Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Barrow Joins The Hunt For Online Predators

By Merritt Melancon
The Athens Banner-Herald
December 15, 2010

When an undercover Barrow County deputy nabbed a South Georgia man who traveled to Barrow County to have sex with a 15-year-old girl, the officer didn't take a predator off the streets of Winder.

But his work contributed to a statewide mission to keep Georgia children safe online.

"We just felt it gave us a different facet for the sheriff's office to be able to intercept predators before they reach a victim," said Sheriff Jud Smith. "I know we didn't (arrest) anyone from Barrow County, but we might have saved someone down in Fort Stewart or South Georgia, somebody's child, from becoming a victim."

Barrow County is one of the latest in Georgia to join a statewide effort to weed out online predators. About 110 local law enforcement agencies now are proactively looking for people who would take advantage of minors online, according to John Whitaker, a special agent in charge of the GBI's Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

Tap on link for further reading: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/121510/new_756675634.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Deal Challenges Lawmakers To Tackle Tough Issues

By Dave Williams
Atlanta Business Chronicle
December 14, 2010

Tax reform, water and saving the HOPE Scholarship program will top the agenda of Georgia’s governor and General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session, Gov.-elect Nathan Deal said Tuesday.

Speaking to newly elected and veteran lawmakers at a biennial conference for legislators at The University of Georgia, Deal promised that tough challenges await the state’s elected leaders. But he said the difficult times Georgia is going through also offer an unprecedented chance to make a difference.

“What greater opportunity to shape state government than right now?” Deal during a luncheon speech that concluded the three-day conference. “I don’t think you will find it.”

Tap on link to read further: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2010/12/14/deal-challenges-lawmakers-to-tackle.html

© 2010 American City Business Journals, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Transit Action Unlikely In Upcoming Legislature

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politcs
December 8, 2010

After a legislative commission meeting on Tuesday, a high-ranking Republican said there is no interest either to change the planned transportation tax referendum or pass sweeping regional mass transit legislation.

Rep. Donna Sheldon, R-Dacula, who chairs the commission set up to remake transit and also chairs the House Republican Caucus, said that both efforts are important enough that lawmakers need to spend some time on them during the next year. She said both issues likely would be addressed in 2012.

“I do not believe we’ll have legislation for this session,” Sheldon said of her commission’s transit work. “This is a major investment in the community and so we need to take our time and be careful. I have no desire to put a bandaid on this.”

Tap on link to read whole story: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/transit-action-unlikely-in-769636.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No Second Term For Democratic Leader

By Blake Aued
The Athens Banner-Herald
December 8, 2010

Jane Kidd will not run for a second term as state Democratic Party chairwoman, she said Tuesday.

Kidd, a former public relations professional who was elected to the volunteer position in 2007, said she needs a paying job that involves public service.

"I'm looking at a lot of options," she said. "I don't have any specific plans right now."

As the leader of the state party, Kidd played a major role in the relatively successful 2008 election, when Barack Obama was the first Democratic presidential candidate with a competitive campaign in Georgia since 1996 and U.S. Senate nominee Jim Martin pushed Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss into a runoff. Eighteen counties flipped from red to blue.

Tap on link to read article: http://onlineathens.com/stories/120810/new_748862926.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Governor Perdue Unveils Official Portrait

First portrait to include Governor and First Lady

ATLANTA (December 6, 2010) – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue unveiled today his official portrait to hang in the halls of the Georgia State Capitol. Previous paintings have showcased governors and important moments in their terms; this is the first portrait to include both a Governor and First Lady.

“There is a uniqueness to this portrait - it has two people in it. I asked that Mary be by my side for two reasons. One, I knew it would make the thing prettier. Two, I wanted it to be a commentary saying that what we accomplished, we accomplished as a team,” said Governor Perdue. “I couldn’t have done this without Mary. She has been my greatest earthly source of inspiration and she has served as a daily reminder of our purpose in public office.”

Tap on link to read further: http://www.theweekly.com/news/2010/December/06/Perdue_Portrait.html

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Deal: Ga. Has To Cut Back On State Spending

By Ray Henry
Associated Press
Macon Telegraph
December 7, 2010

JEKYLL ISLAND -- Gov.-elect Nathan Deal told farmers Monday that state spending must be trimmed because of weak tax collections, although an advisory commission will recommend keeping tax exemptions considered critical by the agriculture industry.

Deal was the keynote speaker at the 72nd annual convention of the Georgia Farm Bureau, a powerful lobbying group in a state where agriculture is the largest economic sector. The appearance demonstrated some of the economic challenges Deal’s administration could face as it balances its desire to cut spending against the demands of influential interest groups.

During his speech, Deal said that government spending needs to shrink to reflect an economy that has left nearly 10 percent of residents unemployed and driven down tax revenue.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.macon.com/2010/12/07/1367717/deal-ga-has-to-cut-back.html

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Running On Empty

Whitfield County budget crisis could result in layoffs, service cuts

By Jamie Jones
The Dalton Daily Citizen
Dec 06, 2010

With Whitfield County facing serious budget problems, one official says that “everything is on the table.”

Layoffs, furloughs, a property tax hike, service cuts, a request for another Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) or a combination of all five could occur.

“I think it would be fair to say that every option is open to be considered,” said Mike Babb, chairman of the county Board of Commissioners. “Sooner or later if the economy doesn’t turn around, you’ve gotta say, ‘This is it.’”

Commissioners must pass the 2011 budget before the end of December. The five commissioners plan to meet during a work session this week to discuss the budget and possible cuts to departments. Since the budget must be advertised for 14 days, the vote could come during the last week of December, Babb said.

Tap link for further reading: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x278367549/Running-on-empty

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Monday, December 06, 2010

Palmyra Unveils New Technology

The Stryker system for neurological surgery at Palmyra Medical Center is the only one of its kind in Georgia.

By Terry Lewis
The Albany Herald
December 6, 2010

ALBANY, Ga. — Harry Weiser is not your typical brain surgeon, but like most typical boys, he likes his toys — big toys.

As head of Palmyra Medical Center’s new Brain and Spinal Center, Dr. Weiser has some state-of-the art toys at his disposal.

When he returned to Albany this past summer after two years at Gulfport Memorial Hospital in Mississippi, Weiser and Palmyra CEO Mark Rader collaborated to bring to southwest Georgia something the region severely lacked — a world-class neurological facility.

But to achieve that goal, Weiser and Rader needed a big toy, and they got it in the form of the Stryker Navigation Suite — a new computer-assisted surgical technology. The $1.5 million suite is the only one of its kind in the state and is one of just 30 nationwide.

“I love my toys and this is a great one,” Weiser said. “Now people don’t have to leave town anymore for brain surgery. Think of this system as a global positioning system for the brain. This technology is accurate to one millimeter. It is very safe. We need this new technology in south Georgia and no one else in the state has it.

Tap on link for whole article: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/Palmyra_unveils_new_technology_111363384.html

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Don't Touch Our Tax Break, Businesses Plead With Reform Council

By Margaret Newkirk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Business News
December 6, 2010

Eight years ago, farmers from Alabama were big players in Atlanta’s lively sod market, which flourished during the region’s decades-long housing boom.

That’s not true today, after the state exempted sod from state sales tax, as Alabama had already done.

The number of Alabama farmers shipping grass here dropped and the number of Georgia sod farmers grew, according the president of a sod company near Newnan. "Please do not recommend reinstatement of taxes that will impact our industry's ability to compete," wrote NG Turf's Aaron McWhorter in a letter to the state's Council on Tax Reform and Fairness.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.ajc.com/business/dont-touch-our-tax-768184.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, December 03, 2010

Farm Planned At Old Housing Site In Atlanta

The Newnan Times-Herald
Times-Herald.com
December 3, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) -- A group is planning to bring farming to a site near downtown Atlanta.

Rashid Nuri says he's leased four acres just a block from historic Auburn Avenue, at the former location of the Wheat Street projects.

Nuri says he plans to transform the area into what he calls Wheat Street Gardens.

He says asphalt will be replaced with soil. Mulch and wood chips will be part of planting beds, and fruit trees will be grown.

Nuri says a major part of his group's work will be to teach people how to grow food.

He says freshness will be emphasized, with people being able to pick up and take home food that was cut that day.

http://ap.times-herald.com/dynamic/stories/G/GA_URBAN_FARM_GAOL-?SITE=GANEW&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Information from: WSB-TV, http://www.wsbtv.com/index.html

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Gov.-Elect Deal's Washington Ties Could Help State

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
December 3, 2010

WASHINGTON -- On the campaign trail, former U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal downplayed his ties to Washington -- understandably so given voter frustration with Congress and the Obama administration.

Now that he's the incoming governor, Deal and his former colleagues in Washington say his history and connections here could help the state immensely when it comes to federal funding and working on issues such as the fight over health care legislation, the dredging of the Port of Savannah and the tri-state water war.

"I don't think you can measure the importance -- it's just extremely important that Nathan was here for 16 to 18 years," U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss said.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/gov-elect-deals-washington-764348.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Jonesboro Ponders Layoffs, Furloughs To Balance Budget

By John Thompson
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
December 2, 2010

Like many others this holiday season, the mayor and City Council of Jonesboro face some tough budgetary decisions -- but theirs involve layoffs, furloughs and taxes.

On Monday, the City Council discussed how to balance the 2011 budget of $2.6 million, something they must do by Dec. 31.

Facing a $300,000 shortfall, the city continues to consider laying off two police officers and requiring all 37 employees to take one furlough day a month.

But even those measures would leave the city $172,000 short.

Tap on link for article: http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/jonesboro-ponders-layoffs-furloughs-762145.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hall To Submit Grievances On Unnecessary Laws In State

Association County Commissioners will lobby to eliminate some measures

By Melissa Weinman
The Gainesville Times
December 2, 2010

With a new legislative session on the horizon, county governments are preparing their wish lists.

The Association County Commissioners of Georgia has asked county officials to help them compile a list of laws and regulations they feel are unnecessary and use up local resources. When the General Assembly convenes, the association will lobby to eliminate or temporarily halt some of these measures.

"We're trying to take those resources and provide more flexibility in how they're utilized and part of that is going back and looking at these things that constrain us in state law, seeing what's necessary and what we could do without, at least temporarily," said Clint Mueller, the legislative director for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

"We spend a whole lot of time and resources in county government with administrative overhead and planning. In today's environment, we have a lot less resources, and we've got to make sure we get as much of our resources to the front lines. In other words, paying the salaries of our public safety officers, keeping the courts open, providing money for a health department and those essential services."

Tap on link for further reading: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/42183/

© Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

Deal To Discuss Key Issues With Obama

Governor-elect to talk about health care reform, job creation.

By Melissa Weinman
The Gainesville Times
December 2, 2010

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal is traveling to Washington, D.C., today to meet with President Barack Obama and other incoming governors at the White House.

There is no agenda for the meeting, but Deal speculates they will discuss health care, taxes and spending, a spokesman said.

"Nathan has said today that he hopes the president uses this opportunity to seek the advice of the governors-elect," Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said Wednesday. "The governors-elect have just come off the campaign trail, they have been face to face with the voters for the last 12 to 18 months and they are seeing what's really happening out there as opposed to what's happening inside the walls of the White House."

Tap on link to see article: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/42163/

© Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Would-be U.S. House Budget Panel Chair Kingtson Says He'd Slash $850 Billion From Budget

Savannah lawmaker sets goal to head budget panel in Washington

By Larry Peterson
The Savannah Morning News
Savannahnow.com
December 1, 2010

Seeking to chair the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Jack Kingston called for a major overhaul of federal spending on Tuesday.

Rather than targeting specific outlays, Kingston seeks procedural changes aimed at "destroying the spending infrastructure."

The Savannah Republican's goal: Cut annual spending - now about $3.5 trillion a year - by more than $850 billion "over time."

Please tap on link for full article: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-12-01/would-be-us-house-budget-panel-chair-kingtson-says-hed-slash-850-billion-budget

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Blueprint: Peer-led Phys-ed Classes Helping Students Build Strength,Friendships

By Ryan Blackburn
Athens Banner-Herald
November 30, 2010

Just passing by Isaac Wyatt in the hallways at Malcom Bridge Middle School, you wouldn't think he could do many sit-ups.

But this month, a team of eighth-graders helped cheer him on as he went through 20 of them.

"It really did surprise me," said Crockett Floyd, an eighth-grader at the school. "It surprised me as many as he did. I thought we were going to come in here and have to help him do a little bit more, but he seems pretty self-sufficient and motivated."

Tap on link for full story: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/113010/new_743231929.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Today Is Final Day For Votes

By Blake Aued
Athens Banner-Herald
November 30, 2010

Today is the last time voters will have to go back to the polls this year - we promise.

Voters will elect two state judges and, in Athens, a new mayor and commissioner in today's runoff, the fourth election in the past five months.

Only a handful of voters are expected to show up. Turnout is expected to be as low as 5 percent statewide and less than 25 percent in Athens. The National Weather Service is predicting a 100 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, which may suppress turnout even more.

Tap on link to read the article: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/113010/new_743231988.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Deal Picks New Economic Development Chief

By Dave Williams
Atlanta Business Chronicle
November 30, 2010

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal named an official at The University of Georgia with experience in the public and private sectors to lead his administration’s efforts to attract businesses to the state.

Deal nominated Chris Cummiskey, director of state relations at UGA, to become commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

The choice of Cummiskey was one of a host of selections Deal made on Monday.

Tap on link to read the whole article: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2010/11/29/deal-picks-new-economic-development.html

© 2010 American City Business Journals, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Ralston Urges Legislature To Protect HOPE

By Dave Williams
Atlanta Business Chronicle
November 29, 2010

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston vowed Monday to preserve the HOPE Scholarship program despite a growing shortfall that threatens to undermine its financial viability.

The House and Senate Higher Education committees have been looking since last summer for ways to head off a projected $243 million deficit in the HOPE program during the current fiscal year, a figure expected to increase to $317 million in fiscal 2012.

The red ink stems from growing enrollment in Georgia’s public colleges and universities and recent tuition increases that are outstripping the lottery revenues that pay for the program.

Tap on link to read further: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2010/11/29/ralston-urges-legislature-to-protect.html

© 2010 American City Business Journals, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Secretary Of State To Create Election-Reform Panel

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
November 17, 2010

ATLANTA --- Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that he will appoint a non-partisan panel to recommend election reforms.

He made a brief announcement at the beginning of the monthly meeting of the State Elections Board that he chairs. He told the five-man board and the local elections officials in the audience that the panel will hold hearings around the state for input.

"My thought is we need to look at this as reform but also how can we reduce costs in elections to our counties and to the state," he said.

To read full article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-11-17/secretary-state-create-election-reform-panel?v=1290032171

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Congress Back To Business, At Least Briefly, Beginning Monday

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
November 15, 2010

WASHINGTON -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday with three items on its plate -- money, power and politics -- and Georgia's delegation will be right smack in the middle of it all.

One of the first orders of business when House lawmakers gather for the first time since the midterm elections is picking their new leaders. The caucuses are expected to vote on Wednesday, and the positions will take effect when the new term starts in January.

Republicans are expected to elect a new House speaker -- almost certainly Ohio Rep. John Boehner -- and other top House leaders. Rep. Tom Price of Roswell is running for one top post, chairman of the Republican Policy Committee. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Coweta County is jockeying for a regional leadership position on the influential Republican Steering Committee, which hands out committee assignments to other members.

To read full story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/congress-back-to-business-741096.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ella Mae Wade Brayboy, 92: The Godmother Of Voter Registration

By Rick Badie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
November 14, 2010

Ella Mae Brayboy was a legend in voter registration in Georgia.

In 1964, the Atlanta native became one of Georgia's first black deputy voter registrars. She registered a record 10,000 black voters during that decade, according to a 2000 article that appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Her life was consumed by activism. She worked as a congressional aide to former U.S. Rep. Andrew Young. Former Gov. Joe Frank Harris appointed her to one of the first commissions to oversee the annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. She was director of community affairs for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for 15 years.

"She is known as the Godmother of voter registration," Kerry Ramsey of Atlanta said. "She worked with the SCLC and Dr. King's voter registration drive. That gives you an idea of how far back she goes."

To read whole story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/ella-mae-wade-brayboy-741098.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, November 12, 2010

Managing Your Marriage When Your Spouse Has ADHD

By Jessica Yadegaran
Contra Costa Times
The Macon Telegraph
Lifestyle
November 9, 2010

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- The constant bickering was only the beginning of Fong's and John's marital problems. John was angry, explosively so. She'd ask him to do something, and then later, her husband of 32 years would deny that she ever did. They both knew he wasn't paying attention.

Sometimes, it went the other way. When the fiftysomething couple decided to paint the walls of their Cupertino, Calif., home, Fong saw it as a team project. They'd need to pick a day, agree on colors and purchase paint, she thought. But, when she came home from work the next day, the walls were wet with paint.

He'd done it on his own because he needed something to focus on that day," says Fong, who works in biotech. She felt ignored and unloved.

Meanwhile, inside John, a war was brewing. He grew bored easily and had trouble finishing projects, yet he suffered from anxiety and racing thoughts.

"I would think of 100 things at a time," says John, who holds a government job. "I couldn't sit still. And I had a lot of fear, mostly of failure."

Four years ago, John was diagnosed with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, a syndrome that experts believe affects nearly 5 percent of adults. Because they weren't squirmy or chatty as kids, an estimated 90 percent of those adults are never diagnosed and try to cope as various degrees of distractibility, disorganization, impulsivity and lack of emotional control cause problems in all areas of their relationships.

To view whole article please to go into link: http://www.macon.com/2010/11/09/1334549/managing-your-marriage-when-your.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

48 States Lose More Jobs Under Obama Than Under Bush

By G. Scott Thomas
Business First
The Atlanta Business Chronicle
November 10, 2010

...Forty-eight states -- including New York -- have been losing jobs at a faster pace under President Barack Obama than under his predecessor, according to a Business First analysis of private-sector employment data.

North Dakota, Michigan and New Hampshire are the sole exceptions to the overall pattern of decline. (The number of states adds to 51 because the study includes the District of Columbia.)

To see article please tap on link: http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2010/11/10/48-states-fare-worse-under-obama.html

© 2010 American City Business Journals, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Deal, Reed Team Up To Pitch City As Super Bowl Site

By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
November 12, 2010

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed have teamed up to try and bring the Super Bowl back to Atlanta, and the first move was to meet in Atlanta with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell prior to Thursday night's game between the Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens at the Georgia Dome.

Goodell, after speaking with Deal in the afternoon, seemed to indicate that Atlanta’s best chance of hosting another Super Bowl would be with a new stadium, which would lengthen the process.

“I think this is a great community,” the NFL commissioner said. “But as I mentioned to the people earlier today, the competition for the Super Bowl is really at an all-time high, in a large part because of the new stadiums.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/deal-reed-team-up-737751.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Jobs Will Be At Top Of The Agenda When General Assembly Meets

By Charles Oliver
The Daily Citizen
Dalton, Georgia
Local News
November 10, 2010

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal set the tone for the next session of the General Assembly when he met with the Republican caucus Monday.

“He told us this session is going to be about working. It’s going to be about y’all working and me working to create jobs and get Georgians working,” said Rep. Tom Dickson, R-Cohutta. “Everything we do, from the budget to taxes to education, is going to be about getting people back to work.”

Dickson and Rep. Roger Williams, R-Dalton, spoke to the Whitfield County Republican Party Tuesday night.

To read full account please tap on link: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x892103653/Jobs-will-be-at-top-of-the-agenda-when-General-Assembly-meets

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

State Revenue Grows For Fifth Consecutive Month

By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
November 10, 2010

October continued Georgia's string of positive tax collections as Gov. Sonny Perdue said Wednesday that the state's revenue picture improved for a fifth straight month.

Figures released by Perdue's office show that October revenue collections were more than $1.23 billion, compared with $1.14 billion in October 2009, an increase of 8.2 percent.

For the fiscal year, which began July 1, collections are up by 7.6 percent over the same four months of last year. The state budget for fiscal 2011, which began July 1, was predicated on a 4 percent growth in tax collections.

"October's revenue numbers continue to show a strong positive trend, which is obviously an encouraging sign for Georgia's economy," Perdue spokesman Bert Brantley said.

To read rest of article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/state-revenue-grows-for-736509.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Appeals Court Vacates Ruling On Mental Retardation

By Bill Rankin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
November 10, 2010

The federal appeals court on Tuesday vacated its ruling that found unconstitutional the burden Georgia puts on capital defendants to prove they are mentally retarded -- and thus ineligible for execution.

Georgia is the only state in the country that requires a defendant raising a mental retardation claim to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest burden-of-proof threshold. In June, in a 2-1 decision, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta said this standard increases the risk a death-penalty defendant will erroneously be found not to be mentally retarded. This violates the Eighth Amendment's guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment, the ruling said.

Now the entire 11th Circuit will decide the issue. The court is supposed to have 12 judges, but one judgeship is vacant because of the retirement of Stanley Birch in August.

To view article go to the link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/appeals-court-vacates-ruling-734980.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Augusta Panel Weighs In On Healthcare Overhaul

By Tom Corwin
Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle
November 10, 2010

Moving toward health care reform could mean some short-term pain, higher premiums and frustration when an estimated 32 million previously uninsured people crash the system, an expert panel of Augusta hospital CEOs and physician leaders said during a discussion at The Augusta Chronicle.

In the long term, though, it could mean greater gains in health for the population through better preventive care and a system that rewards quality over volume, they said.

Although reform often has been miscast as government-run or socialist medicine, future changes could lead to greater consumer information and more competition as more integration takes place among providers.

To read full article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/health/2010-11-06/augusta-panel-weighs-health-care-overhaul

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Envisioning The Future

From The Administration on Developmental Disabilities

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities invites you to share your vision of the future. To facilitate the broadest possible engagement, we offer the option for individuals to join the conversation online. From October 1 through March 1 this site will accept both free-form comments as well as documented testimonials.

Please tap on link to share your vision for the future:
http://www.envision2010.net/submission











Monday, November 08, 2010

Broun Wants Teens For Page Program

Athens Banner-Herald
November 07, 2010

Thursday is the deadline to apply for U.S. Rep. Paul Broun's congressional page program for spring 2011.

Broun, R-Athens, will appoint one high school junior or senior to serve as support staff for the U.S. House of Representatives from Jan. 24 to May 27.

Applicants must be high school juniors who are 16 or 17 years old, U.S. citizens, live in the 10th Congressional District, have a 3.0 GPA and have health insurance.

Applicants also must submit a completed application, which is available at www.broun.house.gov under the "Quick Links" sections, to Broun's Augusta/Evans office by Thursday. For more information, call Jessica Morris at (706) 447-3857.

Source: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/110710/new_732189962.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Georgia's Finances Demand Quick Focus From Deal

By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
November 7, 2010

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal will take office facing a sluggish economy, a continuing budget crisis, a financially unstable HOPE scholarship program, a revenue system some say needs updating and an electorate in no mood for anything that smells of a tax increase.

He will have to write an $18 billion state budget and likely decide whether to support a proposed new tax system even before the 2011 General Assembly convenes Jan. 10.

Sometime next year, he may also have to help craft a plan to save HOPE, the highly popular college scholarship program, from going broke. And he plans to push tax-cut legislation that he hopes will help spur economic investment in Georgia.

Brian Robinson, his spokesman, said the governor-elect will jump into budget meetings Monday and that working on the state’s troubled finances “will be our primary focus.”

To see the full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/georgias-finances-demand-quick-726356.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Irvin Has Seen Harvest Of Change In 4 Decades

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
November 7, 2010

ATLANTA --- For more than a half-century, Tommy Irvin's name has been on the ballot, but not this year.

The commissioner of agriculture is finally winding down his career, one that is part diplomat, part judge, part administrator and 100 percent booster for Georgia crops. He chose to retire after 10 four-year terms in his current post, and he's leaving a winner in a year when many of his fellow Democrats were defeated.

Republican Gary Black won the election Tuesday to succeed him, beating Democrat J.B. Powell, of Blythe, 56 percent to 40 percent.

To read more about Tommy Irvin's service to Georgia please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-11-07/irvin-has-seen-harvest-change-4-decades?v=1289164933

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, November 05, 2010

North Fulton Cities Share Staff, Cut Costs

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
November 5, 2010

While some voters bemoan the growth of government, several north Fulton cities are trimming departments by sharing employees and equipment.

The latest example is an agreement between Milton and Johns Creek to share costs for technology specialists.

The contract signed this week is expected to save the cities about $130,000 combined and will settle a friendly battle between the two young cities for qualified technicians.

To read more of this article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/north-fulton-cities-share-720697.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Passage of Amendment Will Affect Non-Compete Deals

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
November 5, 2010

Georgia voters this week made a major change in how non-compete agreements can be enforced.

More than 1.6 million Georgians approved Amendment 1. It adds exceptions to language in the Georgia Constitution that bars legislation “from defeating or lessening competition.” This would allow courts to modify agreements between firms and their workers instead of accepting or rejecting them outright.

Supporters argue that 68 percent of voters agreed because the change will help draw and keep business in Georgia.

To read more from the article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/passage-of-amendment-will-720721.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lt. Gov. May Lose Some Authority

Cagle could be relieved of nominal legislative powers

By Carolyn Crist
The Gainesville Times
November 5, 2010

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle may see some of his powers stripped when a Senate Republican Caucus meets today in Macon for what some senators are calling a "coup."

A proposal pushed by President Pro Tem Tommie Williams, Majority Leader Chip Rogers and Sens. Mitch Seabaugh, Bill Cowsert and Cecil Staton would strip Cagle of many of the nominal powers he uses to help the flow of legislation through the chamber.

The move comes just days after Cagle won re-election with a higher percentage of the vote than Gov.-elect Nathan Deal.

Under the proposal, the powers would go to a small committee of senior senators.

For the whole article please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/40807/

Contents of this site are © Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Voter Turnout Boosted In Metro Atlanta

By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Goergia Politics
November 4, 2010

Greater percentages of voters cast ballots in Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties Tuesday compared with the 2006 general election, which also included a race for the Governor's Mansion.

Atlanta-area election officials said they witnessed steady streams of voters turning out at the polls Tuesday. In Gwinnett County, which went for Republican John McCain for president in the 2008 election, voter turnout reached 52 percent Tuesday, compared with 48 percent in 2006.

To view full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/voter-turnout-boosted-in-716597.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday’s Election A Blue One For The Blue Dogs

By Halimah Abdullah
The Macon Telegraph
November 4, 2010

WASHINGTON — Rep. Jim Marshall, a fiscally conservative Democrat from Macon, voted against his party’s massive health care overhaul, vowed to help repeal the law and refused to endorse President Barack Obama during the 2008 elections.

Still, like just about half of the nearly 50 fellow moderate to conservative Blue Dog Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, Marshall was a political casualty of Tuesday’s midterm elections. The Blue Dogs’ broad losses in largely rural and conservative-leaning Southern districts broadens an ideological divide that may further stymie compromise in the wake of the Republican takeover of House seats.

To see whole article please tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/11/04/1327884/tuesdays-election-a-blue-one-for.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

Education's The Cure, Says New Health Chief

By Lee Shearer
Athens Banner-Herald
November 04, 2010

Workers in the state Division of Public Health will focus on prevention and education to cure the state's serious public health problems, the new director of the state Division of Public Health said Wednesday.

"Behaviors are absolutely critical to our success," said Rony Francois, named in January to head the state agency.

Georgia faces serious problems with high teen pregnancy rates, infant mortality, smoking-related disease and high childhood obesity rates, Francois said in a presentation at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

To read more please tap on link: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/110410/new_730648339.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

2020 Georgia

We are excited to be a partner with 2020 Georgia - a new and growing alliance of more than 60 organizations. Our common goal is to promote a balanced approach to Georgia’s fiscal crisis that meets the short and long-term needs of our state and its people. For more information on 2020 Georgia, including its principles, please visit: www.2020georgia.org.

Georgia Election Results

Unofficial Results of the Tuesday, November 02, 2010 General Election

The results displayed are UNOFFICIAL until certified by both county election superintendents and the Secretary of State, a process that will not be completed until all ballots are received, tabulated and the results reviewed for accuracy. These unofficial returns, transmitted by counties to the Secretary of State's Data Center after the polls close on Election Day, are continuously reviewed for formatting accuracy and are subject to correction at any time.

Percentage of precincts reporting and the number of votes showing on this page may differ from what is showing on an individual county's website based on the reporting or non-reporting of in-person early voting and/or early voting by mail. Please click on the percentage number next to a particular county to see whether that county has reported in-person or early voting by mail returns.

NOTE: Provisional ballot results are not included in races and/or counties with less than 100% of precincts reporting. Results for qualified write-in candidates are not shown below, but will be available upon certification of the election.

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results/2010_1102/

Georgia Election | Republicans Keep Control Of State House, Senate

By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
November 3, 2010

Republicans did as expected and kept a firm grip on the General Assembly in Tuesday's elections.

Most incumbents running for re-election won another term.

However, some votes were too close to call. As of late Tuesday, Democrat Elena Parent led Rep. Jill Chambers, R-Atlanta, chairwoman of the committee that oversees MARTA. Parent, a local attorney, was chief of staff to former state Sen. David Adelman, who resigned earlier this year to become U.S. ambassador to Singapore. Chambers, a fiscal watchdog of MARTA, recently filed for bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, in Gwinnett County, Republican retired educator Valerie Clark beat freshman Democratic Rep. Lee Thompson. Democratic Rep. Pat Dooley of Cobb County also was behind in early vote counting. And in a Middle Georgia rematch, Democratic Rep. James "Bubber" Epps and former Republican Rep. Allen Freeman were close.

To see the rest of this article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/georgia-election-republicans-keep-714520.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Results of Georgia Questions

Staff Reports
The Augusta Chronicle
Nov. 3, 2010

See how Georgians voted on the referendum and state ballot measures.

Georgia referendum
Provides for inventory of businesses to be exempt from state property tax.

This Act provides that all tangible personal property constituting the inventory of a business shall be exempt from state ad valorem taxation.

Yes 53%

No 47%

To see how the rest of the admendments fare go to link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-11-03/results-georgia-questions

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Georgia Election | Voters Cool To Trauma Fee

By Craig Schneider
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
November 3,2010

Georgians offered a chilly reception to the proposal for an extra $10 car registration fee to boost trauma care funding, according to a preliminary election results Tuesday.

Amendment 2 would raise $80 million a year for trauma care services, which include those specialized, extra-staffed hospitals and emergency responders that care for people seriously injured in car crashes, falls and workplace accidents. Voters cast ballots on five proposed amendments to the Georgia Constitution and a statwide referendum.

The trauma care measure appeared headed for defeat with almost two-thirds of the statewide vote counted, although significant returns were still due from some metro Atlanta counties where it had more support.

To see whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-election-voters-cool-714266.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Candidates Travel The State To Drum Up Support

Deal, Barnes spent day flying across Georgia

By Melissa Weinman
The Gainesville Times
November 2, 2010

Gubernatorial hopefuls Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal spent the final day of the campaign season flying around the state to greet supporters, hoping to squeeze as much as possible into the final hours before Election Day.

The fly-around, in which candidates address supporters and media at airports around the state, has become the traditional final campaign activity for top-of-the-ballot candidates.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/40609/

Contents of this site are © Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

800,000 Georgians Sought Early Voting

By Walter Jones
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
November 2, 2010

ATLANTA -- Not everyone waits until the last minute when it comes to voting, since 800,000 Georgians sought to get it out of the way already, according to figures released by the Secretary of State’s Office Monday morning.

Those who did wait to vote in person should remember to bring a photo ID and leave their Tea Party items at home.

Georgians can vote any time up to 45 days before Election Day, either with a mail-in ballot that is traditionally called absentee voting, or in person on a machine. When the early voting period ended Friday, 85 percent had been cast in person.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-11-01/800000-georgians-sought-early-voting

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Newt Gingrich Stops In Duluth

By Camie Young
Gwinnett Dailey Post
October 29, 2010

DULUTH — The man given credit for the Republican party taking over Congress for the first time in 40 years in the 1990s says the party can do it again this Tuesday.

Newt Gingrich rallied a group of several hundred supporters Thursday to vote — and get their friends to vote — to bring a halt to the Democratic policies in Washington. As part of his American Solutions tour, Gingrich said the country has to rally around Republicans to bring jobs and pro-business policies back to the country.

“It’s great to have Newt back in Gwinnett again,” BJ Van Gundy said of Gingrich, who represented a small portion of Gwinnett while he served as House Speaker in the 1990s. “It feels like the good old days. We hope he can propel the Republicans back nationwide.”

To read article in its entirety please tap link: http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/home/headlines/Newt_Gingrich_stops_in_Duluth_106228328.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Democrats Rally Augusta Voters, Supporters

By Susan McCord
Staff Writer
The Ausgusta Chronicle
October 29, 2010

Urging Democratic voters to go to bed early and get up with the rooster to remind friends and family to get out and vote, Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond returned Thursday to Augusta to rally the faithful.

Tuesday's election, in which Thurmond is seeking a U.S. Senate seat, is "more important than 2008" because there are now fewer teachers teaching more students, he said, adding that the state needs someone to stand up for those who don't have jobs or insurance.

"Right has no color," said Thurmond, the son of a third-generation Athens, Ga., sharecropper, a Paine College graduate and a three-term Georgia labor commissioner.

To view full article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-10-29/democrats-rally-augusta-voters-supporters?v=1288319412

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Republican Hopefuls Share Plan For Georgia

By Bianca Cain
Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle
October 29, 2010

Republican candidates gathered Thursday morning to discuss jobs, but mostly the importance of turning the state red.

"We're going to take Georgia and America back," said Congressman Paul Broun at the Real Jobs for Georgia Bus Tour. "I believe very firmly that every single constitutional office in the state of Georgia is going to be Republican after this election."

Nearly 100 people attended, braving inclement weather, to hear 10 candidates discuss their plans for the state.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-10-29/republican-hopefuls-share-plan-georgia?v=1288319433

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Economy Likely To Be Issue For Schools In Next 4 Years

By Winston Skinner
The Newnan Times-Herald
October 27, 2010

Several candidates at the Senoia forum Monday said current economic conditions will create challenges for the Coweta County school system during the next four years.

"The budget's going to continue to be a real challenge," incumbent District One At-Large candidate Mike Sumner said. "I wouldn't be surprised if the state gives us another round of cuts."

Sumner is the only incumbent in contested races for the school board this year. He faces a challenge from April Parker. Parker and Sumner took part in Monday's forum at the Freeman-Sasser Building in the Seavy Street Park in Senoia. Also participating in the forum, sponsored by the Senoia Downtown Development Authority, were candidates running for the southeast Coweta seat previously held by Steve Bedrosian -- Amy Dees, Jimmy Harrison and Andrew Krause.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/Local/Economy-likely-to-be-issue-for-schools-in-next-4-years-1357074

© 2010 The Newnan Times-Herald Inc., Newnan, Georgia.

GOP Bus Tour Visits Moultrie

By John Oxford
The Moultrie Observer
Local News
Octobe 27, 2010

MOULTRIE — Republican candidates for state offices stopped in Moultrie Tuesday afternoon as they toured through South Georgia together one week before the Nov. 2 general election.

Their focus was on getting people out to vote and on Georgia jobs.

About 25 people showed up to Lewis Hill Amphitheater to meet with District 8 House of Representatives candidate Austin Scott, state school superintendent candidate John Barge, agriculture commissioner candidate Gary Black, attorney general candidate Sam Olens, labor commissioner candidate Mark Butler and Public Service Commission candidate Tim Echols. Gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal and U.S. Senate candidate Johnny Isakson were unable to attend for previous commitments, and insurance commissioner candidate Ralph Hudgens came to the stop but left before the other candidates spoke.

To read further please tap on link: http://moultrieobserver.com/local/x652346750/GOP-bus-tour-visits-Moultrie

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Governor's Race: No Clear Winner

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
The Athens Banner-Herald
October 27, 2010

ATLANTA - None of the candidates for Georgia governor has a big enough lead to avoid a runoff, according to a poll released today

Republican Nathan Deal has support from 47 percent of those surveyed, while Democrat Roy Barnes has 41 percent - neither above the 50 percent threshold to win outright.

InsiderAdvantage conducted the survey for WSB-TV of Atlanta. Its computers questioned 2,119 registered voters who said they either have voted or intend to vote in the race for governor.

to read further please tap on link: http://onlineathens.com/stories/102710/new_726466105.shtml

© 2010 | OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Georgia Winter Institute

GEORGIA WINTER INSTITUTE…
where person-centered planning meets community building

This amazing event will bring people together from Georgia and beyond to discover how to infuse values-based, person-centered philosophies into our community building efforts. We will have a chance to learn from leaders in the field and each other. One of our activities will be to encourage commitments to sponsor community readings of Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community. We will also explore strategies for sharing the stories of successes and dreams – our own and others – in our community work.

Featured Speakers:
John O'Brien, Connie Lyle O'Brien, Bruce Anderson, Charles Hopkins & Jack Wheeler, Tom Kohler, and De'Amon!

We will let you know the moment our online registration is up and running...

DATE
January 9-11, 2011

REGISTRATION
Note: Advance registration required. There will be NO onsite registration!
For participants staying at The Lodge:
$75 per person
$50 per person for groups of 4 or more
For participants NOT staying at the Lodge:
$125 per person
$100 per person for groups of 4 or more

LOCATION & LODGING
The Lodge at Simpsonwood

Call Jack Ross to make room reservations
4511 Jones Bridge Circle, NW
Norcross, GA 30092
770.441.1111

Fax: 770.441.3207
www.simpsonwood.org

Barnes and Deal To Make Final Arguments On The Road And On The Air

By Aaron Gould Sheinin and Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
October 25, 2010

MACON -- Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal are going to be everywhere voters look (and listen) for the next week as the two major candidates for governor make closing arguments.

They will be on state highways and interstates, each on a bus tour of key regions. They'll be on television with paid advertising and in four debates between Tuesday and Sunday. Radio, direct mail, TV and newspaper interviews are all part of it, too.

The goal is simple: Win on Election Day. The candidates are leaving little to chance.

"I don't want us to come back next Wednesday and say ‘If we just got my cousin to go vote,' " Barnes said as his bus tour stopped in Macon on Monday. "Make sure that uncle you don't like all the time goes and votes."


To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/barnes-and-deal-to-692046.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Barnes Campaigns In Midstate

By Phillip Ramati and Becky Purser
Staff Writers
The Macon Telegraph
October 26, 2010

With Election Day drawing near in Georgia’s bruising gubernatorial battle, Democrat Roy Barnes made a whistle-stop tour through three midstate cities Monday.

Barnes spoke to about 100 people Monday morning at Macon City Hall after attending a law enforcement breakfast in Forsyth. He met with farmers in Fort Valley in the afternoon.

With chants of “We Want Roy!” and “Make Georgia Work!” in the background, Barnes encouraged anyone who hasn’t voted yet to head to the polls before Nov. 2.

“Make some time in your life to go to the polls this week,” he told the crowd. “This election is going to be determined in a very close way.”

To Read Whole Article please tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/10/26/1315962/barnes-campaigns-in-midstate.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

Deal And Seven Other Candidates Campaign In Downtown Newnan

By Winston Skinner
The Newnan Times-Herald
October 26, 2010

Gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal -- and seven other state Republican office seekers -- stopped in Newnan early Monday afternoon as part of a bus tour.

About 100 people met Deal -- lining the sidewalk outside the Republican Party headquarters on Madison Street and later squeezing into the storefront to hear the candidates speak. State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, of Sharpsburg, who has no opposition, rode on the bus with Deal, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, Sam Olens, Mark Butler and Dr. John Barge. U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Tim Echols and non-partisan judicial candidate Stan Gunter also were present.

While the immediate focus was on the Nov. 2 General Election, it was clear that Republicans have 2012 on their minds, as well.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/local/Deal-and-seven-other-candidates-campaign-in-downtown-Newnan-1355583

© 2010 The Newnan Times-Herald Inc., Newnan, Georgia

Friday, October 22, 2010

NAACP, Tea Party Forum Draws Hundreds

By Doug Walker
Rome News-Tribune
October 22,2010

It was a historic evening.

America’s largest and oldest civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), hosted a political forum in Rome, with cooperation from one of the youngest political movements in the country, the Tea Party.

And the event went off without a hitch.

The conservative group canceled a forum of its own so citizens of Rome and Floyd County could cross political lines to hear from candidates for state and local office.

Rome’s Civic Center on Jackson Hill was packed with 200 or more people, and many were almost as interested in seeing how the two organizations would blend as they were in hearing from the candidates.

To see whole article go to link: http://www.rn-t.com/view/full_story/10003867/article-NAACP--Tea-Party-forum-draws-hundreds?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

content copyright © 2010 RN-T.com.

Huckabee Rallies GOP Faithful For Deal Campaign

By Aaron Gould Sheinin and Jeremy Redmon
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
October 21, 2010

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Thursday called on the Georgia GOP faithful to make Nathan Deal their governor, calling the party's nominee a "good and decent man."

Huckabee, who won Georgia's 2008 Republican presidential primary, said Deal will balance the state's budget without raising taxes.

"He uniquely understands that when you are in a hole, the first thing you do is stop digging," Huckabee said to a crowd of about 150 outside the 57th Fighter Wing Restaurant near Peachtree-DeKalb Airport.

To see the full story go to the link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/huckabee-rallies-gop-faithful-687392.html


© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

President Urges Georgia Democrats To The Polls

By Jeremy Redmon and Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Augusta Chronicle
Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

Georgia Democrats have unleashed a new weapon in their campaign to recapture the Governor's Mansion after eight years of Republican control: President Obama.

Republicans, meanwhile, are giddy at the thought of their opponents advancing the GOP strategy of tying every Democratic candidate to a president who, overall, is quite unpopular in Georgia.

Obama has recorded an automated phone message urging Georgia Democrats to turn out and vote Nov. 2. His picture is also included in a mail piece showing up at Democrats' homes. Both were paid for by the Democratic Party of Georgia in an effort to rally the party's base.

To read further please see the story on the link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-10-22/president-urges-party-polls?v=1287727017

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Donors to Deal, Barnes Have Interest In Casino, Sunday Sales

By Margaret Newkirk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
October 21, 2010

A little more than a year ago, backers of a proposed casino at Underground Atlanta quietly acknowledged that they weren’t going to get anywhere as long as opponent Gov. Sonny Perdue was in office.

Now they're pouring money into both sides of this year’s governor’s race, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis of business giving from July 1 through Sept. 30, based on the candidates' first campaign finance filings of the general election.

The analysis found that the Underground gambling group -- including developers Dan O'Leary, John Aderhold and their businesses, employees and family members -- gave $36,600 to Republican Nathan Deal in the past few months, and another $30,900 to Democrat Roy Barnes, in a sign that the dormant gambling issue may be poised to come back.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/donors-to-deal-barnes-686836.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Experienced Candidates Making Play For House District 125

By Mike Stucka
The Macon Telegraph
News-Politics-Election 2010
October 21, 2010

House District 125 needs a replacement for Rep. Jim Cole, who was Gov. Sonny Perdue’s floor leader.

With Republican Susan Holmes and Democrat David Gault, voters will select from two experienced political figures.

Holmes, 68, was Monticello’s mayor for a dozen years. Gault, 67, of Haddock, began as a political activist in Jones County in 1991 and was elected three times as a Jones County commissioner. Both say voters should elect them because their experience will make them effective in Atlanta.

To read the article please go to link: http://www.macon.com/2010/10/21/1310497/experienced-candidates-making.html#ixzz130338kit


Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

Voters To Decide On Questions Nov. 2

The Brunswick News
October 21,2010

When voters go to the polls Nov. 2, they will decide more than who will be the next governor or the next state senator for this coastal Georgia district.

They also will decide whether to strengthen the state's non-compete law, whether to charge themselves $10 extra for the sake of trauma care and whether Georgia transportation officials can tackle projects on a pay-as-you-go basis.

All totalled, voters will cast "yes" or "no" ballots on five state constitutional amendments and one statewide referendum.

The League of Women Voters of Georgia urges voters to become familiar with the questions. Constitutional amendments that pass are difficult to overturn, the league notes.

The league even provides a break-down on the amendments on its internet site, www.lwvga.org/

To read this very good article please go to link:
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/AMENDMENTS-102110-HR-JG

©2010 The Brunswick News. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Press Release: State, Justice Department Reach Agreement on Mental Health Plan

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Sonny Perdue
GOVERNOR

For Immediate Release
October 19, 2010

State, Justice Department Reach Agreement on Mental Health Plan

Agreement avoids direct federal control, lays out measurable benchmarks

ATLANTA — Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that the State of Georgia and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) have reached a settlement agreement that avoids direct federal control of the state’s services for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness and adds concrete goals to Georgia’s current plans to expand services in communities. Under the agreement, the state will stop admitting people whose primary diagnosis is a developmental disability into state hospitals by July 2011 and instead place them directly into community services. By July 2015 it will attempt to place any who remain in state hospitals into community services as well. The agreement also provides for expanded community-based services for approximately 9,000 individuals with mental illness. The new agreement lays aside a DOJ lawsuit brought earlier this year under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“We’re happy that, after long and frequent negotiations, we now have an agreement with measurable goals that preserves Georgia’s ability to make decisions on how best to serve Georgians,” said Governor Perdue. “I have always said the state needed to provide better services to our most vulnerable citizens, and the Department of Justice has played a helpful role in spurring change in Georgia. I am confident we finally have an agreement that moves us towards our common goals of recovery and independence for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities”

The new agreement is part of a series of actions that have sought to reform Georgia’s behavioral health and developmental disability services. In its 1999 Olmstead decision, the US Supreme Court found that people with mental illness and developmental disabilities in Georgia and other states have a right to receive services in community settings instead of being segregated into state hospitals. The new settlement agreement furthers the State’s commitment to comply with the Olmstead agreement, replacing and expanding upon an existing voluntary compliance agreement that was entered into in 2008. It reaffirms, and does not replace, a separate agreement that seeks to improve the safety and effectiveness of the state’s psychiatric hospitals.

“The staff members at our hospitals and regional offices have worked long and hard to make the people we serve safer,” said Dr. Frank Shelp, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). “This agreement would not have been possible without their dedication, and it’s that commitment to the people we serve that will make it a success.”

In 2009, Governor Perdue and the Georgia General Assembly created DBHDD to focus solely on policies and programs for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. In its first year of operations, the agency improved the safety and effectiveness of the seven state hospitals, expanded community-based services, built innovative partnerships with several medical schools in Georgia, and forged strong alliances with Georgia advocacy and consumer groups.

###

Chambliss: Administration's Debt Is 'Totally Unsustainable

by Doug Walker
Rome News-Tribune
October 20, 2010

“People are angry all across America,” said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., during a lunch session at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. He said Americans are mad for all the right reasons.

The senior senator from Moultrie told the business group that between 1776 and 1990, the United States incurred a debt of $3 trillion dollars.

“From Jan. 20, 2009, until Oct. 15, 2010, this administration has incurred a debt of $3 trillion. That is totally unsustainable,” Chambliss said.

To see whole article please go to this link: http://www.rn-t.com/view/full_story/9966711/article-Chambliss--Administration%E2%80%99s-debt-is-%E2%80%98totally-unsustainable%E2%80%99?instance=news_special_coverage_right_column

content copyright © 2010 RN-T.com.

Barnes, Deal Battle Over Policy, Ethics

Georgia gubernatorial candidates get testy during portions of a debate in Albany.

By: J.D. Sumner
Government Writer
The Albany Herald
Oct 20, 2010

ALBANY, Ga. — If gubernatorial candidates typically spar during debates, the televised debate between former Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes and former Republican Congressman Nathan Deal Tuesday night was more like a bare-knuckle, back-alley brawl.

In a televised debate shown live throughout Southwest Georgia from WALB-TV's Albany studio, the two candidates traded barbs over much of the same issues rehashed during previous debates.

But it was their statements regarding water protection and trauma care that are likely to resonate most within the region, as fears grow that Atlanta's worsening water shortage may threaten vital downstream water supplies used by the agriculture industry and as gaps grow in the state's trauma network in rural areas.

To see whole article please go to link: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/Barnes_Deal_battle_over_policy_ethics_105318648.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

GA, DOJ Settle Mental Health Case

Atlanta Business Chronicle
October 19, 2010

The U.S. Justice Department and Georgia reached a settlement Tuesday to a suit filed over the Peach State’s treatment of people in its mental health and developmental disability system.

The lawsuit alleged Georgia segregated people with mental illness and developmental disabilities in state psychiatric hospitals in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C.

In 2007, DOJ found preventable deaths suicides, and assaults occurred with alarming frequency in the hospitals. In 2009, DOJ reached a settlement agreement with Georgia over conditions in the hospitals. Further investigation found the state also failed to serve people with mental illness and developmental disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs, DOJ said.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2010/10/19/ga-doj-settle-mental-health-case.html

© 2010 American City Business Journals, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Obama Signs Technology Access Bill For Disabled

By Darlene Superville
Associated Press
Oct 8, 2010

WASHINGTON — Blind and deaf people will be able to more easily use smart phones, the Internet and other technologies that are staples of life and work under a bill signed into law on Friday.

Such a step has been a priority of advocates for the millions of people who cannot see or hear.

In the East Room of the White House, where he was flanked on stage by lawmakers and Stevie Wonder, President Barack Obama portrayed the occasion as another step in guaranteeing equal access, opportunity and respect for all Americans.

He recalled celebrating this year's 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, banning workplace discrimination against qualified people with disabilities and requiring improved access to public places and transportation.

To finish viewing the article please tap on link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jdKpGWO-tloHNJ_mhgP2eO0v4ppAD9INNH8G3?docId=D9INNH8G3

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Tight Race Between Hodges, Olens For Attorney General

Democrat and Republican in close competition

By Bill Rankin
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
October 18, 2010

More than a half century has passed since the state attorney general’s seat has been open and up for grabs on Election Day.

For seven decades, Georgia governors have appointed a series of AGs who stood as incumbents and won re-election. This time, however, current Attorney General Thurbert Baker will step down at the end of the year because he chose not to seek re-election, instead running for governor and losing in the Democratic primary.

There are two well-financed campaigns vying to succeed Baker. Democrat Ken Hodges, who spent 12 years as a South Georgia district attorney, is facing Republican Sam Olens, the former Cobb County Commission chairman. Savannah lawyer Don Smart, the Libertarian candidate, hopes to be a spoiler and force a runoff.

To read full article please tap on link:
http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/tight-race-between-hodges-684538.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, October 18, 2010

Gubernatorial Candidates On The Issues

Dalton Daily Citizen
October 17, 2010

DALTON — It looks as if the state will be facing another major budget gap for at least the next fiscal year. What programs would you cut or taxes would you raise to close that gap?

Roy Barnes: We know that times are hard and that just like families, Georgia has to prioritize its spending — focusing on essential services like educating our kids and keeping our citizens safe.

Over the past few years, however, state leaders have passed billions of dollars worth of special interest sales and income tax exemptions. For example, in a report from 2006, there were sales tax exemptions worth over $10 billion alone. As governor, I’ll take a hard look at these exemptions and if a tax break doesn’t benefit every Georgian — like the exemptions on groceries and drugs — then it’s on the table to be suspended till we can afford to educate our children and protect our citizens. We cannot continue to expect taxpayers to bare the burden for these special interest groups.

Nathan Deal: Raising taxes on hard-working families and small businesses in Georgia is not an option to get our state’s fiscal house in order. Instead, I will focus on targeted tax reductions that stimulate job creation and small business growth. I will also implement zero-based budgeting to ensure limited revenues are being used for the advancement of the fundamental responsibilities of our state and are not being wasted on programs with little or no added value to the residents of Georgia. Education, transportation, public safety and health care are the critical and constitutionally mandated responsibilities of our state, and as governor, I will ensure these functions are prioritized.

To read further please tap on link: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1744206396/Gubernatorial-candidates-on-the-issues

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Friday, October 15, 2010

North Fulton Secession Highlights Commission Candidate Discussion

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
October 15, 2010

Keeping north Fulton in the fold was among the issues discussed at a candidate forum Thursday evening at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.

The three county commission candidates who appeared were peppered with questions about finances, ethics and spending, but north Fulton's bid to break away and form its own county drew much of the early attention.

"The reason the people in north Fulton are calling for creation of Milton County is because they're tired of being abused as taxpayers," said Steve Broadbent, candidate for chairman. "They're tired of their tax dollars flowing elsewhere. They're tired of having to sue for county services."

Go to link to read whole story: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/north-fulton-secession-highlights-682659.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Savannah Leaders Hail Drop In Local Poverty Rate

Savannah sees first decrease in 3 decades.

By Adam Van Brimmer
Savannah Morning News
October 15, 2010

The poverty rate in Savannah and Chatham County fell in 2009 for the first time in three decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

The "war on poverty," as Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson put it, is far from won, however.

Johnson, Sister Pat Baber and Daniel Dodd hailed the area's success at addressing poverty issues during Thursday's Step Up Savannah annual meeting and breakfast. The trio encouraged several hundred people at the event to continue that commitment.

"Folks have told me poverty will always be with us," Johnson said. "Maybe so, but it doesn't have to affect as many."

To read whole article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2010-10-15/savannah-leaders-hail-drop-local-poverty-rate

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Barnes, Deal Spar On Taxes, Influence, Rail

By Shelby G. Spires
The Macon Telegraph
October 15, 2010

PERRY — Gubernatorial candidates debated tax bills, political influence, commuter rail service and keeping Georgia students in school as promises to voters who will send one of the three to Atlanta.

Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal and Libertarian John Monds dodged and parried in front of about 600 people at Reaves Arena at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter on Thursday night.

All promised to make a thorough review of garnering federal funds for commuter rail and preserving tax dollars for education.

An issue that cropped up just hours before the debate was an improper tax filing Barnes made on a house he gave to his daughter and son-in-law in 2008.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/10/15/1303236/barnes-deal-spar-on-taxes-influence.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.
Barnes, Deal spar on taxes, influence, rail
By Shelby G. Spires



































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































PERRY — Gubernatorial candidates debated tax bills, political influence, commuter rail service and keeping Georgia students in school as promises to voters who will send one of the three to Atlanta.

Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal and Libertarian John Monds dodged and parried in front of about 600 people at Reaves Arena at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter on Thursday night.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH PROGRAM

Talents Has No Boundaries
Workforce Diversity Includes Workers With Disabilities
SAVE -THE -DATE
DATE: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Roybal Campus, Tom Harkin Global Communications Center, Building 19, Auditorium A

FEATURING
Performances by the Hugh Gregory Gallagher Motivational Theatre
  • The Hugh Gregory Gallagher Motivational Theatre raises public awareness of disability issues and addresses discrimination in our society through dramatizations of real life experiences. Learn more at http://www.motivationaltheatre.com/.
  • Musical selection performed by Miss Cathryn Gray from the Reaching for the Stars Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy.
  • There will also be an Assistive Technology exhibit presented by the Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Assistive Technology Program.
  • For more on Disability Employment Awareness:
    Lunch and Learn
    “Infusing Sensitivity and Respect in Your Communications with Persons with Disabilities”

    Presented by Angie Fugo and Gordon Hughes
    CDC Disability Interest Group (DIG)
    Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010
    Time: 12 noon – 1:00 p.m.
    Location: Executive Park, Building 57, 2nd floor Conference Room

    This CDC Announcement is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity (ODMEEO). For questions regarding this announcement, please contact Marguaree Durden Branyon at 770.488.3256 or ddz2@cdc.gov.

Candidate Forums Scheduled for Board of Education, Congressional Hopefuls

The Newnan Times-Herald
October 14, 2010

Candidate forums scheduled for Board of Education, congressional hopefuls
Two candidate forums are planned, one in Newnan and another in Senoia, featuring Coweta Board of Education candidates -- with the Newnan forum Monday including candidates in the Georgia District Three congressional race.

First, Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidate forum on Monday to give Coweta County citizens the chance to hear ideas from and pose questions to those running for local and national office.

Monday's forum will be held at the Chamber's offices in Newnan at 6 p.m. and will feature U.S. Representative District Three challenger Democrat Frank Saunders and incumbent Republican Lynn Westmoreland.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/local/

To learn more about the event, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org

© 2010 The Newnan Times-Herald Inc

Candidates To Debate At Fairgrounds

By Shelby G. Spires
The Macon Telegraph
October 14, 2010

Candidates for governor and the 8th Congressional District will square off Thursday during a forum at 7 p.m. at the Reeves Arena at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.

Gubernatorial candidates Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal and Libertarian John Monds are scheduled to debate first. They will be followed by 8th District candidates Rep. Jim Marshall, D-Ga., and Georgia state Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton.

For coverage of the debates, see Friday’s Telegraph or visit Macon.com.

Source: http://www.macon.com/2010/10/14/1301871/gov-8th-candidates-debate-at-fairgrounds.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Division Of Aging: Tell Us What You Like And Need

By Pete Skiba
Albany Herald
October 13, 2010

ALBANY, Ga. — If one thing came across at a meeting of older people in Albany Tuesday afternoon, it was the need for contact.

“Those who live alone and are disabled are more likely to be thrown into a nursing home,” said Bianca Stacey, an Albany resident. “I am glad for Meals on Wheels and the education and socialization of a senior center so we can protect ourselves in the community.”

Stacey was one of the more than 100 residents from the 14-county area covered by the SOWEGA Council on Aging who met with a representative from the state Division of Aging Services at the 309 Pine Ave. senior center.

Sharise Thurman from the state Division of Aging Services met to seek comments from the audience on what they liked about services for the elderly and what they would like to see in the future as the agency plans its future.

To view whole article: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/Division_of_Aging_Tell_us_what_you_like_and_need_104834774.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Preview Of Georgia's Lieutenant Governor Race

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
October 12,2010

A novice Democrat is making ethics and a call for reform the main issues in trying to unseat the Republican lieutenant governor.

Carol Porter, making her first run for public office, includes incumbent Casey Cagle in her complaints about questionable moves, such as repealing a tax relief grant -- thus costing property owners $300 or more in yearly taxes -- while stumping about cutting taxes overall.

“My voters, my constituents, my taxpayers are tapped out and can’t afford the doublespeak and the waste,” Porter said. “It’s so corrupt what they do up there [in the Gold Dome]. That’s what I’m running to get rid of.”

Cagle, meanwhile, said he is focusing on ways to encourage more private industry in the state to create more jobs. He advocates reducing government regulation as key to spurring the economy.

To view article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/preview-of-georgias-lieutenant-678977.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Barnes, Deal Pitch Employment Plans

By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
October 13, 2010

Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal both want to start a new job in January. But to become the state’s next governor, the two candidates realize they have to convince Georgia voters they can create other jobs, too.

To that end, both candidates have released economic and tax plans aimed at helping Georgia businesses grow jobs.

The candidate that convinces voters his plan is best could get a leg up on Nov. 2, because if voters have made one thing clear in polls along the way, it’s that jobs and the economy are driving their vote.

To view full article please tap on link:
http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/barnes-deal-pitch-employment-680610.

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution




Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Budget Requests Outpacing 2011 Goal

By Jay Jones
News Editor
Rockdale Citizen
October 11, 2010

CONYERS — Cuts to Rockdale County’s 2011 budget appear likely as department budget requests are running about $1.4 million over the target set by Commission Chairman Richard Oden.

Oden set the county’s 2009 budget of $53.6 million as the benchmark for the 2011 budget. During a budget hearing Monday, the budget requests from county departments were hovering around $55 million.

Budget hearings continue today, and work will continue toward a final 2011 budget to be voted on in December. Until then, commissioners said they will work on finding cuts anywhere they can find them.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/home/headlines/Budget_requests_outpacing_2011_goal_104748899.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Preview Of Georgia's Secretary Of State Race

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
October 11, 2010

Georgia’s secretary of state race features an incumbent with nine months on the job challenged by a longtime Democratic lawmaker and a Libertarian activist.

Republican Brian Kemp, state Rep. Georganna Sinkfield and businessman David Chastain will face off next month to become the state’s top election official, a post that also involves monitoring businesses and overseeing professional licensing.

Kemp said his work to cut $2.9 million from the office budget and to create more online access for department services demonstrates his successes since he was appointed to the post in January.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/preview-of-georgias-secretary-676128.html


© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Election Could Reshape Georgia Delegation

By Walter C. Jones
Savannah Morning News
October 11, 2010

ATLANTA - Georgia's representation in Washington could be different if the polls predicting a Democratic rout hold true.

Most observers point to two districts as possible GOP upsets, Rep. Sanford Bishop's 2nd District centered on Albany and Rep. Jim Marshall's 8th District centered on Macon. Other Georgia Democrats are facing serious challengers, including Rep. John Barrow of Savannah and Rep. Hank Johnson of Decatur, but they seem safer so far.

Much of the outcome depends on turnout. If Republicans become overconfident and stay home, then incumbents will be safer. If the voter anger remains intense with heavy turnout, then even some of the safer seats could change hands.

To read further please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-10-11/election-could-reshape-georgia-delegation

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved

Monday, October 11, 2010

Few Study Power Of School Boards

By James Salzer and Nancy Badertscher

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
October 10, 2010

A small group of people you’ve probably never heard of spend $8 billion of your tax money each year, employ more than 90,000 people and set policies that affect 800,000 area schoolchildren.

They are elected, but in some cases with fewer than 20 percent of voters casting ballots.

They are your school board members.

Metro Atlanta has some of the best and some of the worst.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/few-study-power-of-673413.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

























There are patterns discernible in their bios: Most have college degrees; most get annual training; but a surprising 40 percent have had financial problems — bankruptcies or liens — even as they control multimillion-dollar and even billion-dollar budgets.

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Document: Barnes Law Firm Appeared In 37 Cases Before Judges He Appointed

Campaign doesn't dispute GOP document listing cases, judges.

By Larry Peterson
Savannah Morning News
October 7, 2010

Former Gov. Roy Barnes' law firm has appeared at least 37 times before judges he named, winning clients hundreds of millions of dollars.

In one such case, decided last month, the Democratic governor hopeful's firm helped win a $459 million judgement.

Barnes didn't appear personally at the trial, but he appointed Marvin Arrington, one of the judges in the case. Official records show Arrington, a Superior Court judge in Atlanta, has contributed $2,000 to Barnes' current campaign.

Go to savannahnow.com/elections to get voter tools, candidate profiles and the latest news.

To read full article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-10-07/document-barnes-law-firm-appeared-37-cases-judges-he-appointed

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.