A local group is reactivating to focus on bringing “life” back to the county.

Energize Elbert County was established in 2004, and is again back in action.

Creators of the nonprofit, nonpartisan group, Karen and Jerry Suchan are gearing up to bring the issues of the county to the residents — and they’re asking for anyone interested to help in their quest.

Back in 2004, the organization had monthly town-hall style meetings to discuss a variety of issues in Elbert County, to gain education about what’s going on in the county and to take action on the issues.

Jerry Suchan said the purpose of the organization is to identify community information and issues, bring together residents who are interested in the issues and bring leadership skills into Energize to be used in action in the county.

To reactivate the organization, Jerry said he and his wife are looking for at least three to five Elbert County residents interested in taking leadership positions on the new Energize board of leaders.

Some of the goals Jerry would like to see achieved by the board includes making Energize Elbert County a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. He said he also wants to find speakers for programs and make the public aware of the organization, to in turn generate interest and gain more members of Energize Elbert County.

“I think it is very important to have a group like this one because people in this county tend to not know what is going on,” Jerry said. “The citizens are the government and it’s our job to keep an eye on our elected officials.”

To keep watch on the county, in 2006 the organization took an active part in participating in the Elbert Board of County Commissioner meetings by keeping up with the county budget. After each meeting, the organization posted information online for interested county residents.

Jerry stressed that the organization is nonpartisan and anyone is welcome to be a part of Energize Elbert County to discuss county issues.

He also said people who have an issue to be discussed can schedule a meeting to present information and concerns to the organization.

“All viewpoints are wanted and we want to hear from all sides of the issues,” he said. “We want to look at the things that are affecting the county and find a way to fix the problem and we are providing the leadership and the tools at the meetings to do this.”

Those interested in joining Energize Elbert County or for more information on the group, contact Jerry Suchan at 303-648-3410 or by e-mail at gesuchan@earthlink.net.

Energize