Bennett joins county elections board

 John Bennett of Hiawassee is the newest member of the Towns County Board of Elections and Registration. 

He was sworn into office by Judge David Rogers on May 8 after being selected by the Towns County Democratic Executive Committee to fill the vacancy created by the death of longtime Democratic member Loretta Youngblood. Bennett attended his first board meeting on May 10.

Towns County Democratic Chair Charlotte Sleczkowski thanked Bennett for his willingness to serve in this important public position and praised Youngblood for her many years of faithful service. “We were all saddened by Loretta’s passing and miss her greatly, as do her many friends and family. I know John will continue her proud legacy of dedicated service.”

Bennett is a 23-year Georgia resident. Born in New York City, Bennett, 70, graduated summa cum laude from Long Island University in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in math. He worked as a nuclear medicine technologist after graduation and later as a computer programmer for 40 years before retiring in 2019. 

Married to Kathryn “Kate” Bennett since 1987, John has three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild with another due in September. Before moving to Georgia, he previously lived in North Carolina, Florida, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York.

The county Board of Elections and Registration meets monthly. Other board members are Dr. Janet Oliva, chair, Betsy Young, Jeff Pierrot, and David Plunkett.

Judge David Rogers, right, administers the oath of office to John Bennett, the newest member of the Towns County Board of Elections and Registration.

Towns Democrats to hear from Hiawassee mayor

Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales will address the Towns County Democrats at their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 11.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center, 67 Lakeview Circle in Hiawassee.

Ordiales has been mayor of Hiawassee since the spring of 2017 when she moved from the Hiawassee City Council, where she had served for three years, into the position of mayor pro tem to complete an unexpired term. She was elected outright to the position in November 2018 and re-elected without opposition in November 2022.

With a professional background in sales and management with AT&T, during her time in office Mayor Ordiales has stressed downtown development, business expansion, and technology enhancement for the city. The mayor will provide an update on downtown redevelopment plans and other current programs when she speaks to the Democrats on Thursday.

Ordiales has lived in Towns County for more than 20 years and has been active in the Towns County Fire Corps, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity, and her church.

Towns County Democrats meet the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 at the Civic Center.