Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Clayton Passes Budget, Doesn't Cut Employee Pay 4 Percent

Police academy will close

By Ralph Ellis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clayton County News
June 30, 2010

Clayton County employees won't need to take a 4-percent pay cut next year.

Commission Chairman Wole Ralph introduced and passed a budget plan on Tuesday night that was designed to save money by closing the county police academy, outsourcing planning services and instituting a three-month hiring freeze. County employees will take four furlough days and six employees will lose their jobs, he said.

Ralph's $166 million general fund budget was approved 3-2, with Chairman Eldrin Bell and Michael Edmondson voting against it. The general fund pays for most county operational services, including salaries.

To read full article, please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/clayton-passes-budget-doesnt-560617.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No Medicaid Money May Mean More State Cuts

By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
June 30, 2010

The $17.9 billion state spending plan that takes effect this week is looking dicey even before the new fiscal year begins.

That's because Gov. Sonny Perdue and lawmakers balanced the budget using nearly $400 million in extra federal Medicaid stimulus money that Congress has so far declined to approve.

About 30 states, including Georgia, built that extra money into their budgets. They assumed Congress would continue providing Medicaid stimulus money that has been sent to states to help out during the recession.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/no-medicaid-money-may-560035.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Gingrich To Headline Georgia Chamber Health Care Event

By ERIN BLACK
Newnan Times-Herald
June 29, 2010

On July 13, 2010, former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich will headline the Georgia Chamber health care informational event at the Intercontinental Hotel at 3315 Peachtree Road in Buckhead, Atlanta.

At the event, entitled The New Federal Health Care Law: The Truth About What it Says, What You've Heard, and What it Means, Gingrich's speech will address the new health care law and its impact on health insurance businesses.

Gingrich, a former Carroll County resident and former University of West Georgia professor worked extensively on health care issues including Medicare reform and investment in medical research during his 20 years in Congress. His district for many years included Coweta County.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/local/Gingrich-to-headline-Georgia-Chamber-health-care-event-1190957

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

Democratic Community Picnic To Be Held July 17

Newnan Times-Herald
June 29, 2010

The Coweta County Democratic Party will be hosting the 5th Annual Community Picnic on July 17 from noon until 4 p.m. at Carl Miller Park.

The park is at 70 Sewell Road, next to the Newnan Utilities offices.

There will be free food and fun and games for the kids. It is an opportunity to meet candidates and register to vote.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/Local/Democratic-Community-Picnic-to-be-held-July-17-1191063

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

Leaders Want C-Tran-Related Bill Amended

By Joel Hall
Clayton News-Daily
Jonesboro, GA
June 29, 2010

Leaders on both sides of the C-TRAN public transportation debate have expressed concern that too many pennies on the dollar to fund public transit, might not be a good thing.

Monday night, during a Clayton County NAACP forum on the future of public transportation, Clayton County Commissioners Wole Ralph and Michael Edmondson, along with State Reps. Mike Glanton (D-Ellenwood) and Roberta Abdul-Salaam (D-Riverdale) outlined their views on C-Tran funding, at the Forest Park gathering.

Ralph and Edmondson were among the county commissioners who voted last year to dismantle C-TRAN, because the county couldn’t afford it.

Glanton and Abdul-Salaam were among the vocal members of the Clayton County Legislative Delegation championing bills to provide local and regional options for funding public transportation.

Legislation now exists which allows Clayton to raise it’s sales tax by 1 cent to fund public transit. In addition, the legislation allows entities within the 10-county metro region to do the same.

Having both options utilized, however, would drive Clayton sales tax to 9 cents, making it one of the highest-taxed counties in the state.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.mycountypaper.com/claytonnews/headlines/97362939.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

MARTA Board To Vote On Service Cuts

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta News
June 28, 2010

The MARTA board meets this afternoon to consider proposed cuts that could mean longer waits for rail passengers, trains with fewer cars, the closing of station bathrooms and cuts in bus service, including the Braves shuttle.

Those are among the belt-tightening measures recommended by a budget committee in May. Under the plan, about 400 of MARTA's 5,000 employees would lose their jobs.

If the full MARTA board passes the plan, the transit agency will drop 41 of its 131 bus routes and cover 482 fewer miles.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/marta-board-to-vote-558883.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Candidates For Governor Say Creating Jobs Will Be Top Priority

By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
June 26, 2010

Several candidates for governor said Saturday that job creation will be their top priority if elected in November.

More than 100 people gathered at Grady High School for the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals' Super Saturday event. They heard Democrats DuBose Porter, David Poythress, Thurbert Baker and Bill Bolton, as well as representatives of Democrat Carl Camon and Republican John Oxendine, agree that the most important thing they can do as governor is get Georgians back to work.

The candidates also offered examples of a time when they bucked the political winds.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/candidates-for-governor-say-558385.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fixing State Finances A Tough Job For Next Governor

By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
June 27, 2010

Nursing sickly state finances back to health will be a monumental job for the next governor.

The governor elected this fall will probably have to order a new round of budget cuts as soon as he or she takes office. The governor will have to put together a spending plan for next year that is already projected to have a $1 billion to $2 billion hole.

The governor will have to decide whether to back a tax code rewritten by a commission this fall. And the governor will have to help change the popular HOPE scholarship program to make it financially viable in the future.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/fixing-state-finances-a-558596.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, June 25, 2010

County Accepts Help With July 4th Festival

By Valerie Baldowski
Henry Daily Herald
June 24, 2010

This year’s Georgia Independence Day Festival, in Henry County, was in jeopardy of being canceled, due to county budget cuts. A local television station, however, has provided the money needed to rescue the annual event.

During a special called meeting on Thursday, the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement for co-sponsorship of the festival. Under the agreement, Signature Broadcasting Networks LLC, (SBN-TV), based in McDonough, will pay a sponsorship fee of $25,170 to the county.

The commission also approved a contract with Atlanta Pyrotechnics International, Inc., based in Marietta, to provide fireworks for the festival. The cost for the fireworks will be $15,000, and the money will be drawn from the county’s Parks and Recreation Department budget.

For further reading please tap on link: http://www.mycountypaper.com/henrydailyherald/headlines/97128744.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Protests Planned For Atlanta Budget Approval

By Ernie Suggs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta / State News
June 25, 2010

The Atlanta City Council will approve a half-billion dollar spending plan on Friday that grants raises to police officers and fire fighters, funds the opening of more than a dozen recreation centers and changes the city’s pension obligations.

However, it won't come without considerable opposition.

On Thursday night, Gina Pagnotta, Professional Association of City Employees president, gathered city workers together in the City Hall atrium to strategize opposition to a city council-approved $300 bonus considered meager at best.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/protests-planned-for-atlanta-556992.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Last-Minute Tax Filers To Wait 10-12 Weeks For Refunds

By Preston Sparks
Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle
Local News
June 25, 2010

For some, the check isn't in the mail - at least not yet.

Georgia taxpayers who filed their return after April 10 might not receive their money from the Georgia Department of Revenue for several more weeks.

The latest average wait time of 10 to 12 weeks for such returns to be processed and checks to be mailed out was listed on the DOR's Web site Monday.

To read further please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2010-06-25/last-minute-filers-wait-10-12-weeks-refunds?v=1277447838

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Governor Hopefuls In Augusta For Forum

Gubernatorial candidates to discuss environmental issues tonight

Staff
The Augusta Chronicle
June 24, 2010

At least six candidates for Georgia's upcoming governor's race will gather today at Savannah Rapids Pavilion to field questions on water, energy and the environment.

The forum, to be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., was organized by the Georgia River Network and the Georgia Water Coalition as part of the group's annual Paddle Georgia canoe trip, which began in Franklin Springs, Ga., last week and will end Friday night in Augusta.

Scheduled to participate in Thursday's gubernatorial forum are Republican candidates Jeff Chapman and Nathan Deal and Democrats Thurbert Baker, Carl Camon, DuBose Porter and David Poythress.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. More information is available at www.garivers.org.

http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2010-06-24/governor-hopefuls-augusta-forum?v=1277361286

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Atlanta's Population Boom Slowing To A Trickle

By Leon Stafford
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
June 23, 2010

After years of rapid population increases, the pace of growth in the city of Atlanta appears to be slowing, according to new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Atlanta's population increased by 0.7 percent between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2009, to 537,385 residents, one of its slowest growth rates in the first decade of the new millennium, according to figures from the bureau's survey of cities with populations over 100,000.

The recession is to blame, said University of Georgia demographer Doug Bechtel.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlantas-population-boom-slowing-555977.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Diversity A Point Of Pride For East Point

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 23, 2010

City financial struggles and political infighting have tarnished East Point’s reputation in recent years.

But the south Fulton County city has drawn praise for its embrace of an influx of gay residents. Some even wonder if East Point is becoming the new Decatur: an intown community that is part metro-chic and part Mayberry.

“Politics are everywhere, but the people here are unique,” said Rick Westbrook, who moved to East Point with his partner 12 years ago. “I can pick up the phone at 3 a.m. and get a phone tree going because an elderly neighbor has a tree that needs to be chopped up. We are all neighbors.”

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/diversity-a-point-of-555893.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

DeKalb Won't Close Rec Centers, Raise Taxes

By Bill Torpy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County News
June 22, 2010

DeKalb County commissioners on Monday approved changes to the midyear budget that will keep two recreation centers in operation that were headed for closure and won't raise taxes. However, county officials still need to juggle cost items or make more cuts in the next few weeks.

“It sounds like we will have to continue our conversation [on budget items]," CEO Burrell Ellis said after leaving the meeting. Ellis originally wanted an increase in the millage rate to hire more officers and other employees to replace those who took early retirement earlier this year.

The board’s action, after impassioned speeches by 30 residents, meant that the county will send its set millage rate to the state this week, allowing property tax bills to be mailed in August. Otherwise, the county would have had to borrow money to fund operations.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-wont-close-rec-554896.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Attorney General Candidates Trade Viewpoints

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
June 22, 2010

Three of five candidates running for Georgia attorney general offered their views during a political forum on Tuesday night, discussing everything from the ongoing water war with Alabama and Florida to federal health care legislation tocriminal exploitation of children.

At Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, before a crowd of 100, Sam Olens said, “The attorney general’s position is a position that links public service with the practice of law. If you’re the attorney general, you get to be involved.”

Olens, Cobb County Commission former chairman, will face state Sen. Preston Smith and former U.S. attorney Max Wood for the Republican nomination next month.

State Rep. Rob Teilhet will run against former Dougherty County D.A. Ken Hodges in the Democratic primary.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/attorney-general-candidates-trade-555233.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Conservative Groups Release Endorsements

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
Athens Banner-Herald
June 22, 2010

ATLANTA - U.S. Rep. Paul Broun lent his presence Monday to a collection of new conservative organizations as they released report cards on his colleagues and members of the Georgia General Assembly.

Broun, R-Athens, hailed the groups as the leaders in reclaiming personal freedoms given by the country's Founding Fathers and taken away by misguided politicians since.

"I can't change Washington, neither can any member of Congress or all the members of Congress," he said. "What's going to change Congress, what's going to change this nation, is groups like this coalition."

The groups - Americans for Prosperity, Georgia Tea Party, 9.12 Group, Madison Forum - claim e-mail lists of 100,000 activists ready to work for the candidates earning their support.

The 9.12 Group explicitly endorsed Republicans Melvin Everson for state labor commissioner, Gerry Purcell for insurance commissioner and Doug MacGinnitie for secretary of state.

The legislative races gaining endorsements were all in Metro Atlanta.

To read full story please tap on link: http://onlineathens.com/stories/062210/new_657193311.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Georgia Major Player In National Immigration Debate

By Laura Diamond
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 22, 2010

The admission of illegal immigrants into Georgia's public colleges needs to be addressed, let alone whether to allow them to pay out-of-state tuition, a state regent said on Monday.

Meeting for the first time, a 13-person committee formed by the State Board of Regents to deal solely with residency and tuition involving undocumented students acknowledged there is a greater issue involved.

"That is the big question somebody needs to answer," Regent Felton Jenkins said.

Larry Walker, another regent, said a solution must be be found to quell public outrage over illegal immigrants, repeatedly referencing anger and frustrations expressed by Georgians after learning Kennesaw State University had awarded in-state tuition to an undocumented student.

For the full story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-major-player-in-554370.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, June 21, 2010

Democrat Could Make History In U.S. Senate Race

By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 19, 2010

One of the two Democrats vying to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson this year could make history and become the South’s first black senator since Reconstruction.

If one of them succeeds in what appears to be an uphill battle, Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond or political newcomer R.J. Hadley could also become Georgia’s first African-American senator.

Thurmond and Hadley are set to challenge each other in the July 20 Democratic primary. The winner will face Isakson in the Nov. 2 election.

For the full story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/democrat-could-make-history-552767.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Last Day For Voters To Sign Up

By Blake Aued
Athens Banner-Herald
June 21, 2010

Registration forms are available online and at county voter-registration offices. A copy of photo identification is required with mail-in forms, but not when registering in person.

Voters and potential voters can check the My Voter Page at the Georgia secretary of state’s website, www.sos.georgia.gov, to see if they are registered, download registration forms, find out where to vote or register, and look at sample ballots.

Turnout for early voting, which started June 7 and runs through July 16, has been light so far.

To read full story please tap on link: http://onlineathens.com/stories/062110/new_656873356.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Friday, June 18, 2010

GOP, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off On Jekyll Island

Immigration, money hot topics at Georgia Press Association debates


By Larry Peterson
Savannah Morning News
June 18, 2010

JEKYLL ISLAND - Former Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes sat through a Republican gubernatorial candidate debate Thursday and was unimpressed.

"It was worse than paint drying," he said after the five-way forum sponsored by the Georgia Press Association and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "I've never seen anything so dull."

But when Barnes and five other Democrats took their turn at the debate table, little - if any - new ground was broken.

The Republicans tried to out-do each other in calling for tough action against illegal immigrants; Democrats said they liked federal economic stimulus cash.

To read full account please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-06-18/gop-democratic-gubernatorial-candidates-face-jekyll-island

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

Feds Seek Dismissal Of Health Care Reform Challenge

Atlanta Business Chronicle
June 17, 2010

The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the federal health care reform act filed by Florida’s attorney general, attorneys general of 19 other states and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Georgia joined the suit in May. Georgia is represented by Frank C. Jones as Special Attorney General. Jones was appointed after Georgia’s Democratic Attorney General Thurbert Baker refused a request from Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue to pursue the case.

Read more: Feds seek dismissal of health care reform challenge - Atlanta Business Chronicle

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/06/14/daily53.html?surround=lfn

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

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Georgia Chamber Honor: Smith 'Legislator of the Year'

By Sarah Fay Campbell
The Newnan Times-Herald
June 17, 2010

State Representative Lynn Smith has been named a "Legislator of the Year" by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Smith, R-Newnan, was surprised with the award at the June 10 meeting of the Chamber's legislative affairs committee. "I've been a panelist and a guest speaker for them several times," she said. So when she received an invitation to the event, she assumed that's what it was for.

This year, the Chamber honored three representatives and two state senators.

The annual award is given to legislators who worked above and beyond on behalf of the state's business community during the previous legislative session, according to the Chamber.

To read the full story please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/Local/Ga-Chamber-honor-Smith-Legislator-of-the-Year-1174511

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

Dougherty Early Voters Trickle In

The last day to register to vote for the July 20 primary is Monday, officials say.

By: J.D. Sumner
Albany Herald
June 17, 2010

ALBANY, Ga. — The early returns on voter interest are in and while the turnout is extremely light, Dougherty County’s per capita turnout so far for the July 20 primary elections is one of the highest in the state.

Still, that is a small segment — under one-half of 1 percent — of the eligible voters in the county.

According to election information obtained through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, only 13,143 of the state’s 4.9 million registered voters have taken advantage of the first two weeks of a month-long early voting period.

According to the document, Cobb County leads all Georgia counties in number of voters who have cast ballots with 562. Fulton, Chatham, Gwinnett and Ware round out the top five. Dougherty County finished Wednesday’s election period with 200 voters having gone to the polls.

To read full story please tap on link: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/96532899.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Crowd of Republicans Seeking Ga. Insurance Seat

By Dorie Turner
Associated Press Writer
AP News
Athens Banner-Herald
June 16, 2010

ATLANTA — A crowded field of candidates is battling it out to become the state's next insurance commissioner, with several vowing to fight the new federal health care law.

Nine Republicans and one Democrat have entered the race to replace Commissioner John Oxendine, who is running for governor in the Republican primary. The list of candidates includes the chairmen of both the state House and Senate insurance committees.

The federal health care law, pushed by President Barack Obama, has emerged as a key issue in the race.

Earlier this year, Oxendine declined — as part of the new law — to set up a state insurance pool for high-risk Georgians who have been uninsured for at least six months. The Republican candidates say they will help the state fight against the law.

To read full story please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100616/654774697.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Georgia Woman To Head League of Women Voters

The Associated Press
Athens Banner- Herald
June 15, 2010

ATLANTA — A DeKalb County, Ga. woman has been elected president of The League of Women Voters of the U.S.

Elizabeth MacNamara, who headed the organization's Georgia brach from 2001 to 2006, was elected to a two-year term as national president of the 150,000-member group on Tuesday.

Macnamara was elected to the league's mational board in 2006 and served as first vice president until this year.

http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100615/654179525.shtml
© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Ambition Lures Many Lawmakers Away From Capitol

By Errin Haines
Associated Press Writer
AP News
Athens Banner-Herald
June 15, 2010

ATLANTA — As many as one in five Georgia senators and representatives will be new lawmakers when the 2011 Legislature convenes in January.

While some will succeed incumbents who retired, much of the turnover can be linked to the dozens of ambitious legislators have set their sights on higher offices during a wide-open Georgia election season. In addition to a U.S. Senate seat and all 13 U.S. House seats, all of the state's constitutional offices are up for grabs — a proposition too hard for some at the Capitol to resist.

"Every office but the lieutenant governor has no incumbent running, which in itself is pretty unprecedented," said Georgia State University political science professor Steve Anthony. "One of the old adages in politics is 'timing is everything.' There's a lot of opportunity this year and people are hoping they can take advantage of it."

Anthony — who served as chief of staff to Tom Murphy, the longest-serving House speaker in any U.S. state legislature — said change at the Capitol is hardly unusual. Lawmakers routinely rotate out after a few terms, choosing to retire or losing a re-election bid.

To read full article please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100615/654202631.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Oxendine Unsure If He'd Push Transportation Plan

By SHANNON McCAFFREY
AP Writer
Associated Press News
Athens Banner-Herald
June 15, 2010

ATLANTA — Republican gubernatorial hopeful John Oxendine said Tuesday that as a voter he'll support a transportation funding plan signed into law this year.

But he won't commit to using the bully pulpit as governor to lobby Georgians to get behind it in a 2012 referendum.

"I'm going to have a million things on my plate," Oxendine told about 100 business leaders at a GOP candidate forum sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. "I don't know exactly how active I will be in 2012."

His three leading opponents for the Republican nomination — Nathan Deal, Karen Handel and Eric Johnson — all said Tuesday they would use their influence as governor to lobby voters to push the measure through.

To read the whole story please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100615/654259172.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Congressmen's Rivals Add Touch Of Primary Drama

By Russ Bynum
Associated Press Writer
Athens Banner-Herald
June 15, 2010

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Rivalries within the Democratic Party are forcing three Georgia congressmen to defend their seats in the July primaries, bringing the potential for early upsets in races that typically lack drama until the fall campaigns.

Meanwhile, Georgia's newest House member, a Republican elected June 8 to fill what little remains of Rep. Nathan Deal's term, has to plunge right back into campaigning in North Georgia. And eight GOP contenders are in a free-for-all to succeed longtime Republican Rep. John Linder in metro Atlanta.

Primary challenges to Democratic Reps. John Barrow of Savannah, Hank Johnson of Lithonia and David Scott of Atlanta are the three races to watch closely on July 20. Georgia's eight other House incumbents are unopposed in the primaries.

To read full article please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100614/653664914.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Monday, June 14, 2010

Next Governor Holds Reins On Transportation

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
June 14, 2010

In a few years, thanks in part to Gov. Sonny Perdue, metro Atlantans could be seeing a transportation revolution, with speedy electronic HOV toll lanes on I-85 and $700 million or more devoted each year to projects in the region.

Or maybe an entirely different vision will be realized.

It depends a great deal on Perdue's successor.

Perdue has put his stamp on Georgia transportation in ways that may change life for millions of Georgians. But just as game-changing new transportation programs are gaining steam here, a new governor will take office and in many cases take on the power to advance, stymie or reinvent them.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/next-governor-holds-reins-548498.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rare Open AG Seat Leads To Unusually Intense Race

GREG BLUESTEIN
Associated Press Writer
AP News
Athens Banner-Herald
June 14, 2010

ATLANTA — The first open seat in the election for the state's top lawyer in more than 60 years has transformed a normally down-ticket race into one of the most hotly contested campaigns in Georgia.

That helps explain why three prominent Republicans and two well-known Democrats are running to become the state's next attorney general, and each have unveiled ambitious plans to use the post to push their agendas. All have vowed to play a more proactive role in enforcing state law.

On the Republican side, former Cobb County Commissioner Sam Olens, state Sen. Preston Smith and former U.S. Attorney Max Wood face off for their party's nomination in the July 20 primary. Meanwhile, Democratic state Rep. Rob Teilhet and Ken Hodges, an ex-Dougherty County district attorney, will square off in their party's contest.

For full story please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100613/653118517.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Friday, June 11, 2010

In N. Georgia, Costs Mount For Multiple Elections

RAY HENRY and SHANNON McCAFFREY
Associated Press Writers
The Athens Banner-Herald
June 11, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — To get a full-term congressman, voters in north Georgia have headed to the polls two times in the past month. And in July, they'll vote again in the state primary, possibly another runoff a few weeks later and then sealing the deal in November with a fifth and final vote.

The never-ending campaign is exhausting for voters in the 9th Congressional District who are being bombarded with fliers, yard signs and backslapping candidates nearly everywhere they turn. And it's also a strain on county officials who must struggle to find the extra dollars in recession-wracked budgets to hold the extra elections.

Former Republican Rep. Nathan Deal set off this seven-month wave of voting when he decided to step down from Congress to run for Georgia governor. Deal's term does not end until early January, so Gov. Sonny Perdue called a special election — to the chagrin of local election officials — just months ahead of the normal election cycle.

To see full story please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100610/651822744.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

US Attorney General To Attend Yates Ceremony

The Associated Press
AP News
The Athens Banner-Herald
June 11, 2010

ATLANTA — The nation's top law enforcement official is headed to Atlanta to formally install north Georgia's new chief federal prosecutor.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to speak at the ceremony Friday for Sally Quillian Yates.

Yates was confirmed in March by the U.S. Senate as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

She served as first assistant U.S. attorney for seven years and has been with the U.S. attorney's office since 1989.

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan

http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100611/652155872.shtml

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Candidate Forum June 22 In Peachtree City

By Ralph Ellis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fayette County News
June 7, 2010


The Rotary Club of Peachtree City will hold a candidate meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. June 22 at the

Each candidate will speak for three minutes and then take a station where members of the public can ask questions.

Participants are expected to include candidates for Fayette County commission and board of education, U.S. House District 3, state Senate District 34 and state House districts 73, 74 and 77. The general primary is July 20.

For information, call 770-487-7799.

http://www.ajc.com/news/fayette/candidate-forum-june-22-543656.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Women See Election Gains

By Liz Sidoti
Associated Press
Athens Banner-Herald
June 10, 2010

WASHINGTON - It's looking like a new "year of the woman" in politics.

Eighteen years after a few glass ceilings were broken, hundreds of female candidates have set their sights on Congress, governorships and state legislatures, and a significant number racked up big wins in Tuesday's primaries. Republican women, in particular, served notice to the old boys of the party.

For the full story see link: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/061010/nat_651330405.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

July 20 General Primary Election Ballot

From the Georgia Secretary of State Brian P. Kemp
Elections Division

A Preliminay List Updated Wednesday, June 9, 2010

A complete listing of candidates for the 2010 elections will be posted to this site at the conclusion of each qualifying period. Qualifying for the July 20, 2010 General Primary Election closed on April 30, 2010 at noon.

Nonpartisan, Independent and Political Body candidates will begin qualifying for the November 2, 2010 General Election on June 28, 2010 at 9:00 am and will close on July 2, 2010 at noon.

Preliminary List of Candidates on the July 20, 2010 General Primary Election Ballot at link:
http://qual.sos.ga.gov/QualifyingSearchResults.asp?RaceID=1

Commission Hears Poverty Analysis

"More than a quarter of the population of Albany and Dougherty County is below the poverty level." J.D. Sumner

Reporter: J.D. Sumner
Government writer
Albany Herald
June 9, 2010

ALBANY, Ga. — City leaders got a sobering portrait of poverty here Tuesday as an analysis commissioned by the city manager’s office was presented to the board.

The report identified the major causes of poverty in Albany, but, more importantly, according to City Manager Alfred Lott, it offered recommendations and possible solutions to address the problem.

“It was conveyed during their retreat this year that poverty was going to be a priority for the (Albany City) Commission,” Lott said. “The mission or goal of the report was to identify contributing factors to poverty as well as possible policy action the board could take.”

Based largely on U.S. census data, information from other government sources, as well as information obtained through interviews and public hearings, the analysis identifies the area’s 27 percent poverty rate and offers recommendations to decrease that number.

For the full story please tap on link: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/95922144.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

School Groups Aim To Educate Politicians

Seminar will help spell out Georgia’s needs

By Carolyn Crist
The Gainesville Times
June 8, 2010

It’s time for politicians to go back to school.

As candidates discuss Georgia’s education system this election season, they’ll need the facts to back up their policy ideas.

To give elected officials an idea of where Georgia education stands and how the budget situation will affect schools, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and Georgia School Boards Association created a traveling seminar to teach the candidates.

In Athens on Monday, GPEE President Steve Dolinger emphasized ties between education and economic development.

"There’s a lot of work we still need to do in Georgia, but there is progress," Dolinger said, presenting statistics about the state’s low SAT rankings, reading levels, basic math skills and graduation rates. "I need you to use two sets of ears today — for your campaign and for you to use back in your community today."

To read further please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/34058/

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

Isakson Faces Formidable Challenger In Labor Chief

Associated Press
The Augusta Chronicle
June 6, 2010

ATLANTA --- Just a few months ago, Johnny Isakson had a clear path to re-election and was coasting toward his second term as a U.S. senator.

That changed in April, when Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond announced he would leave the post he had held for more than a decade to challenge Isakson for his Senate seat.

Please tap on link to read whole article: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-06-06/isakson-faces-formidable-challenger-labor?v=1275874215

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Handicapped Augustan Back On The Road

By Adam Folk
Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle
June 6, 2010

Rodney Dreaden was full of anxiety -- or as the Indiana native puts it, "jitters" -- the first time he took to the road after the accident that severed his spinal cord.

He edged into traffic on Augusta West Parkway and headed toward Washington Road, his hands and elbow working the levers and buttons that replaced the actions his feet once performed.

"I don't know how to explain it," Dreaden said. "It was like getting some part of my life back."

For the millions of handicapped, regaining the ability to operate a vehicle can be a liberating experience.

It certainly was for Dreaden. About four years ago, driving caused him to lose the use of his legs and left him with only minimal use of his hands and arms.

Please tap on link to read the whole story: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2010-06-06/handicapped-augustan-back-road

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, June 07, 2010

Johnson Faces 6 In Fight To Keep 4th District Seat

By Steve Visser
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta / State News
June 6, 2010

Vernon Jones peered down at the empty chair at a candidate forum Wednesday and asked to a ripple of laughter from the small crowd: "Where are you, Hank?"

It was an answer to a setup question by Maynard Eaton, the skilled moderator of the "Newsmakers Live" Web cam debate, that was designed to humiliate U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, the incumbent in the 4th Congressional District: "What would you say to Hank Johnson if he were here?"

Eaton and producer Jim Welcome had eviscerated Johnson for skipping the forum that pitted him against Jones, the charismatic and controversial former CEO of DeKalb County, and Connie Stokes, a county commissioner and veteran legislator, who hope to defeat him in the July 20 Democratic primary.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/johnson-faces-6-in-542925.html
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Schools Eye Lean Budgets

By Ryan Blackburn
Athens Banner-Herald
June 07, 2010

After absorbing the cost of state-mandated furloughs to keep teachers at work last year, Oconee County Schools just couldn't afford the expense again.

Barrow County Superintendent Wanda Creel said with the district facing unprecedented funding shortfalls, it “can’t do business as usual.”

A second wave of funding shortfalls will force one of the state's wealthiest school districts to cut into salaries for teachers.

This year, the Oconee County Board of Education - like others in school districts across the region - will have to consider furloughs and other hard-to-accept spending cuts to remain in good financial footing when school resumes in the fall, according to Randy Morrison, the assistant superintendent of financial operations.

To read further please tap on link: http://onlineathens.com/stories/060710/new_649963627.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Friday, June 04, 2010

Fulton, Sandy Springs At Odds Over Voting Rights Act

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
June 2, 2010

Sandy Springs, the first Georgia city to try and bail out of of the Voting Rights Act, on Wednesday drew its first public rebuke, a Fulton County Commission resolution scolding its efforts.

The resolution opposing Sandy Springs' request carried no legal weight, but it sharply defined the differences between the county and a city that incorporated four years ago, with the latter claiming its residents are not receiving proper attention and service from the former and then seeking to be relieved from federal oversight of elections.

“Fairness is your concern about elections, not cost,” said Hasan Crockett, a Morehouse College political science professor, who urged the county commission to oppose the city. “Free and fair elections are not a city service like garbage pick-up. It is a right protected in every constitution, from the federal level down.”

To read the full article please tap on the link: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/fulton-sandy-springs-at-540446.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

4-Day School Weeks Gain Popularity Across US

By DORIE TURNER
Associated Press Writer
The Macon Telegraph
June 4, 2010

FORT VALLEY, Ga. -- During the school year, Mondays in this rural Georgia community are for video games, trips to grandma's house and hanging out at the neighborhood community center.
Don't bother showing up for school. The doors are locked and the lights are off.

Peach County is one of more than 120 school districts across the country where students attend school just four days a week, a cost-saving tactic gaining popularity among cash-strapped districts struggling to make ends meet. The 4,000-student district started shaving a day off its weekly school calendar last year to help fill a $1 million budget shortfall.

It was that or lay off 39 teachers the week before school started, said Superintendent Susan Clark.

"We're treading water," Clark said as she stood outside the headquarters of her seven-school district. "There was nothing else for us to do."

The results? Test scores went up.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/06/04/1150383/4-day-school-weeks-gain-popularity.html#ixzz0pthogPMs

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.Read more: http://www.macon.com/copyright/#ixzz0ptimc5um

Early Voting For July 20 Primaries Available In All Metro Counties

By Bill Rankin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta News
June 3, 2010

Although the July 20 primaries are almost six weeks away, Georgia voters can cast ballots at their counties' early voting precincts beginning on Monday.

Gwinnett County voters already have had a head start; early voting there began on May 28.

Cobb County opens its doors to early voters on Friday. Early voting precincts in Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton and most other Georgia counties open on Monday. State law requires counties to offer early voting at least 45 days before election day.

To continue reading the article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/early-voting-for-july-541219.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, June 03, 2010

With Signing, Perdue Sets Transportation Plan Into Motion

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
June 3, 2010

The countdown to 2012 started Wednesday as Gov. Sonny Perdue signed legislation allowing Georgians to vote two years from now for what would appear to be the largest single increase in transportation funding in the state's history

The new law takes a major crack at an issue metro Atlanta has struggled with for decades -- increasing congestion that is choking the region’s growth, every year costing its drivers $3 billion, with each commuter wasting about 57 hours.

In a nod toward a growing need for mass transit that can’t legally be funded with the gas tax, the law allows funding for a variety of transportation types and will let Clayton County decide whether to join MARTA.

To read full story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/with-signing-perdue-sets-540637.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia Governor To Sign Seat Belt Legislation

The Associated Press
Athens Banner-Herald
June 3, 2010

ATLANTA — Gov. Sonny Perdue is preparing to sign legislation requiring adults riding in pickup trucks to wear seat belts.

Perdue is scheduled to go to Dalton, Ga., to sign the measure Thursday afternoon.

The legislation had been blocked by state House leaders until this year when Speaker David Ralston allowed it to come to a vote.

The National Highway Safety Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation have estimated changing the law will save 21 lives and prevent 300 injuries each year.

Supporters estimate it could save $30 million in hospital costs each year.

Georgia already requires minors to wear seat belts and adults to wear them in all vehicles except pickups.

http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/state/ga/20100603/648294446.shtml

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

State Seeks Millions In Eucation Grants

Across Georgia
Associated Press
The Augusta Chronicle
June 2, 2010

ATLANTA --- Georgia on Tuesday submitted an application for more than $400 million in federal grants under the U.S. Department of Education's "Race to the Top" competition.

The state narrowly missed out on the cash during the first round, losing to Tennessee and Delaware.

Georgia has added three school districts -- Dade, Peach and Pulaski -- to the 23 districts that applied during the first round. If selected, the state would receive the cash over four years.

The Race to the Top fund is a $4 billion grant opportunity made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

It's designed to encourage innovative programs that will raise student achievement.

http://chronicle.augusta.com/2010-06-01/across-georgia?v=1275439111

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved

Tax Breaks For Seniors: Can Counties Afford Them?

By Janel Davis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro/State News
June 2, 2010

As county leaders struggle to close larger budget gaps with less available money, complaints are increasing that tax exemptions once considered good local policy should now be reconsidered.

In Cobb County, where the school system faces a $126.7 million deficit, there have been rumblings of re-evaluating the county’s lenient school tax exemption, which provides a full exemption for all homeowners age 62 and above and costs the county more than $50 million a year.

With such a high deficit, some in the county have begun to wonder whether this exemption, originally intended as a property tax break for older residents with declining incomes, has become unsustainable in a post-recession time of sagging tax revenues.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/tax-breaks-for-seniors-539756.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Whatever Happened To ... David "Chris" Wesley, Homebound Student Turned College Graduate

By D. Aileen Dodd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta / State News
May 30, 2010

Medical experts said David “Chris” Wesley wasn’t college material. Childhood seizures had robbed him of the ability to do math without a calculator.

The processing region of his brain was jammed, his memory hazy.

But Wesley never forgot the early lesson of Aesop's fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

“It’s the truth. Slow and steady wins the race,” said Wesley of Lilburn.

The 23-year-old student recently graduated from Georgia Perimeter College with honors. It took him four years to complete his two-year associate’s degree, but Wesley wasn’t in a rush.

For the full story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/whatever-happened-to-david-538414.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

HOTC Seeks Youth To Make An IMPACT

Thomasville Times-Enterprise
May 27, 2010

THOMASVILLE — Local youths have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community this summer.

Hands On Thomas County is currently looking for volunteers to participate in its annual summer service camp, Project IMPACT, scheduled for June 14-18.

“Project IMPACT is a week-long camp for high school students to learn about volunteer opportunities in the community,” HOTC Executive Director Casey Dyksterhouse said.

“Students learn about the various non-profit organizations and the populations they serve but, more importantly, students experience how they can make a difference by participating in volunteer service projects throughout the week.”

For the full story please tap on link: http://timesenterprise.com/news/x2023223643/HOTC-seeks-youth-to-make-an-IMPACT

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. ·

Americans May Give Health Care Law A Chance

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar
Associated Press Writer
Associated Press
Newnan Times-Herald
June 1, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Toss it or fix it?

Anxious backers of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law are starting to see a flicker of hope.

While polls show Americans remain sharply divided over the Democrats' landmark legislation, they aren't clamoring for its repeal.

For full story tap on link: http://ap.times-herald.com/dynamic/stories/U/US_HEALTH_OVERHAUL_REPEAL?SITE=GANEW&SECTION=NATIONAL&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

© 2010 The Newnan Times-Herald Inc
© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.