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Politics & Government

Lilburn-Mountain Park Election Guide

The candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Lilburn and Gwinnett County.

As we look ahead to this year's elections, Lilburn-Mountain Park Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in the area. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as elections draw near. Bookmark this page for updates.

TSPLOST: To say that the penny sales tax for transportation projects across the region is polarizing is an understatement. Voters will vote "yes" or "no" on the Transportation Referendum on July 31. Proponents say there is no other way to fund much-needed projects that will alleviate traffic congestion; you've probably seen the signs to Untie Gwinnett. While there are varying degrees and opinions of the best way to use the  money — from trails and light rails to buses and road improvements only — there are those who are openly opposed to any new taxes, arguing that it isn't about congestion relief at all.  

US House District 4: Republican Greg Pallen is part of what is fast becoming a crowded race for the 4th Congressional District (which includes parts of Lilburn) between incumbent Hank Johnson and his fellow Democratic challengers Courtney L. Dillard Sr. and Lincoln Nunnally, fellow Republican J. Chris Vaughn and potential Green Party challenger .

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

U.S. House District 7: Incumbent Rob Woodall (Republican) has some primary competition on July 31 as well as opposition in the general election in November. Woodall, who is an attorney in Lawrenceville, succeeded John Linder to represent the 7th. He is an advocate of the Fair Tax, he is pro-life and speaks more on the issues here. He will face David Hancock of , in the Republican Primary on July 31. His website says that he will support either a Flat Tax or a Fair Tax, believes that life begins at conception, and according to his website, will only seek one term. He will not be accepting campaign contributions and instead, states that everything you need to know about him is on his website and in his articles. 

The winner of the Primary will go forward to face Steve Reilly, who is the unopposed Democrat candidate for House District 7. Reilly is an attorney with Andrew, Merritt, Reilly & Smith, LLP and says he is running to bring Congress back to the “sensible center.”  Among the issues listed on his website is the need for ethical reform.

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

State Senate District 9: An interesting race for sure as Travis Bowden of Snellville and Steve Ramey of Lilburn challenge incumbent Don Balfour for the Republican bid. Bowden has already called for Balfour's removal based on ethics charges. In a recent Patch question of the day concerning gifts from lobbyists to legislators, Ramey commented that he had taken a "vow not to take gifts from lobbyist[s]." 

Balfour, who has served for 18 years, is the longest serving Republican in the State Senate. He is Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and also serves on the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, and the Health and Human Services Committee.

Though some are saying that a run-off may be inevitable from the three-man race, the winner will move on to face Scott Drake (Democrat) in November. Drake, an attorney from Grayson says he will work to "initiate and support stronger ethics legislation."

Judges: Gwinnett County sees several candidates for three key judicial positions up for election this year. The next debate is June 25 at 7 p.m. by Gwinnett's Republican Party at GJAC, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Because these are non-partisan, these names will be on all ballots on July 31st, and barring run-offs, the election of each will be decided that day.

Gwinnett Probate Court Judge: Chris Ballar and Marlene Duwell.

Gwinnett Superior Court Judge: Tracey Mason Blasi, Chris McClurg, Kathy Schrader, and Giles Sexton

State Court of Gwinnett Judge: Emily Brantley, Pam Britt, Norman Cuadra, Greg Lundy, and Richard Winegarden 

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