Gwinnett Daily Post

Camie Young

Lynette Howard's civic involvement began when she volunteered to plant flowers at her subdivision's entrance.

From there, the chemist-turned-stay-at-home-mom became a leader in the Peachtree Corners community. Now, she wants to be a commissioner.

Howard, who served as president of the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association for six years before becoming a planning commissioner two years ago, has entered the District 2 race to replace Bert Nasuti, who decided against a re-election campaign.

After spending years bringing residents and developers together to talk about development issues, Howard said she wants to use her reputation for fairness and giving people a voice in her campaign.

"Every citizen of this great county should trust the leaders that represent us to work together to move Gwinnett forward," she said.

Running as a Republican in the 2010 election, Howard will face Jose Perez in the primary. Former Norcross Councilman Keith Shewbert is also considering a primary run, and Robert Byars is running as a Democrat.

Howard has planned a meet-and-greet for 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Norcross Depot.

More information about her can be found at www.electlynette.com.

Oxendine raises nearly $3 million

Duluth man John Oxendine appears to be in the lead in fundraising for the 2010 governor's race.

Oxendine, who is currently the state insurance commissioner, announced that he had raised $2.97 million in his campaign, including $1.5 million in the last six months of 2009.

That number eclipses the lead Democrat in the race, former Gov. Roy Barnes, who raked in $2.7 million.

"The strong numbers reflected on our year-end report tells me we are in touch with voters," Oxendine said. "These generous contributions demonstrate that folks are excited about the Contract with Georgia and my positive solutions for the issues facing Georgia."

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Camie Young can be reached via e-mail at camie.young@gwinnettdailypost.com.