In this week's special edition of Buddy's Briefing, I get the Christmas spirit from none other than you, the people of Georgia's First Congressional District. 

A note to our readers: After I wrote this week’s column, I realized a recurring theme throughout my meetings this week. Most of my meetings were with City, County and business leaders who are planning and preparing for the future of their respective areas in our district. Whether it be water and sewer expansion in Riceboro and Jesup, industrial development in Blackshear, housing in Savannah and Alma, new roads in Baxley, a new airport in Camden or an upgraded recreational park in Folkston, our leaders are planning and preparing. We have much to be thankful for in our District and strong leadership among our elected officials and business community is certainly at the top of the list.

Monday, December 18, 2023: On Saturday, I had the honor of attending the 17th annual Wreaths for Warriors Walk ceremony at Fort Stewart in Liberty County. Since 2007, this yearly occasion honors the fallen soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of the War on Terror. Sadly, the number of wreaths is up to 469. As I visited with the Gold Star families and heard the stories of their loved ones and after being inspired by the words of Major General Christopher Norrie who gave the keynote address during the ceremony, I was reminded of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely in the greatest nation in the world. Later in the afternoon, I was excited to join constituents in McIntosh County at Sapelo Hammock Golf Club and bring them holiday greetings.

I’m in Brunswick this morning and meet with a constituent to discuss district issues before heading to Darien in McIntosh County where I meet with state, county, and city officials to discuss the ailing shrimping industry and the potential of a Georgia Seafood Authority. Plagued by the dumping of excess imports from other countries, shrimpers along the South Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico are seeing less and less demand for their products, making survival difficult.

Afterwards, I head back to Glynn County where I meet with a group of elected and business leaders to discuss issues impacting the area before heading to Woodbine in Camden County where I meet with county officials to discuss a replacement for the airport. Camden has been without an airport since the former airports closure many years ago but has identified a number of sites for a replacement.

Next, I head to Folkston in Charlton County where I meet with my good friend, County Commissioner Jesse Crews, and others to discuss a new recreation park to replace the existing park and bring more sporting events to the area. After stopping in Nahunta in Brantley County to congratulate and speak to newly elected Mayor Marty Lee, I head to our Brunswick office where I host a tele-town hall meeting with special guest Rabbi Refson with Chabad of Savannah who brings us up to date on the situation in Israel and the increase in antisemitism here in the U.S. After hearing from Rabbi Refson, I answer questions from those participating as well as listen to their comments.

Carter at Fort Stewart Gold Star Families event

Tuesday, December 19, 2023: I’m live on the radio this morning with my good friend, John Fredericks, as we discuss news of the day, and afterwards head to the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s 217th annual meeting at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort on Hutchinson Island. After having the opportunity to address the group and bring them up to date on issues in Washington, I enjoy hearing of the Savannah area’s great accomplishments this past year.

As I head to our Savannah District office, I join in on our all staff conference call and, once in our office, I meet with a Jewish constituent and good friend who shares with me his concern for the situation in Israel and the antisemitism he and other members of our Jewish community have been experiencing lately.

Next, I head to downtown Savannah where I have an interview with the Savannah Morning News (SMN) to discuss childcare before heading to the weekly meeting of the Savannah Kiwanis Club. Once back in our district office, I meet with a constituent to discuss her work with FEMA before heading to Pooler City Hall where I meet with staff to check on the status of transportation grants awarded from the Federal government.

Afterwards, I head to a retirement reception for long time Pooler City Manager Robbie Byrd, before heading to Richmond Hill in Bryan County for their Legislative Mix & Mingle where I join area state legislators for an update on our work and a preview on the upcoming year.

Carter with Savannah Kiwanis Club

Wednesday, December 20, 2023: After catching up on work in our Savannah District office this morning, I head to the Savannah Convention Center Authority meeting on Hutchinson Island as they review another successful year and introduce Kelvin Moore as the new general manager of the center.

Once back in our Savannah office, I meet with my good friend and Alzheimer’s advocate extraordinaire Donna Camacho before meeting with another constituent for an interesting discussion on the Palestine/Israel situation, immigration, and health care. After meeting with a local small manufacturing firm to discuss the impact of increased imported metal costs, I have an interview with the SMN to discuss my trip to COP28 before heading to the EnMarket Arena in Savannah where I volunteer at the 15th annual Feed the Hungry Christmas dinner.

Carter volunteers at 15th annual Feed the Hungry Christmas dinner

Thursday, December 21, 2023: I’m in Alma in Bacon County this morning as I meet with Mayor Larry Taylor and other city and county officials before joining in on a virtual meeting of the Climate and Freedom International Coalition meeting where I bring them up to date on my COP28 experience and free market climate and energy solutions being discussed in Congress.

Next, I join in on our all staff conference call before heading to Baxley in Appling County where I meet with city, county, and chamber of commerce leaders including Mayor Tim Varnadoe and County Commission Chair Leslie Burch. After a great meeting, I head to Riceboro in Liberty County where I meet with Mayor Chris Stacy and other city officials to discuss their water and sewer expansion plans.

After a great meeting, I head to Jesup in Wayne County where I meet with my good friend, Shaun Oquinn, to discuss proposed changes by the government to financial advisor services. Later, I participate in the annual Wayne County Christmas parade, always held at night and one of the most fun parades of the year.

Friday, December 22, 2023: My day begins with a radio interview with Politically Georgia as I discuss news of the day including a review of this past legislative year and a look forward to next year.

Next, I head to Blackshear in Pierce County as I meet with city and county leaders who take me on a tour of the Industrial Development Park where new rail lines have been added and they explain the need for a new entrance to the park. Afterwards, I head back to Jesup in Wayne County where I meet with city, county and business leaders to discuss the need for a major upgrade to their sewer system.

Carter with signed Pierce County State Championship print

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's telephone town hall. I always love the chance to talk with the people of Georgia's First Congressional District and answer your questions. 

During the call, I promised to follow up on two issues in this week's newsletter:

H.R. 3206 - This bill eliminates the additional tax on Social Security benefits for seniors. With Bidenomics bleeding Americans dry, people on fixed incomes are especially impacted by inflation. Our tax system is the first place we should be looking when we are faced with a broken economy, and I will continue to examine this and other policies to lift up the American people and bring economic growth to our nation, state, and district. 

Pay Raise at Kings Bay - My staff and I are aware of concerns over a pay raise disparity at King's Bay. We will continue looking into this issue and appreciate those who have come forward with their experience.