Former Commissioner proud of past work

Chuck Horton, former Oconee County
Commission, said he always tried to do
the right thing.

     Chuck Horton, former Oconee County Commissioner, said his time in county government as worthwhile and is proud of his accomplishments.

     “Getting us moving ahead with growth… that was really an accomplishment,” said Horton during an interview with University of Georgia journalism students on Monday. His action to build North Oconee High School to produce smaller class sizes met resistance in 2004, but he signed the official papers to purchase the land.

     During the process of establishing the new high school in 2004, Horton also defended the need to follow the formal process when making decisions. He was the only person on the school board to vote to not break the rules during the board’s decision on whether to ban certain books.

     “I wouldn’t have done it any different, because it was the right thing to do,” said Horton when asked about his decision to follow the formal process and take a stand for his beliefs.

     Horton also said the increase in openness and fiscal responsibility of Oconee county among his greatest accomplishments.

      “The vote that we took to limit the power of the county commission chair has to go down as one of the biggest things I’ve ever played a part in,” said Horton in regards to the county’s openness.
     Horton's impact on the community continues today with his volunteer work with Extra Special People, an organization that supports children with developmental disabilities, and through his position as Parking Director for the city of Athens.