Lieutenant Governor’s Office Stops By Dade For Constituent Visits
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Luke Hetland
Each year, a representative from Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones’ office comes to Dade County to meet with constituents. This was the third year that Luke Hetland (field director for North Georgia) stopped by. No constituents signed up to meet with him on May 20, but in previous years, he’s had several bring problems to him.
He covers 70 counties in North Georgia, and he’s found that the rural counties often have closer relationships with their state representatives, so they may not need to go through Hetland.
However, he reported that common problems he hears from Dade are issues with state agencies, such as grievances with Georgia Department of Transportation projects, Division of Family and Children Services cases, and help with unemployment benefits.
Hetland said, “The meetings are an opportunity for the constituents to tell me what’s going on, and I can take that information straight to the agency.”
The Sentinel asked why each agency isn’t able to handle problems brought to them from constituents. Hetland cited the heavy caseloads which keep constituents waiting for a long time. He works directly with agencies for a quicker resolution.
The Sentinel asked what kinds of issues Hetland is hearing about from other counties aside from Dade. It’s a variety, he said, but the lack of mental health programs is a big one. People also bring concerns about pieces of legislation to him, as well as local government issues. He isn’t able to get involved in local issues, but if anyone ever has questions about a piece of legislation or issues with a state agency, contact Hetland at luke.hetland@ltgov.ga.gov or 404-807-7436.
Hetland concluded his visit to Dade by meeting with Sheriff Ray Cross. In addition to meeting constituents, he appreciates that the mobile office days allow him to reconnect with elected officials in each of his 70 counties.
