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Looking forward to serving
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I can honestly say that 2012 was an exciting year for my family.

We have been humbled by the tremendous support we received as I was elected to fill the state house seat being vacated by Amos Amerson.

I would like to thank Rep. Amerson for all of his support, encouragement and advice he has given me. I am looking forward to continuing to be able to call on him for counsel as the 2013 Legislative Session begins.

Amerson served us well for 12 years, and I am looking forward to working hard to continue to provide outstanding representation to the best area of our state.

As I write this column, I am preparing to end an almost 23 year career of public service at the local government level.

During this time I have developed deep and lifelong friendships with many of the residents across the district I will be serving. I am looking forward to building on these relationships and meeting new people as I serve at a different level.

The 2013 Legislative Session officially starts when I am sworn in Jan. 14.

During that week I will learn my committee assignments, find out where my office will be located and who my secretary will be in Atlanta.

It will be a hectic first few days, but I will learn my way around quickly and settle in well.

I have already been attending meetings and talking with my fellow representatives from across the state and with other state leaders about pressing issues that will be addressed during the session.

One of the questions that I often receive when talking with constituents is whether or not I plan to continue the Saturday breakfast that Amos started during the session to keep citizens informed. The answer is absolutely yes.

I feel that one of the areas our elected officials commonly drop the ball in is not engaging the voters and seeking their input on a regular basis.

The first breakfast is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at Ryans in Dawsonville and the next will be at 9 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Wagon Wheel in Dahlonega.

Sen. Steve Gooch and I have already held a town hall meeting in Dahlonega and one in Dawsonville a few weeks ago to solicit input prior to the session starting.

We plan to conduct town hall meetings in both locations again after the session ends in the spring.

I plan to write a regular column in the local papers about various issues we are dealing with in Atlanta on your behalf.

I would also like to encourage you to e-mail me at kevin@votekevintanner.com and to provide me with your e-mail address.

I plan to do a weekly e-mail during the session to keep you informed about what issues are being addressed that week, and I would love to add you to my contact list.

I also encourage you to friend me on Facebook where I will also be posting regular updates for your review.

I encourage you to let me know what your opinion is on the wide array of topics that will be addressed by the General Assembly.

I realize the seat I will be sitting in belongs to you the people, and I am honored to occupy it for a time on your behalf.

As always I am here to serve you and I would appreciate you calling on me anytime I can be of service.

State Rep.-elect Kevin Tanner can be reached at (678) 776-5059.