ELLIJAY, Ga. – “I don’t mind people trying to influence my vote in a proper way, that’s politics in America. I don’t mind listening to arguments for and against any proposal in an unbiased manner and seriously considering whatever points are made. I don’t mind changing my position if the totality of the information I have warrants it. I do very much mind being told how I have to vote. Even more than that, I mind the intimidation tactics.”

A part of the statement made by Gilmer Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris on Thursday night, March 10, 2022, sums up the feelings he conveyed as he paused the county meeting during the Rezoning Requests.

Specifically, three rezoning requests that were noted on the agenda for Philip Cash, James Weston Quintrell, and Britton Lyle Quintrell were the ones Paris spoke against. The board as a whole raised several questions with the request including its location and water access. The requests were located on Patterson Lane, Tax Map 3118 Parcel Numbers 020, 023, and o24. The requests were to go from A-1 Agricultural to R-1 Residential Low Density.

Paris restated some of his concerns on the requests from the work session including Blue Ridge not providing the water as he was informed and the road being accessed from Fannin County requiring emergency services having to travel into Fannin and back into Gilmer to reach the subdivision when needed.

Paris went on to say that he received emails furthering the intimidation tactics and reminding him that people were watching how he would vote. He also noted that a comment was made to him by a Mr. Quintrell stating, “You know what week this is right?” Paris called this an obvious reference to qualifying week for the election including Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

Gilmer Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris

Paris went on to say that he still believes in the Builders Association and in the need for a partnership between the association and the BOC.

He stated, “I’m convinced there are many fine people associated with the Builder’s Association. Almost all of them, in fact, are decent people with good intentions. As individuals, they have my complete respect. They work hard and they provide a valuable service and a valuable industry to our county. We are fortunate to have them. I very much want to have a good working relationship with them.”

Paris went on to note that even if the board denies the request, the board later did vote unanimously to deny, the Quintrells could move ahead with building a subdivision at this location, though it will be limited in size and number of lots to meet the size requirements of each.

Paris also noted that if they work quickly, the will likely be able to build the subdivision under the three-acre-rule instead of the newer five-acre-rule. Paris said that if denied for the request and the builders move to have the project before the three-acre-rule expires, the county would work with them on that rule as normal.

When speaking on the intimidation tactic of qualifying week, Paris said that one more day of qualifying remained, so anyone who wanted to install an opponent that would be more amenable to their wants could do so. He said, “Let me be very clear now. I will always cast my vote, on any subject, with my only objective being to do what is best for the citizens of Gilmer County.”