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TODAY'S ISSUE
Says development firms put value back into the community
By Mark Richardson
Vice president of development
Richardson Housing Group
Special to GwinnettForum.com

NOV. 2, 2004 -- Often times, it's important to step back and take a look at things from a different perspective. The rally cry in Gwinnett seems to be that growth and development has led to congested highways, overcrowded schools, and loss of green space. But growth and development can be looked at in a different light.

Gwinnett's growth has been the economic engine that has provided the people of this county with an unparalleled quality of life. Because of quality growth, Gwinnett enjoys a AAA bond rating, among other perks. Recognition of growth's benefits - and the industry that makes it happen - is long overdue.

Even though Gwinnett residents are enjoying the perks that come with growth, many still claim that developers are not really interested in the community and focus only on money, not people. Developers are pegged as a money-grubbing, tree-killing, smog-loving bunch whose only focus is the obtainment of the almighty dollar. Those of us in the development business do not look at it that way.

The overwhelming majority of our company employees live right here in Gwinnett. They go to school in Gwinnett. They shop in Gwinnett. They worship in Gwinnett. They call Gwinnett home and seek to make it a better place. Our employees serve in community organizations and make countless contributions to charity and civic groups. At Richardson Housing Group, we're engaged in making and keeping Gwinnett great because this is our home, too.

In the last 31 years, Richardson Housing Group has built more than 2,500 homes in Gwinnett. Each house has expanded the county's tax base, which helps pay for the outstanding school system, nationally recognized library system, wonderful police and fire protection, terrific parks and recreation, and countless other services that we all enjoy and take great pride in.

According to statistics from the National Association of Homebuilders, the building of 2,500 homes creates $110 million in federal, state, and local revenues and fees. In addition, it also creates jobs. Based on NAH statistics, Richardson Housing Group has generated 6,120 jobs in the past 30 years which translates into $198.5 million going into the pockets of thousands of employees. The construction and building of houses has allowed many families to earn a comfortable living so that they can shop, dine out and continue to pump money back into Gwinnett making it stronger and more economically successful.

Even though Richardson Housing Group is a small company, we have had a huge impact on Gwinnett's economy. We employ countless subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, engineers, surveyors, landscapers, attorneys, and others professionals. These workers shop, eat and spend money in Gwinnett, helping to keep restaurants, malls, grocery stores and other businesses in business. It's a cycle that's keeping jobs - and people - in Gwinnett.

The impact of the development industry as a whole would be astronomical if you consider jobs, wages and tax revenues produced by Gwinnett-based developers.

Growth and development are not necessarily the evil forces that many claim them to be. The vast majority of the members of our industry are out to make our home county a better place to live and work through quality growth.

"Success lives here" because Gwinnett has grown over the years. It's this growth that has allowed citizens to enjoy a quality of life that is second to none.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Trip to Gettysburg can be part of your Washington visit
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

NOV. 2, 2004 -- We had never been to Gettysburg, Pa., to visit the battlefield there that some say was the deciding battle of the Civil War. After all, after Gettysburg, it was mostly downhill for the Confederates.

A tip about Gettysburg: consider it as a destination if you plan a trip to Washington, D.C. It's a relatively easy drive north from Washington, over good roads (but with the early part of the trip in traffic as hectic as Gwinnett.)

For those of us with military service, Gettysburg is remembered. Its map is the one that is used in teaching military map reading. You learn early about Seminary Ridge (there really is a seminary there), and Little Round Top; and Cemetery Hill.

The first impression of Gettysburg, no matter from which direction you enter it, is of commerce. Lots of people seem intent on capturing tourists. The town today is a busy center of commerce, with a vibrant downtown, and a population of 7,940.

But the one impression you get of the vast Battlefield is how relatively flat and open the area is. While there are "ridges," the ground is relatively level, with small rises in elevation giving a great advantage in a pitched battle. While there are wooded areas, they are relatively small, and provided little cover for troops massed for battle.

And troops were aplenty there, though the battle as such was not planned there. The National Parks Service brochure says that the two armies "touched by chance" there. But touch they did, resulting in major losses for both Armies. Four months later, President Abraham Lincoln would come to Gettysburg to mourn the loss of life, and dedicate a cemetery to those lost in the battle.

The largest memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield was erected from Pennsylvania. Names of all the Pennsylvania troops that served at Gettysburg is engraved in tablets along the base of the memorial. It reminds a person of the memorial erected by Gwinnett at the Civic and Justice Center to those who lost their lives in service.

There were plenty of losses from the two Armies. On July 2, 1863 there were34,000 Confederate and 33,000 Union troops engaged. Losses were staggering. Total casualties (dead, wounded, captured and missing) for the three days of battle were reported as 23,000 for the Union forces and 28,000 for the Confederates. Within a few years of its dedication, the Cemetery numbered 3,500 Union graves. A total of 3,320 Confederate men were removed from the battlefield to cemeteries in the South. Such destruction!

The National Parks visitor's Center at Gettysburg is showing its age. It is a relatively small center, and hard to negotiate. But stop by the center, pick up a self-guiding map for an auto tour. It takes about two to three hours for the tour, with 16 stops along the way. The entire area is dotted with historic markers and plaques.

Another feature at Gettysburg: the only other "cyclorama" other than the one in Atlanta is located here, a 360 degree circular oil-on-canvas painting that depicts "Pickett's Charge,"

You can also visit former President Dwight Eisenhower's Farm nearby, available by shuttle bus at the visitor's center.

And be sure to go across from the visitor's center and walk through the National Cemetery. While many graves have headstones, many are merely marked by number, their remains unknown. It is on a nice knoll overlooking the town of Gettysburg.

All in all: a trip to Gettysburg gives you a glimpse of what happened on those fateful three days, and makes you realize how dreadful war can be. It also serves to make you appreciate how good it is for this country to be united in government, benefiting from the many cultures from this great nation, coming together as one united states…..no matter how much we moan and groan and fight each other in politics…it's better than mortal combat.

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FEEDBACK
11/2: Provides own "objective" response to previous column

Editor, the Forum:

Although the title of a column (10/29 issue) by Elliott Brack in the previous Gwinnett Forum suggested that objectivity was going to be used to predict the election, I found none and instead found standard Bush bashing offal. Perhaps I can bring some objectivity to this discussion.

The war. From the very beginning the President stated that this war was going to take us a long time and wouldn't be fought in only one place. This isn't a conventional war and won't be fought or finished in a conventional way. I for one am happy the front is in Iraq rather than at Peachtree and Piedmont.

The economy. The characterization of the economy in the column was… well… how can I put this eloquently?… (bleep!--eeb) Unemployment is at 5.4 percent (under Clinton in 1996 it was 5.2). The 5.4 is lower than the average unemployment of the 80s and 90s. Additionally, in 2000 (under Clinton), the NASDAQ was down 40 percent and the Dow about 10 percent from 1999 without 9/11! Since mid 2002, the Gross Domestic Product has grown at an average rate of 4.015 percent with inflation on GDP at 1.8625 percent. That is a booming economy! "Economic uncertainty" is a Kerry lie and the Democrats figure that if it is said often enough a la the old Soviet newspaper, Pravda, others will regurgitate it as fact.

The government. The reason that President Bush hasn't "had a clear path for anything he wanted" is because of the obfuscating, dishonest blockading of EVERYTHING by the Democrats in United States Senate. This is self-evident Democratic Party partisanship and requires no more said about it.

Healthcare. The fact is, rising healthcare costs were not caused by this President. Trial attorneys like John Edwards have caused rising health care costs. Period.

The bottom line, is that the column was in no way an objective look at the upcoming election.

Observe the supporters of Kerry --- dirty, multi-pierced, naked, rude protesters that attack police officers in New York, letter writers that have nothing but ad hominem rhetoric, editorial writers that get the facts wrong and, the terrorists themselves. They aren't supporting Kerry --- they just hate Bush. And, as liberals themselves state on bumper stickers: "Hate is not a family value."

Vote for Bush. Don't put this country in the hands of a soldier bashing gold-digger and a "sue 'em and damn the consequences" Breck-girl trial attorney. Sorry about this little bit of ad hominem attacking. I never said that name calling wasn't fun.

-- BJ VanGundy, Norcross

NEWS
C&B plans $100 bonus to top aluminum, paper recyclers

On Saturday, November 13th, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will mark "America Recycles Day" by giving away $100 dollar prizes to top aluminum and newspaper recyclers at the Recycling Bank of Gwinnett.

America Recycles Day is an annual event organized to educate and encourage citizens across the country to recycle and to buy recycled products. Individuals and groups can drop off recyclables from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Recycling Bank of Gwinnett, located in Duluth at 4300 Satellite Boulevard.

As citizens nationwide learn to improve recycling practices, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will begin stepping up efforts to expand awareness and action locally. In 2005 the non-profit organization plans to mark 25 years of service to Gwinnett County by showing 25 percent increases in recycling, environmental actions and community involvement.

Norcross church starts Global Impact Celebration

On November 3, Norcross First United Methodist Church will kick off its inaugural event, the Global Impact Celebration (GIC), showcasing its world-wide ministries and encouraging members of the church and members of the community to join in the Great Commission of spreading God's word.

The five-day event is designed to help members of Norcross Fist - and those within the community - discover their role and fulfill their purpose in God's global kingdom. Representatives from many local missions as well as missionaries from all over the world will be on hand to share how God is working in their particular ministry and to share opportunities for outreach.

The event culminates with a Life Commitment Service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 7. To find out more about the Global Impact Celebration at Norcross First or for a detailed schedule, call the church at 770-448-4142.

Rail Museum to host Boy Scout merit badge day

On November 6, 2004 the Southeastern Railway Museum will host Boy Scout merit badge day. Scouts who participate will receive certification necessary to earn the Railroading Merit badge.

The event will start at 9 a.m. with registration and will run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1to 3 p.m. The historic rail equipment at the Museum will provide a unique venue for this program. Cost will be $4 for Scouts and $7 for accompanying adults. Space is limited; to enroll, contact John Stevens at 678-873-3770 or snevets4@compuserve.com

Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Peachtree Road, Duluth. Located off Buford Highway north of Pleasant Hill Road/ The museum is open Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m. The Southeastern Railway Museum has been in operation since 1970 and is "Georgia's Official Transportation History Museum".

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

• An invitation: What books have you enjoyed? Send us your best recent book along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus what you plan to read next. --eeb
  

ENCYCLOPEDIA TIDBIT
11/2: GALILEO provides online access throughout Georgia

GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online), a project of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, has provided online access to library materials to the state of Georgia since 1995.

GALILEO is Georgia's virtual library, with electronic books, periodicals, journals, magazines, newspapers, such reference materials as encyclopedias, and special collections, and access to Georgia's library catalogs. Through collaboration and resource sharing, GALILEO provides universal access to library materials and information for all Georgia citizens. It does not replace the library but complements the services offered by libraries.

The primary objective of GALILEO is to utilize available technology to electronically deliver uniform and universal access to extensive educational resources to everyone in Georgia. The intent is to make it easier for libraries to share resources and to equalize access to information throughout the state. Through the use of sophisticated technology, GALILEO connects all of Georgia's communities regardless of location or economic considerations.

GALILEO's greatest success lies in having made universal information access a reality in Georgia. Because GALILEO is available in public libraries, it supports the state's commitment to lifelong learning among its citizens.

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
  

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Why voting for a principle gives you a good feeling

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

-- John Quincy Adams

• Another invitation: What's your favorite saying? Share with others through GwinnettForum. Send to elliott@gwinnettforum.com.
  

MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

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