Monday, March 14, 2022: If you’re from Savannah, this is one of your favorite weeks of the year- St. Patrick’s Day week! After attending the Chatham County GOP breakfast in Savannah on Saturday morning where I was honored to be one of the guest speakers, I headed out to the one and only Tybee Island for their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. This is one of the many events in our area this week that makes St. Patrick’s Day week so special. Also participating in the parade was the 2022 Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshall, my long-time friend Danny Powers, his adjutant staff, and other Savannah parade committee members.
Later that day, I had the honor of speaking at the South Effingham Junior ROTC annual banquet held at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler. This fine group of young men and women are truly an inspiration and one of the many reasons I am so excited about the future of our country.
On Sunday, the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association (GADA) held their annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah and one of our own- Jesse Crews from Charlton County in the First District- was inducted in the Class of 2022. For over 5 decades, Jesse has served his community by inspiring and encouraging young people to reach their full potential. A father, grandfather, athletic director, county commissioner, and church deacon- you name it- Jesse Crews has truly been a servant leader. I am honored to call him my friend and I was honored to be at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Afterwards, I stopped by the Celtic Cross Procession that ended in Emmet Park at the Celtic Cross Monument dedicated to the past, present, and future of Irish heritage.
This morning, I head to the offices of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) on Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah where I meet with my good friend, Tripp Tollison, who brings me up to date on all the good economic news in our area.
Afterwards, I head to the Chatham County Police Headquarters off Chatham Parkway where I meet with Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley, Savannah Police Department Chief Roy Minter, and Chatham County Sheriff John T. Wilcher to discuss the staffing challenges they face during these turbulent times. Having been a mayor for many years, I understand the importance of having strong local leaders in key positions. We are blessed in Chatham County to have these stellar law enforcement officers leading our departments.
Next, I head to our Savannah District office where I have a phone call with a West Chatham County Community Watch member to discuss issues of concern and afterwards have a call with two citizens from Liberty County regarding issues involving the County Commission.
After a great meeting with representatives from Alora Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta to discuss legislation that I have introduced, I have a call with a representative from the American Society of Anesthesiologists to discuss healthcare issues.