Hatchett wants to use experience under Gold Dome to help counties

Matt Hatchett likes to help people.

The Republican incumbent for Georgia House of Representatives District 155 has been doing this since he first took office as a state representative in 2011. 

This is the first time since 2012, when he beat Democratic challenger Sheikh Rahman, that Hatchett has faced opposition. Earlier this year he beat Republican challenger Charles Cook 6,056 to 613 in the primary. Now he faces Democratic challenger Joe Powers, who did not have opposition in the primary, picking up 3,223 votes in May. 

Hatchett has spent the last 26 years serving the public in an elected capacity, with 16 underneath the Gold Dome in Atlanta. Before that, he spent 10 years as a Dublin city council member.

“I’ve learned a lot about how the government works and how the government does not work,” Hatchett said. “I am in a pretty good position with my peers in the Legislature in getting things done that are hopefully good for Laurens and Johnson counties and for the state in its entirety.” 

He has been focused on the budget over the last four years, and admits that it sometimes takes two or three years to get a bill through.

“You have to do a lot of convincing, meet with the right people and get it across the finish line,” Hatchett said. “Even then, you have to make sure the governor doesn’t veto it. I bring that experience and knowledge of how the system works.” 

He has been the Sppropriations chairman for the last four years. In this role, Hatchett oversees the House budget-writing committee and state spending legislation.

“You have to build the respect around you from leadership,” Hatchett said. “The role became open and I let it be known that I was interested. I was fortunate to be asked to serve in that capacity.” 

Financial records from the state ethics commission show Hatchett has spent more than $490,000 and raised more than $600,000. It takes money to run a campaign, said Hatchett when asked about the amount his campaign finances.

“People have supported me since the first time I ran,” he said. “I was the lone Republican when I first ran so I had a lot of money that supported me then and I’ve had support since then. … (campaign finance) is a necessary thing. We represent roughly 60,000 people in the House and you have to be able to get your message out to them one way or the other.” 

Plus, a political campaign is not cheap.

“When you get into the role like I am in, and you’ve been the chairman of the Republican caucus for nine years, you have people give you donations,” Hatchett said.

Data centers and the situation with Dublin City Schools have popped up as hot topics during this year’s election cycle. When it comes to data centers, Hatchett said it is the local governments who should make that call.

“It’s their decision whether to let that come to our community,” Hatchett said. “It’s the development authority, city councils and county commissioners. You entrust them with making the decisions that are best for the community.  

“I’ve always been a believer of local control.” 

According to Hatchett, there are good and bad data centers. A lot of the earliest ones that were placed in communities throughout the country used a ton of water and electricity, and brought other things that were not pleasant, Hatchett said.

“I’m not for one of those at all,” he said.

When it comes to Dublin City Schools, Senator Larry Walker and Hatchett both asked for an audit to do a financial review of the Dublin City School System. Cognia, the accrediting agency for the state, also did its review and released its findings. This led to a state school board hearing on Aug. 12. 

That board recommended Gov. Brian Kemp suspend the seven Dublin City Board of Education members. Hatchett, Walker, former Dublin Mayor Phil Best, Edwin May and Matt Donaldson, state board of education member, were selected by Kemp as a nominating committee to select a new Dublin City Board of Education. 

They interviewed candidates and selected seven new members, who held their first meeting on Sept. 14.

“They will have a job to do,” Hatchett said. “One of the first things they’ll have to do is set the millage rate. They’ve got to come in and evaluate the budget that has already been passed. They’ll need to talk with the superintendent and the finance person. Either they move on with the budget they’ve got and set the millage rate or they get back in the nitty-gritty on the budget. They’ll have to get to work quickly.” 

Hatchett said it is important to move forward and keep the Dublin City School System surviving. He is interested in the school system because he went to and graduated from Dublin City Schools.

“I want to see it be a great school system again,” Hatchett said. “I want it to get back where they were and the community to heal.

“I’m not pointing fingers. We just need to move forward.” 

If he wins another two-year term, Hatchett wants to continue to see improvements in infrastructure projects. He realizes these types of projects are not impressive, but they are needed.

“That stuff is not glitzy and glamorous, but you have to have it,” he said.

Hatchett believes there are “great” leaders in the various governing groups in Laurens and Johnson counties.

“We are fortunate,” he said. “We’ve got some good leaders.” 

Hatchett does not like to talk. He listens.

“You work to gain the respect of those around you,” he said. “Hopefully, when I do talk, people will listen to what I have to say.”

Hatchett takes his job “very seriously.” He considers Laurens and Johnson County his home and enjoys working for everyone living there.

“I have communities that have some great people who serve it and communities who recognize how good their servants are and thank them,” Hatchett said. “Our communities come together in our times of need.” 

Hatchett has been asked why he continues to serve as this area’s state representative. When he receives a call from a constituent, there is usually a problem. But that is not how he looks at it.

“Whatever that issue or problem is, I know who to call and when I call something usually happens,” Hatchett said. “Now, it may not be the answer they want but they will get a response. I love being able to help people get something solved.”