Teen Republican chapter kicking off in Cherokee
by Kristal Dixon
kdixon@cherokeetribune.com
February 10, 2011 12:00 AM | 1773 views | 2 2 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Teens who subscribe to the ideology of the Republican Party will soon have a group to share their viewpoints with others like them.

Brandon Roberts, a Cherokee High School student, is actively seeking a charter to start a Cherokee County Teen Republicans chapter.

The first monthly meeting will take place at 1 p.m. on April 16 and the inauguration of officers will be held at 11 a.m. on April 30. Both meetings will be held at Fields Chapel United Methodist Church in Canton.

Cherokee County Teen Republicans will mainly serve as a vehicle for students to come together and have "intellectual discussions" and get involved with the Republican Party, said Brandon, the 15-year-old son of Jason and Jenny Roberts of Sutallee.

The group is open to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19. Club members don't have to live in Cherokee County. Along with talking about current events, the group will encourage teens to get involved with the election process.

The chapter will also be allowed to conduct fundraisers and support county and state Republican Party organizations.

Brandon, a freshman at Cherokee High, said he has about six members active in the group so far. He needed five to obtain a state charter from the Georgia Teen Republicans, which he hopes to receive by the April 16 meeting.

Brandon, who has been attending local government meetings for more than a year, already has been active in Georgia Republican politics. He served as a page in the Georgia House of Representatives last April.

He also was a precinct captain for John Oxendine last year during the Republican primary election campaign for the governorship.

"I really like their conservative values," he said as to why he's active with the Republican Party.

There are more than 30 chapters of Georgia Teen Republicans across the state. Chapters close to Cherokee are in Cobb, Fulton and Bartow counties. There had been a Cherokee County Teen Republicans club in the past.

Serving as the new Cherokee chapter's adult advisor is Jason Nelms of Woodstock, post 4 member of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

Nelms was approached by Brandon and was "really impressed" with the teen's determination. Nelms said he will serve as a "sounding board" for the chapter, and members can bounce ideas off him.

Cherokee High junior Scott Spears, 17, son of Jeff and Bonny Spears of Canton, said he looks forward to being involved in the group once it's up and running.

It's beneficial, he said, for young people to learn as much about the electoral process and politics as possible.

Involving young people in their community is very beneficial, Nelms said.

"As long as they are involved, doing the right thing for the right purpose, I think it's a good thing for the country," he said.
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Kyle Constable
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February 23, 2011
I helped Brandon with the process to obtain a charter with the Georgia Teen Republicans. He has worked tirelessly to get this group off the ground and continues to impress me with his dedication to seeing it grow and expand. We'll definitely see more of Brandon in Georgia politics in the coming years!
Denise O.
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February 11, 2011
This will not be the last time you read about Brandon Roberts and his contributions to Cherokee County! What an example he is to young people across our county and at such a young age! You make us proud, Brandon!
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