner Melvin Everson joined me in a campaign to oust a 28-year incumbent Democrat administration and set our City on a path of positive future progress.

We succeeded. Based on Susan’s tutelage, we captured four of six seats on City Council including my election as Snellville’s first Republican Mayor. We set out a bold vision and agenda that positively changed our community for generations to come. Five successive property tax millage rate cuts – beyond the roll-back rate – expanded Police Personnel, improved pay and benefits for all City employees, expanded Park services and over 100 acres of permanent greenspace, a new City Hall, new Senior Center, and state-of-the-art Recycling Center. All of these improvements with improved efficiency and lower cost to our taxpaying citizens and businesses. None of these successes would have been possible without Susan Weiner.

So, on behalf of the twenty-thousand citizens of Snellville, that today enjoy an improved quality of life, improved City services, and lower burden of government, and will never know your name; but, most especially, on behalf of Jerry, Melvin, and me, that will never forget your name – thank you Susan, for none of this would be possible without you, we love you.

Brett Harrell
CLI Class of 1999

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Remembering America's Heroes

I delivered the following remarks, while Mayor of Snellville, on May 5, 2000 at T.W. Briscoe Park at the Opening Ceremony of the Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Opening Ceremony Vietnam Experience Wall

Good morning.

I’ll be brief because I know you didn’t come today to hear politicians speak.

On behalf of the CITIZENS of Snellville, WELCOME.

Thank for coming and allowing us – in some small way – to say “Thank You” and “Salute America’s Heroes.”

You are truly America’s Heroes.

And though I know only a very few of you . . . you have changed my life.
You’ve risked losing your family and friends – so I could be with mine.

You’ve risked losing your jobs and businesses – so I could have mine.

You’ve missed once in a lifetime events – childbirth, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and funerals – so I wouldn’t miss those events in my life.

You’ve done all these things and more for me – and I’ve done so little for you.

You have lived our Declaration of Independence, which says, “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

The men and women represented on the wall behind you have given the ultimate sacrifice and have fulfilled the biblical truism –
There is no greater love than to give your life for another.

We will never experience here on earth, the joy and peace they share today. We can only aspire to one day join them.

Again, thank you for coming and allowing us to Salute America’s Heroes.

May God Bless you and your families.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Welcome home Mr. Speaker

Have you heard the news? Newt just Poped!


According to most reports, Newt became increasingly attracted to the universal church while attending mass with his wife, Callista, a member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. [We have the coolest names don't we!]

Reports suggest the former Speaker will join in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church during this year's Lenten Season.

This calls for a toast! Welcome home Mr. Speaker!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

It’s a tie vote – you win!

Much discussion, deliberation, and unusual interest of late on the issue of tie votes by various governing bodies and boards. Largely, a tie vote is a non-issue, the system works, and generally the governed win in a tie. Certainly, tie votes by local boards are not comparable to issues of national significance such as those pending before the U.S. Supreme Court or other courts of law. Regardless, the local community is most often the best determinant if tie votes are negatively affecting the community.

So, my first thought is why is a State Senator who professes a governmental philosophy of local control and personal responsibility inciting the issue? Should tie votes rise to the level of negatively affecting a community, the voters will most assuredly rectify the situation. Our Declaration of Independence establishes that the people, “will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed.” It is the community of people, subject to the board casting tie votes, which should originate change, if change is necessary, not the lofty elected further removed from the citizenry in the governance food chain.

One “solution” proposed is to remove the vote from the presiding officer; thereby, reducing the likelihood of ties votes and eliminating personal responsibility and accountability for the non-voter. At the recent town meeting the newspapers quoted a former mayor proudly stating, “I had the job for 26 years, and I voted twice and got in trouble both times.” The mayor, chairman, or whatever title assigned to a governing body or board should hold that position as a leader, establishing vision and direction for the body, and he should lead by example, that example is his vote. The leader must also be accountable to those that chose him to lead and his voting record provides that accountability. I assure you, in the present form of government in my community where the mayor votes, that position has much, much less power and influence than our previous form of government when the mayor did not vote.

I served with the former mayor quoted in the newspapers and the media made much of our great battles and disagreements. Truthfully and factually, however, I voted 92% of the time in agreement with that mayor’s position. As I understand it, the current number of tie votes in my local community remains at nearly the same percentage – 8%. To the best of my ability to discern, the vast majority of those tie votes are on issues of little import to daily lives of citizens and businesses.

Yes, sometimes governance is ugly and divisive, but over time, it generally works. Our nation’s founding was an ugly time in our history. Were it not for the personal integrity of General Washington our nation today may be a monarchy rather than a democratic republic. My community endured one form of government for over a quarter of a century then deliberately, systematically, and cautiously made change. Our new form of government is youthful and while locally driven improvements continue, should be free from usurpations of the powerful.

What does it really mean when a governing body or board casts a tie vote? It means the issue was not compelling enough to gain a majority and therefore, you win. It does not mean the issue is dead. The advocate must simply go back to work, improve the proposal, and present it again – you win again.

Finally, if tie votes rise to the level of impeding the successful operation of an organization, without prodding, those governed will become well aware of the divide and will certainly rectify the situation at the ballot box as our forefathers intended.