[ September 17, 2025 ] Mr. Lawrence:
WHY DIDN'T YOU HANDLE THIS WHEN YOU WERE IN OFFICE? HAVE YOU SEEN THE RUNOFF ISSUES ON THIS PROJECT AT FAIRVIEW, OLD FAIRVIEW AND SHELBY LANE RUNNING RIGHT INTO A CREEK THAT DUMPS INTO POLECAT BRANCH?
In 1780 John Adams established one of the fundamental principles of a constitutional democracy: we are a government of laws not men. This principle is often mentioned when we need to reaffirm, like now, that no one, not even the most powerful, not even you, is above the law, and that justice must be based on established legal principles rather than personal power.
In the City of Jasper Charter which we so proudly watched Governor Kemp sign on May 6, 2021, the duties and responsibilities of mayor are clearly defined. You yourself dropped the gavel on that document. Nowhere in those sixteen Powers and Duties of the Mayor does it say the mayor makes decisions with one exception: in the case of a tie vote. That document, after unanimous vote by the council, in the House and in the Senate, was signed into law, again establishing Jasper as a city of laws not men, after decades of ignoring it. That Charter acts as our Constitution.
These are not just "rules" that establish due process in the State of Georgia, these are LAWS, and as elected and appointed, we swear to uphold them.
Common sense government, like we have had in Jasper for the last three decades is the last thing our forefathers wanted, but I understand why you and your special interest supporters and cronies would want it: decisions which bypass the law. We cannot go back!
If there are lives at stake on Shelby Lane, those lives rest squarely on your shoulders. That project is just one instance of many where you did not assure due processes and laws of the city of Jasper or the State of Georgia were followed (Charter 2.31.16), and, in my opinion, you thereby did not perform the powers and duties of your office.
The Shelby Lane project extends from even before day 1 of your term, sworn in January 3, 2020, until your last day when Mayor Raffield took over, January 8, 2024, 1460 days.
• Was a curb cut permit applied for, designed and supported by the city of Jasper to the DOT? Yes. Begun by Mayor Weaver, and then, after modification, accomplished very early in your term.
• Was a curb cut plan reviewed, approved and built. Yes: for the curb cut ONLY.
• Were site plans reviewed according to our city processes? No sir
• Were permits applied for and granted according to our processes? No sir
• Was the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission contacted, and hydrology verified, an erosion control plan submitted, and a land disturbance permit granted? No sir
• Was the building Committee or council aware of this project? No sir. (Violation of Charter 2.31.10)
• Were the roads built to DOT and Jasper Standards? We have no idea.
• Were surveys done, deeds prepared, and council involved in taking over the roads? No sir
• Did the developer, a savvy supporter of your campaign, promise to conform to our request to supply such information? Yes sir, multiple times, for over a year.
• Did he do so? No sir
Sir, your lack of adherence to our charter has delayed an admittedly good project for almost six years. When this finally did come before us, we realized that due process had not been followed, and a myriad of state and local laws had been ignored. I repeat, any lives lost, or injuries sustained are on you.
I ASK: WHY DIDN'T YOU BRING THIS BEFORE COUNCIL IN A TIMELY FASHION, AND FOLLOW THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MAYOR IN OUR CHARTER AS YOU ARE SWORN TO DO? AND AGAIN, WHY DIDN'T YOU MAKE SURE THIS PROJECT GOT DONE WHILE YOU WERE STILL IN OFFICE?
I believe it to still be salvageable. And yes, it will take common sense government, if and when it is done it will be done legally.
Citizens of Jasper: Please vote to support good government established by laws. Leave common sense to the good ole boys.
Please vote to re-elect Sonny Proctor to Jasper City Council.
Sonny Proctor, M.D.
Mayor Pro Tem Jasper City Council
Cell - 770-893-8667
fcpiii@hotmail.com
***** PAID FOR BY KAREN AND SONNY PROCTOR *****