Thursday, September 30, 2010

Barnes' Legal Record Becomes Issue

Former Governor Roy Barnes..... has been an advocate for consumers.

Associated Press
The Augusta Chronicle
September 30, 2010

ATLANTA --- In the eight years since he was ousted as governor, Roy Barnes has taken on legal cases that kept him in the headlines and bolstered his personal wealth. They now are coming under scrutiny as the race for governor heats up.

He has championed consumer rights, challenging companies that tacked fees on gift cards and urging judges to shut down lenders that burden borrowers with heavy finance charges.

He has also defended the chairman of a power cooperative against a lawsuit filed by customers and helped fend off a lawsuit against a former federal agent convicted of leaking sensitive data.

For the whole story please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-09-29/barnes-legal-record-becomes-issue?v=1285723361

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Election Official Predicts 50 Percent Turnout

By Ashley Fuller
Cherokee Tribune
September 30, 2010

Turnout for the November general election in Cherokee County is expected to be strong as early voting is bringing a steady flow of voters.

Janet Munda, supervisor of elections for Cherokee County, said the general election will turn out at least 50 percent of voters to the polls. There are 133,612 registered voters in the county."

There is a governor's race, and we have a lot of our state representatives and local school board members that have opposition," she said about factors spurring interest. "There are some real interesting races that the people will decide."

For the whole article please tap the link: http://www.cherokeetribune.com/view/full_story/9710516/article-Election-official-predicts-50-percent-turnout?instance=home_news_left

Content copyright © 2009 Marietta Daily Journal

Barnes, Deal Face Off -- Politely -- At Forum

By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
September 29, 2010

Gubernatorial candidates Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal politely offered competing visions on the issues of health care, transportation and water supplies Wednesday at a candidates’ forum at The Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta.

The forum was notable for its lack of fireworks from the two candidates, who have been blasting each other’s ethics in recent weeks. Sitting close to each other at the forum, the two were courteous as they took turns answering questions from the audience and moderator Jeff Hullinger, of WXIA Channel 11 Alive.

Among the topics they discussed was the constitutionality of the national health care overhaul, which requires people to buy health insurance. That change will not take effect until 2014. Georgia is one of 20 states challenging the constitutionality of the law.

Read the whole article-please go to the link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/barnes-deal-face-off-646187.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Atlanta Politicians, Educators and Community Leaders To Confront High School Dropout Crisis

By Marc Richardson
Where U Live Producer
WXIA-TV Channel 11
September 29, 2010

Atlanta, GA-- The Choice Initiative, led by the Atlanta Urban League, kicks off two-week tour of Atlanta schools on September 29 to warn students of the consequences of dropping out.

Thousands of metro Atlanta students will soon face a poignant message about the consequences of dropping out and witness firsthand testimonials through the two-week, experiential Choice Initiative that begins in select Atlanta schools this Wednesday, September 29 to confront the local high school dropout crisis.

The initiative will launch with a press conference and tour of the nationally-renowned Choice Bus at KIPP WAYS Academy in Atlanta. The purpose of the citywide initiative is to reinforce for students how their choice to either stay in school or drop out can impact the rest of their lives.

To read further please tap on link: http://cascade.11alive.com/content/atlanta-politicians-educators-and-community-leaders-confront-high-school-dropout-crisis

11alive.com Copyright 2010

DeKalb Board Switches Stance On Stimulus Bonds

By Megan Matteucci
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County News
September 29, 2010

About $36 million in federal stimulus bonds will help alleviate lines at DeKalb County's traffic court, relocate police officers and improve water quality, officials said.

With only two days left before the deadline, the DeKalb County Commission voted Tuesday to use the low-interest bonds.

The commission’s decision is a turnaround from two weeks ago, when commissioners were celebrating not using the federal loans, saying that any use of the money would require a property tax increase.

CEO Burrell Ellis said Tuesday that it’s too early to say if taxes will go up next year, but he said that the bonds will not be the reason for any increase in the millage rate.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-board-switches-stance-642404.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bishop Signs Letter Urging Extension of Bush Tax Cuts On Capital Gains

47 Democrats are breaking ranks with President Obama and calling for partial extension of the Bush Tax Cuts

From Staff Reports
Albany Herald
September 29, 2010

WASHINGTON: Georgia Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Jim Martin are among 47 Democrats who are breaking ranks with President Obama and calling for a more susbstantial extension of the Bush-era Tax Cuts.

The lawmakers, led by Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., have sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying they strongly support extending the current tax rates on capital gains and dividends.

"Raising taxes on capital gains and dividends could discourage individuals and businesses from saving and investing," said the letter, dated Friday and released Tuesday. "We urge you to maintain the current tax rate for both dividend and long-term capital gains taxes."Tax cuts enacted in 2003 set the top tax rate on capital gains and dividends at 15 percent. Those tax cuts expire at the end of the year, and Obama wants to let the top tax rate on capital gains and dividends increase to 20 percent for individuals making more than $200,000 and married couples making more than $250,000.

The letter shows that many Democrats, some of them vulnerable in the upcoming elections, are unwilling to follow Obama on taxes.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.albanyherald.com/home/headlines/103979609.html

Southern Community Newspapers Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

DeKalb School Board Candidates In Forum Coming In Dunwoody

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County News
September 27, 2010

A candidate forum featuring he 15 candidates for DeKalb School Board will be held this week in Dunwoody.

EduKALB, a non-partisan nonprofit group, is co-sponsoring the forum and others across the county, to encourage voter information.

The Dunwoody forum begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdayat City Hall on Perimeter Center East. It is scheduled to run for two hours.

For additional information, visit www.edukalb.org.

Source: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-school-board-candidates-639943.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

School Board Candidates Forum Thursday Night

By News Staff
The Newnan Times-Herald
Local News
September 28,2010

Local citizens will have the opportunity to hear from candidates for the Coweta County Board of Education at a forum Wadsworth Auditorium on Thursday.

The forum, which will start at 7 p.m., is sponsored by the Coweta Association of Educators -- Certified. "I believe all the candidates for board of education will be there -- minus Harry Mullins. He told me quite awhile ago he would be out of town," said Nancy Sizemore, the CAEC member in charge of organizing the event.

Four school board seats will be on the ballot in November. Only two of them have opposition.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/Local/School-board-candidates-forum-Thursday-night-1317637

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

Monday, September 27, 2010

Barnes, Deal Oppose Water Transfer

Broader policies differ in details

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
September 26, 2010

ATLANTA --- Gubernatorial candidates Nathan Deal and Roy Barnes both rank solving the state's water crisis as a top priority, and they mention many of the same solutions, such as building more reservoirs and negotiating with neighboring states. The biggest differences come in how far they are proposing to go toward those goals.

However, one step they both vow not to take is laying a cross-country pipeline to withdraw water from the Savannah River to supply Atlanta.

"Taking water from the Savannah River Basin is not an option," Deal says.

Barnes frequently uses the line, "Ours is a storage problem. Ours is not a supply problem."

Deal, the Republican nominee, tells audiences he is the candidate most familiar with the water battle among Alabama, Florida and Georgia over metro Atlanta's access to water in Lake Lanier because the giant lake has been in his district during his 18 years in Congress.

To read further please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-09-26/barnes-deal-oppose-water-transfer?v=1285462920


The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Allen: Nathan Deal Is Sound Financially

By Angie Thompson
Senior Reporter
The Tifton Gazette
Local News
September 25, 2010

TIFTON — A local accountant and supporter of Nathan Deal’s campaign for governor said Friday that the gubernatorial candidate’s finances are solvent and his most recent financial disclosure report is a more accurate reflection of Deal’s financial picture.

“Nathan Deal is definitely not insolvent and will not declare bankruptcy,” said Jimmy Allen, a local accountant. “It’s ridiculous because the man is worth $2.8 million.”

On Thursday’s disclosure, Deal’s assets are listed at $6,689,971 and his liabilities at $3,737,500.

Allen said Friday that he spent four hours with reporters with the Atlanta Journal Constitution and an Associated Press reporter Thursday at Deal’s headquarters in Gainesville going over the latest financial disclosure and explaining Deal’s assets, liabilities and net worth.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://tiftongazette.com/local/x1941091749/Allen-Nathan-Deal-is-sound-financially

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Barnes Touts Education, Jobs

By Nevin Batiwalla
The Brunswick News
September 27, 2010

On his website, Roy Barnes keeps his platform concise with five key issues facing Georgia.

That list was even shorter during his weekend campaign stop in Brunswick as the Democrat gubernatorial candidate focused only on the two topics he feels are the most critical-- education and job creation.

The former governor's visit started Saturday evening at Old City Hall with an hourlong discussion on education to a crowd of about 50, many of them teachers, a group Barnes has worked hard to win back after he lost their support in his 2002 re-election bid against Sony Perdue.

An avid education supporter, the former governor was comfortable delving deep into policy details after presenting his top eduction priorities.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/Barnes--9-27-10-HRsw

©2010 The Brunswick News. All rights reserved.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Campaign Begins For Energy Ballot Measure

By Dave Williams
Staff Writer
Atlanta Business Chronicle
September 24, 2010

A group of clean-energy businesses and environmental advocates has launched a media campaign to convince Georgians to approve a proposal promoting greater energy efficiency in state government.

A constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot would let the state enter into multi-year contracts to replace aging electrical, heating and cooling and water systems in state buildings.

In a campaign that includes a website and several social networking tools, Taxpayers for Energy Efficiency is pushing the measure as a way to boost the economy while cutting government waste.

“Amendment 4 is a win-win proposal that will … create more than 11,000 jobs and make Georgia a more energy efficient state,” said Jason Rooks, the group’s director and president of Clean Energy Strategies LLC of Avondale Estates.

To read furthr please tap on link: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/09/20/daily38.html?surround=lfn

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

College Students Organize Gubernatorial Debate

By Laura Diamond
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
September 23, 2010

Student leaders from several Georgia colleges organized a gubernatorial debate to be held Oct. 3 at Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta. Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal and Libertarian John Monds are confirmed to attend, student organizers said.

The event was organized to encourage more college students to vote and the debate will focus on issues must relevant to them, including the economy, transportation, taxes, higher education and energy policy, organizers said.

Student leaders at Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, University of Georgia and Georgia College & State University are organizing the debate.

All students can submit questions at: www.gastudentvote.com. Some of the questions will be used during the debate.

The debate will be aired live and several colleges are organizing viewing parties.

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/college-students-organize-gubernatorial-619976.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Feds Allow Sandy Springs Out of Voting Rights Act

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
September 24, 2010

Sandy Springs has become the first Georgia city to bail out of the Voting Rights Act’s federal oversight of its elections.

Now, given the relative cost of the city's legal challenge and what it expects to save on paperwork and running its own elections, more cities in the state and across the South may follow suit.

“The fact is, Section 5 is time consuming, expensive and a regulatory nightmare,” said Doug Chalmers, a Johns Creek attorney who helped Sandy Springs request a U.S. Justice Department exemption from that section of the act. “I would expect a number of jurisdictions wanting to bail out of that.”

No other Georgia cities have made that move.

To read article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/feds-allow-sandy-springs-619835.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Elements Of Health Care Law Taking Effect

By Carrie Teegardin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
September 23, 2010

Key elements of the nation's health care overhaul begin to take effect today, six months after President Obama signed the controversial legislation into law.

The provisions will extend new protections and coverage options to consumers, but the insurance industry warned that the new requirements will lead to higher premiums for everyone. Among those provisions:

  • Parents may keep their children on the family health insurance to age 26, if the child is not offered coverage through an employer.
  • Insurers may no longer deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition.

To read more about the provisions please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/elements-of-health-care-619455.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

GOP 'Pledge' Makes Closing Argument To Voters

By Julie Hirschfeld Davis
The Associated Press
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
September 23, 2010

STERLING, Va. — Pushing toward big gains on Nov. 2, House Republicans promised to end a slew of Democratic policies and restore Americans' trust in government as they rolled out a campaign manifesto designed to show they're listening to an angry public and are focused on creating jobs.

"The land of opportunity has become the land of shrinking prosperity ... Our government has failed us," Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California declared. "We will take back our country. We will restore for a better future. This is our pledge to you."

At a hardware store in suburban Washington, senior House Republicans in shirt sleeves showed off the 21-page document they say would guide them should they gain a majority of seats in the midterm balloting five weeks away.

To view the article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/gop-pledge-makes-closing-619137.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Early Voting Under Way In Tift County

By Angie Thompson
Senior Reporter
The Tifton Gazette
Local News
September 22, 2010

TIFTON — Tift County voters, like others around the state, can cast their ballots early and avoid going to the polls for the Nov. 2 general election. Several local races will be decided as well as several state races being sought by local candidates.

Early voting began Friday in some Georgia counties and in Tift County Tuesday. Election Central, which is located in the old high school gymnasium building at Fourth Street and Chesnutt Avenue, is the only precinct open for early voting. Registered Tift County voters can visit the voting location to cast their ballots from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Oct. 29.

Jean Edwards, who is the supervisor of Tift County elections, said Tuesday that anyone who needs a ballot mailed to them should call her office at 386-7915.

Also, anyone who needs to register to vote or change voter status — such as their address — needs to do so by the end of the day Oct. 4.

To read more please tap on link: http://tiftongazette.com/local/x1941089206/Early-voting-under-way-in-Tift-County

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Local Leaders Tell Delegation What They Want In '11 Session

By Ben Wright
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
September 22, 2010

Balancing the Georgia state budget will be a difficult process in the 2011 General Assembly, but some Columbus area lawmakers feel optimistic about proposals for the region.

“Our revenues are still low, but we are optimistic it’s going to be a tick up,” said state Rep. Calvin Smyre, who is entering his 37th year as a lawmaker. “We have noticed in the last three months, there has been a plus in the revenue side of the equation, especially in the sales tax area, which is a good economic indicator.”

Smyre joined members of the legislative delegation and other Columbus officials at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center to consider transportation, education, economic development and other issues that will face lawmakers when they meet in January.

State Sen. Ed Harbison agreed the economic climate may be improving.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2010/09/22/1277347/general-assembly-local-leaders.html

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

Atlanta Officials' "Grave Concerns" On Transportation Tax

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
September 22, 2010

Atlanta City Council members concerned about MARTA’s treatment in a possible transportation tax are planning to hold a town hall.

In 2012 the ten-county Atlanta region will likely vote in a referendum on a list of transportation projects in the region, and on a ten-year 1 percent sales tax to pay for them.

But the law that set up the referendum (HB 277) will not allow MARTA’s existing transit system to receive operations funding from the tax. MARTA leaders have decried that provision since it singles out MARTA, while the state has more than 120 taxpayer-funded transit systems.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/atlanta-officials-grave-concerns-618479.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ARC: Society Must Plan For Fast-Growing Seniors Population

By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Douglas County Sentinel
September 22, 2010

The senior population is the fastest growing in America, and we have to start planning our society differently, Maureen Kelly of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Area Agency on Aging, told a Tuesday meeting.

Kelly spoke at the noon GreyStone Power Luncheon held by the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce at the Douglasville Downtown Conference Center.

“In 2000, one in 10 people were over the age of 60,” Kelly said. “By 2030, it’ll be one in five.”

Kelly said older people can no longer be considered a special population.

“We’re a graying society,” she said.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://douglascountysentinel.com/view/full_story/9610312/article-ARC--Society-must-plan-for-fast-growing-seniors-population?instance=DShome_news_top2

Content copyright © 2010 Douglas County Sentinel.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Early Voting Starts For General Election

Athens Banner-Herald
September 20, 2010

Early voting for the Nov. 2 general election starts today and runs through Oct. 29, which also is the final day to request mail-in absentee ballots.

Mail-in ballots must be returned to the voter's county elections office by the time polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 2, Secretary of State Brian Kemp said.

Sample ballots are available on the secretary of state's website, www.sos.ga.gov/mvp, which also has information about local polling places and early voting sites.

People who vote in person must have a photo identification such as a Georgia driver's license, a passport, a valid employee photo ID from any branch of government, a state photo ID, a military
ID or a tribal ID card.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/092010/new_709988872.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Libertarian candidate John Monds: Government role should be minimal

By Ann Hardie
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
September 19, 2010

In 2008, John Monds made an unsuccessful run for a seat on the Public Service Commission but garnered more than 
1 million votes, a first for a Libertarian Party candidate.

A graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in finance, Monds, 45, lives in Cairo, where he is a stay-at-home dad. He home schools his four children, the oldest age 13 and the youngest 4.

A graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in finance, Monds, 45, lives in Cairo, where he is a stay-at-home dad. He home schools his four children, the oldest age 13 and the youngest 4.

Q: You are a fifth-generation Georgian. Tell me about the first.

A: I have traced my family roots to Colquitt County. How they got there is still a mystery. I think most of them came from Virginia. My “guestimation” is that they were slaves. A lot of farms in Virginia were failing at that time because of soil erosion. A lot of slave owners sold off slaves to raise money to pay debt.

To read the whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/libertarian-candidate-john-monds-616835.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

YOU ARE INVITED: HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE CALL WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA

Linking Community and Faith Leaders to Information about New Benefits

Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Time: 4 PM Eastern, 3 PM Central, 2 PM Mountain, 1 PM Pacific

Dial in information:
For those with internet access, please join the call online at: http://hhs.granicus.com/live

For those without internet access, please dial: 1-888-455-6860 or 1-866-844-9416

A Conference Call for Faith and Community Leaders with the President of the United States

You are invited to join President Obama for a conference call to discuss key new benefits under the Affordable Care Act. We want to ensure that community leaders like you have the most up-to-date information and resources about these new benefits to share with your communities and congregations.

On September 23rd, the six month anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, several new health care benefits begin to apply: eligible young people up to age 26 can stay on their parents’ health plan, key prevention benefits are covered without co-pays or deductibles in new plans, and insurance companies may no longer deny coverage to kids because of pre-existing conditions or drop someone from coverage because of a paperwork mistake.

President Obama will speak about how consumers and communities are already benefiting from the new law. HHS officials will provide an update on how the Affordable Care Act is being implemented, highlight new outreach resources, and answer questions from community and faith leaders. Community and faith leaders will also share their efforts to bring the benefits of health care reform home to communities.

You are Invited: HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE CALL WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA

Please forward this invitation to your members and partners.

You do not need to RSVP for this call. If you have questions, email partnerships@hhs.gov

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Early Voting Starts Friday In Some Counties

By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
September 16, 2010

Voters can start casting ballots early for the Nov. 2 election starting Friday in some counties, including Cobb and Gwinnett.

Early voting will start in other counties -- including DeKalb and Fulton -- on Monday.

You don’t have to explain why you want to vote early. All you need to do is go to your county’s early voting location and show an accepted form of identification such as a Georgia driver's license, even if expired; a photo ID issued by a branch of government; a U.S. military ID; a U.S. passport; or a tribal photo ID. Free voter identification cards are available from county registrar offices and the state Department of Driver Services.

To find your county’s early voting location and hours of operation, click here. Be sure to check the dates for each location because only select ones will start opening for early voting in the next few days.

To see whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/early-voting-starts-friday-615061.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Barrow Says Congress Should Extend Bush Tax Cuts

By Larry Peterson
Savannah Morning News
Home/News
September 17, 2010

On the same day his Republican foe prodded him on the issue, U.S. Rep. John Barrow said Congress should renew the Bush tax cuts.

On Wednesday, the Savannah lawmaker joined 30 Democratic colleagues in urging extension of the cuts, due to expire Dec. 31.

That plunged Barrow into the middle of an election-year tug of war over whether to exclude upper-income people from the cuts.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-09-17/barrow-says-congress-should-extend-bush-tax-cuts

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

State Officials In D.C. On Race To The Top

By Nancy Badertscher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
September 16, 2010

Georgia officials were in Washington on Thursday to outline plans for the $400 million that's headed to the state as a winner in President Obama's Race to the Top competition.

Other winning states also sent representatives to the U.S. Department of Education to talk in detail of how they'll spend the economic stimulus money that the President wants to channel to state and local school districts for education reform initiatives.

Erin Hames is leading a small group from Georgia, a spokesman for Gov. Sonny Perdue said. Hames has just taken over as chief of staff at the state Department of Education after stints as Perdue's policy adviser and education policy adviser. About $200 million of Georgia's $400 million will stay at the state level, and the rest will go to 26 local school districts that signed on to the state's Race to the Top Application.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/state-officials-in-d-615188.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fulton Mayors Tax Stance Draws Fire

By Ralph Ellis and April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
September 16, 2010

The referendum is two years away, but some metro Atlanta leaders say the Fulton County mayors acted unwisely in taking an early position on a regional transportation sales tax.

The 13 mayors – minus Atlanta’s Kasim Reed – called a news conference Wednesday to say they supported the sales tax, but only if other counties help Fulton and DeKalb pay for mass transit.

That led Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell to say the mayors had created a “hostage position.” He said the current transit agencies – including MARTA and bus systems in Cobb and Gwinnett counties -- should mature before they are combined into a new regional transit agency.

To see whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/fulton-mayors-tax-stance-614491.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Deal Wants To Ax U.S. Ed Department, Won't Rule Out More Furloughs

By Larry Peterson
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
September 16, 2010

Nathan Deal wants to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, won't rule out more teacher furloughs and once backed private school "vouchers."

So the Republican governor hopeful may face tough questions today at an education group's candidates forum in Atlanta.

Attempting to burnish his credentials on education issues, Deal last week released a plan to upgrade Georgia's schools.

He and Democrat Roy Barnes, trying to win back his old job, are due to participate in a forum sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

To read the whole article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-09-16/deal-wants-ax-us-ed-department-wont-rule-out?v=1284624870

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Cobb County's Tea Party At Forefront As Momentum Builds

By Craig Schneider
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
September 16, 2010

Michael Williams, a former Domino's Pizza manager, moves through a room filled with Cobb County's Georgia Tea Party members. He alternately shouts and lowers his voice. He waves his arms and points fingers.

The people clustered at the front of the Marietta library and numbering close to 100 are in step with the charismatic and 24-year-old Williams. There is the retired Navy man, the technical writer, the local photographer. Many wear T-shirts with phrases such as "God Bless America" and "Support Our Troops."

Every Thursday night, this tea party faction meets among the books and periodicals, hosting a sizable gathering rare for any community group. Cobb County, with its emphasis on conservative values and politics, has become a stronghold for the tea party and similar organizations. People are caught up in a movement that just this week ousted a Delaware congressman from a senate bid and eliminated a former New York congressman from a governor's race, and earlier scored victories in Alaska, South Carolina and Utah elections.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/cobb-countys-tea-party-614694.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

PRUITT: Barnes-Deal Race Not A First For Georgia

John Pruitt anchors Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m Monday through Friday with Monica Pearson. John has covered Georgia and the South for more than four decades. Now he’s weaving his unique perspective on history into issues that are important to Georgians today.

By John Pruitt
WSB-TV News
September 15, 2010

In covering the Roy Barnes-Nathan Deal campaign for governor, it’s interesting to consider the historical challenge facing Barnes—trying to win back the governor’s office after being defeated in his re-election bid 8 years ago.

I am reminded of the first governor’s race I covered in 1970, which to this day remains the most interesting gubernatorial campaign I’ve ever been involved in. The odds-on favorite to win was Carl Sanders. He served as governor from 1963-1967 but could not run for re-election because the state constitution then would not allow a governor to succeed himself. Sanders had to sit out 4 years of the Lester Maddox administration before trying to win his old job back.

Sanders was the first so-called “new South” governor whose moderate policies in a time of racial unrest attracted very favorable national attention. He was intelligent, poised, innovative, and handsome. His administration, while not without controversy, was considered a major stride forward for Georgia. So it was no surprise when he announced he was running again.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/25009691/detail.html

Copyright 2010 by WSBTV.com. All rights reserved.

South Rockdale Civic Association Will Host Forum

By Jay Jones
News Editor
Rockdale News
September 14, 2010

CONYERS — The South Rockdale Civic Association will hold a political forum next week that will cover some of the contested local races in the Nov. 2 General Elections, including state legislators and the 4th Congressional District.

The forum will be held during the SRCA’s regular monthly meeting at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 21 at Union United Methodist Church, located at the crossroads of Ga. Highway 138 and Union Church Road in south Rockdale County.

Refreshments will be provided prior to the forum, which will begin at 6:45 p.m. During the time before the forum, the candidates are invited to present literature and information to the attendees.

Republican and Democratic candidates have been invited to participate in the forum covering races for local state House and Senate seats, the 4th and 3rd Congressional districts, county Board of Commissioners seat and contested school board seats.

For reading full article please tap on link: http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/home/headlines/102827104.html?storySection=story

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DOT Says Options Not Good If Transportation Tax Fails

By Jeff Gill
Gainesville Times
September 15, 2010

OAKWOOD ­- Todd Long asked and answered the question in the same breath.

"Why in the world are we here today talking about a funding bill? We'll, it's because were broke," said the planning director for the Georgia Department of Transportation.

"The bottom line is, over the last 20 years or so, Georgia has not stayed up with investing in transportation like we needed to."

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/37846/

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

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Atlanta Press Club General Election Debate Series

The Atlanta Press Club, Inc.
September 14, 2010

The Atlanta Press Club will host 14 televised debates this general election season, giving candidates a chance to debate the issues before the elections. All debates will take place at Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) located at 260 14th Street in Midtown, before a live studio audience. Members of media, students and the general public are welcome to attend. Please call 404-577-7377 with questions or if you would like to attend a debate.

Please visit the Atlanta Press Club's website for more information: http://www.atlantapressclub.org/events/event.php?id=264

Copyright © 3910 The Atlanta Press Club, Inc.

Roswell Postpones Vote On Transit Tax

By Ralph Ellis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
September 14, 2010

The Roswell City Council decided Monday night to wait a day before they discuss a penny sales tax to pay for regional transportation improvements.

The council was expected to vote on a resolution supporting such a tax, but only if other counties join Fulton and DeKalb in forming a regional mass transit system. When some council members said they wanted more time to study the issue, the council decided to wait until 5 p.m. Tuesday committee meetings.

The 10 metro Atlanta counties can vote in 2010 to impose a 1-cent sales tax on themselves to pay for transportation projects. Fulton and DeKalb have been paying a penny sales tax to support MARTA for three decades.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/roswell-postpones-vote-on-612881.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

House speaker: Dalton Is An Economic Engine For The State

By Charles Oliver
The Dailey Citizen
Dalton Local News
September 14, 2010

A panel charged with overhauling Georgia’s tax code will hold a hearing in Dalton in October.

“They are holding hearings all over the state. I looked at the schedule and didn’t see Dalton on there, so I asked them to come up here,” said state House of Representatives Speaker David Ralston.

The date of that hearing hasn’t been set.Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge, spoke Monday night at the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce’s 70th annual banquet.

http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x918252551/House-speaker-Dalton-is-an-economic-engine-for-the-state

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc

Monday, September 13, 2010

Mandates Tough On Cash-Strapped Counties

By Erin France
Athens Banner-Herald
September 13, 2010

Unfunded state mandates - always a headache for local politicians and county finance directors - continue to chip away at county budgets at a time when governments really are feeling the recession squeeze.

Oglethorpe County, along with every other Georgia county, must send out property assessments to every property owner next year, said Oglethorpe County Commission Chairman Billy Pittard.

In the past, the county only sent out assessments on those properties with changed values, but the state mandate for all properties will cost Oglethorpe County an additional $9,000 next year, Pittard said.

"They say you have to pay for it, and then they don't help you," he said.

The heads of most local government-funded agencies and departments know the county has to do more with less, Pittard said.

To get the full story please tap on link: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/091310/new_707183216.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Friday, September 10, 2010

Community To Pause, Remember Fateful Day

By Bianca Cain
Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle
September 10, 2010

Nearly a decade has passed since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, but Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Dino Cesarini said it doesn't get any easier.

"You would think that with time it would heal but every year on 9/11 we never forget," he said.

The Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue headquarters will be one of many places around Augusta pausing to remember the more than 2,000 lives lost.

The ceremony on Sept. 11 has been a tradition since the attacks in 2001, Cesarini said.


To read full article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2010-09-10/community-pause-remember-fateful-day?v=1284084756


The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Senate Hearing Set For Judicial Nominee Totenberg

By Bill Rankin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta News
September 10, 2010

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a confirmation hearing next Wednesday for Amy Totenberg, one of President Barack Obama's nominees to the U.S. District Court bench in Atlanta.

If confirmed by the Senate, Totenberg would fill one of four judicial vacancies on the federal bench here. Obama has also nominated Steve Jones, a Superior Court judge from Athens, to fill one of the other vacancies. His hearing has yet to be scheduled.

From 1994 to 1998, Totenberg was the first in-house general counsel for the Atlanta school system. Since 2000, she has practiced law and served as a private mediator and arbitrator. She obtained her law degree from Harvard in 1977 and is the sister of Nina Totenberg, National Public Radio's legal affairs correspondent.

Source: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/senate-hearing-set-for-610452.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Economic Policy Guru: Georgia's Budget Grim

By Keven Gilbert
The Americus Times-Recorder
September 9, 2010

AMERICUS — Alan Essig, executive director of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, defended Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue Thursday as he gave a grim report of the state’s 2010 FY budget. Essig told the audience at the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Membership Luncheon that budget cuts will have to be made whether taxes are raised or cut. Essig said that in spite of growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last quarter and moderate growth is projected to continue, budgetary issues will continue to be bleak. “There is no robust growth,” Essig said. He projected that the budget will continue to sag until jobs come back into the workforce.

Essig said that the State’s deficit is already up to $2 billion starting the next fiscal year even though several state agencies have made significant cuts. He emphasized that without the federal stimulus it could be much worse, and instead of education being cut by 13 percent it could have been cut in the neighborhood of 20 percent without the funds. “The State avoided a $1 billion cut from the budget with the federal stimulus,” he said.

Essig reminded that as of June 30, 2011, the stimulus will be gone. In a grim hypothesis Essig proposed that the State could lay off 13,000 state employees and that would still only bring $700 million back into the budget.

Essig commended Gov. Sonny Perdue’s efforts and tough decision making during the prolonged recession. “Gov. Perdue is very responsible fiscally,” Essig said, pointing to the governor’s order to state agencies to cut their budgets by four, six and even eight percent to give the newly elected governor options to deal with expected shortfalls next year. He said that the 2012 budget is estimated to be between $1.8 billion and $2 billion even with moderate revenue growth. In addition, the one-time stimulus funds will no longer be available to the State.

To view the whole article please tap on link: http://americustimesrecorder.com/local/x627001657/Economic-policy-guru-Ga-s-budget-grim

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Lilburn Residents Discuss Hopes, Fears of Sports Complex

By Camie Young
Senior Writer
Gwinnett Dailey Post
September 9, 2010

LILBURN — Local residents don’t know if a baseball complex can fulfill their dreams, but nearly all agreed in a talking session Wednesday that something was needed to boost the bedroom community.

“I think we all have some fear because of the economy, but I think this may be the time to take advantage of something to look upbeat,” Maryanne Jones said, as more than two dozen residents and business leaders gathered at the Blue Rooster Cafe.

On their minds is a $20 million proposal to convert a sewage plant soon to be out of service to a Big League Dreams park, creating fields, restaurants and more for both tournament play and the community. The Lilburn City Council will consider a $450,000 partially refundable commitment to study the venture at its Monday session.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/home/headlines/102498259.html

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Area Educators Favor Deal’s Plans For Schools

Gainesville, Hall superintendents like candidate's flexibility, funding proposal

By Elizabeth Burlingame
The Gainesville Times
September 9, 2010

Hall County School officials are weighing in with positive reactions to gubernatorial hopeful Nathan Deal's education platform that was released Tuesday.

With lawmakers at the state Capitol, Deal announced he would give teachers greater flexibility in the classroom, develop more charter schools and attract teachers in the math and science fields.

"(Deal's plan) continues to move us in the direction of personalization and is very realistic. We are in the middle of an incredible economic downturn. It's nice to move toward math and science and remember how important it is for children to read and read well, but not pretend there's a big bag of money out there that people can take out of the back room," Hall County Superintendent Will Schofield said.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/154/article/37616/

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

Georgia Revenue Increase Tainted By Cuts

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
Business Section
Spetember 9, 2010

ATLANTA --- News on Wednesday that the state's tax collections rose 12.7 percent in August didn't slow discussions at various agencies about deep budget cuts.

Tax collection in the first two months of the fiscal year are 8.6 percent ahead of last year.

Though state officials are pleased to see growth in collections for the fourth month in a row after 17 months of declines, they are still planning for a tight budget year. That's because they know $1.8 billion in federal stimulus money included in this year's budget won't be available in the future, and tax collections aren't likely to grow enough to fill that gap, said Rep. Ben Harbin, an Evans Republican who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

"It is good news, but we still are going to have to cut our budget," he said.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has ordered all state agencies except the Department of Education to brace for a 4 percent cut in this year's budget and prepare for as much as a 10 percent cut next year.

To read further in this article please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/2010-09-08/georgia-revenue-increase-tainted-cuts?v=1283984260

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Transit Systems On Display At The Forum Today

By Ellison Langford
The Rome News-Tribune
September 8, 2010



The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission will hold its annual Transit Day today at The Forum in downtown Rome from 1 to 3 p.m.

“They’ll have the transit departments there with information about the various transit routes and stuff that they have throughout the region,” said David Kenemer, principal planner for the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.

From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a live broadcast from Atlanta featuring speakers such as GDOT Commissioner and Planning Director Todd Long and State Sen. Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga.

There will also be transit buses on display and booths about different transit systems, Kenemer said.

To view the whole article please tap on link: http://www.rn-t.com/view/full_story/9413673/article-Transit-systems-on-display-at-The-Forum-today?instance=lead_story_left_column

content copyright © 2009 RN-T.com

City Trims Property Tax Rate

Charles Oliver
Dalton Dailey Citizen
Local News
September 8, 2010

The Dalton City Council voted 4-0 on Tuesday to cut the city’s property tax rate to 2.875 mills from 2.974 mills.

“This will help us with our plans to make this one of the best places to do business in Georgia,” said Mayor David Pennington. “We started this process about two-and-a-half years ago. We are one of the last and part of a very small handful of cities that assesses property at 100 percent of fair value, not 40 percent. So you really have to multiply our millage rate by 2.5 to compare it to the county or to surrounding cities. When we started, the (total) rate was 33 mills. Now, it’s 31, and we’d like to get it under 30 mills. Obviously, that will take the cooperation of our county government and our city school system.”

Pennington was one of several people who asked the members of the Dalton Board of Education to reconsider their plans to raise their property tax rate to 8.134 mills from 7.845 mills. That move, expected to be approved during a school board meeting on Monday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, is expected to raise another $1 million from city taxpayers.

The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners has not set its 2010 property tax rate yet, but Chairman Mike Babb said Tuesday the board does not expect to raise the county’s rate this year.

To read the whole article please tap on link: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x2044458017/City-trims-property-tax-rate

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc

Barnes, Deal Swap Blunt Charges As Governor Race Heats Up

By Larry Peterson
Savannah Morning News
Home/News Section
September 8, 2010

The race for governor heated up Tuesday as the major candidates swapped blunt charges and counter-charges.

Democrat Roy Barnes aired a TV ad amplifying his claim Republican Nathan Deal is hiding "corrupt" business activities.

Barnes' campaign also lit into the former north Georgia congressman's education plan, formally unveiled on Tuesday.

But the state Republican Party called Barnes' record on education while he was governor "a failure to remember - but not to repeat."

To read whole article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-09-08/barnes-deal-swap-blunt-charges-governor-race-heats

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

Friday, September 03, 2010

Dalton Public Schools: Tax Increase Hearings Draw Objections

By Rachel Brown
The Dalton Dailey Citizen
September 3, 2010

Two public hearings on Thursday on the proposal to raise Dalton Public Schools’ property tax rate drew about 55 people, with 11 speakers, but no one who voiced approval.

At the noon hearing, six people addressed the five members of the Dalton Board of Education, one at a time, each allowed up to five minutes to talk.

Mayor David Pennington finished to applause after he said the city has priced itself out of the market as an economical place for property owners to live. He urged the board members to reconsider their proposal to raise the tax rate from 7.845 mills to 8.134 mills. They hope to generate another $1 million to cover a portion of the $17 million they’ve lost from state revenue since 2003 and the $2.6 million lost in local property tax revenue since last year.

To read more please tap on link:
http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x373695479/Dalton-Public-Schools-Tax-increase-hearings-draw-objections

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Community Gardens Are Popular

A growing urban trend

By Sandy Hodson
The Augusta Chronicle
September 3, 2010

Augusta is catching up with cities throughout the country that are embracing community gardens.

Central Park Garden, Harrisburg and the New Bethlehem community gardens are up and growing. Although Central Park at 1180 Merry St. is still in an experimental stage, the garden is full of vegetables and herbs, and several neighborhood kids have developed green thumbs.

"We really don't have a waiting list any longer," said one of the organizers, David Hartmann. "We are looking to expand."

With the help of Ron Houck of Augusta's Recreation & Parks department, the idea of a community garden in the lower Hill area became a reality, Hartmann said. The Merry Street park wasn't being used much except for occasional visits by children to a swing set that did not meet safety codes.

To read more please tap on the link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/life/home/gardening/2010-09-02/community-gardens-are-popular

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Hopes Shot For Binding MARTA Referendum

By Joel Hall
Clayton Dailey News
September 3, 2010

When Clayton residents go to the polls in November to vote on whether they would like to see MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operating in the county, it will most likely be taken by the Board of Commissioners as a suggestion.

According to the transit advocacy group, Citizens for Progressive Transit (CfPT), the board has missed a crucial deadline to call for a binding referendum to create an additional one-cent sales tax to fund the county’s participation in MARTA.

CfPT President Lee Biola said that Sept. 2 marked the last day the board could call for a binding referendum on the matter to appear on the ballot for the Nov. 2 general election. Instead, a non-binding straw poll on the topic will appear on the ballot, as called for by the April passage of House Bill 1446.

To read more please tap on link: http://www.mycountypaper.com/claytonnews/headlines/102128549.html

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Thursday, September 02, 2010

Tax Reform Session Being Held At Macon State

By Staff Report
The Macon Telegraph
September 2, 2010

The Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians will host a fact-finding session at Macon State College on Thursday so that Middle Georgia residents can voice their opinions on the state’s tax system.

The session is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. in the Professional Sciences Conference Center. The college is located at 100 College Station Drive.

Those who have supporting materials to present to tax council members are asked to bring 15 copies of the materials to the hearing. Presentations must be limited to five minutes.

If you are unable to attend the session but would like to voice your opinion to the council, you can submit your questions or comments via the Tax Council’s website under the “submit comments” section. The website is: http://fiscalresearch.gsu.edu/taxcouncil/announcements.htm

Source:
http://www.macon.com/2010/09/02/1249538/tax-reform-session-being-held.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.

Negative Campaign Websites Are New Platform, ‘The Next Frontier’

By Melissa Weinman
The Gainesville Times
September 2, 2010

Negative campaigning has already begun, and Georgia's gubernatorial race has taken the tactic to a new platform.

There are now entire websites devoted to attacking candidates.

One, hosted by the Republican Governors Association called "RoyBama," seeks to unfavorably compare Democratic candidate Roy Barnes with President Barack Obama.

Another site, hosted by the Barnes campaign, called "What is Congressman Deal Hiding?" asks voters to sign a petition for Republican candidate Nathan Deal to release his tax returns.

"It's the next frontier in negative campaigning," said Ross Alexander, a political science professor at North Georgia College & State University.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/154/article/37320/

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

Citizens, Council Talk Tax Reform

By Kara Ramos
The Valdosta Daily Times
Local News
September 1, 2010

VALDOSTA — The Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians visited Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Wednesday to hear citizens' ideas and concerns for improving Georgia’s tax code.

With Georgia’s biggest taxes being state, sales and corporate, the state needs to review its collection method to be more “efficient” and “effective,” A.D. Frazier, council chairman, said. Georgia should be concerned with becoming “growth friendly” and supportive of businesses, he said. The 11-member council is visiting cities throughout the state to obtain input on how best to handle Georgia’s taxation, at both the state and local levels. For the next four months, they will be accumulating information.

“We’re here to listen to you because we care what you think,” Frazier said. "We’re here because we believe it’s a sacred trust between us and you and the people who put us here.”

The council hosts the meetings to listen to and learn from the public, not to develop their opinions on how Georgia’s taxation should change.

To read furthr please click on link: http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x955424417/Citizens-council-talk-tax-reform

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. · Valdosta Daily Times 201 North Troup Street Valdosta, GA 31601

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Time To Get Your Flu Shot, But Just One

Many Stores Offer Vaccines During Back-To-School Sales

Lauren Neergaard
AP Medical Writer
WSB-TV Channel 2
September 1, 2010

WASHINGTON -- It's flu-shot season already, and for the first time health authorities are urging nearly everyone to get vaccinated. There is even a new high-dose version for people 65 or older.

What a difference a year makes: Crowds lined up for hours for scarce shots during last fall's swine flu pandemic, when infections peaked well before enough vaccine could be produced. This year, a record vaccine supply is expected - an all-in-one inoculation that now promises protection against that swine flu strain plus two other kinds of influenza.

Shipments began so early that drugstores are offering vaccinations amid their back-to-school sales.

For the full report please tap on link: http://www.wsbtv.com/health/24813961/detail.html

© 2010, WSBTV.

$1 billion Regional Sales Tax Could Raise Cooperation Stakes

By Mike Stucka
The Macon Telegraph
September 1, 2010

A regional sales tax could pump more than $1 billion into area transportation projects while forcing area governments to work together.

State estimates show the sales tax, which Middle Georgia voters will consider in two years, would pull in at least $75 million a year beginning in 2013. A majority of that money would go toward road construction, state guidelines suggest.

Laura Mathis, director of public administration for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, said she has no doubt that demand will far exceed any tax revenue.

To read whole article please click on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/09/01/1247894/1-billion-regional-sales-tax-could.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.

Isakson Promotes Tax Cuts At Rotary

By Camie Young
Senior Writer
Gwinnett Daily Post
August 31, 2010

DULUTH — To get out of the Great Recession, politicians need to keep taxes low and regulations predictable, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson said Tuesday at the Rotary Club of Gwinnett.

“If small business isn’t growing, then jobs aren’t growing. If jobs aren’t growing, the economy is stuck, and that’s where we are right now,” Isakson said to one of the biggest crowds the club has had. “We need in Washington ... to make our taxes predictable and regulations fair.”

With many of the Bush tax cuts expiring at the end of the year, Isakson said he expects there to be a move before the November election, with many Democrats unwilling to go into a campaign with an impending tax increase.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/localnews/headlines/101937573.html

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