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TODAY'S ISSUE
Georgia Democrats must reclaim people's platform
By Sen. Curt Thompson
Special to GwinnettForum.com

For 50 years, you see, we were the party of the average American. And Americans knew that. The Republicans were the party of big business, and the country club set but we were the party of the regular American, working for a living, trying to make things better for themselves and their families.

At some point, we got away from that. We became beholden to a group of liberal special interests that were more interested in their own agenda than and their own personal causes than the cause of the average American.

In response, people in the party have attempted to address this issue by "finessing it," by trying to win on tactics, at the margins, with a thousand plays in a DLC playbook that don't amount to a cause worth fighting for.

FDR had the New Deal, Kennedy the New Frontier. Even the much-maligned Johnson had the Great Society. Each was a short, clear, concise picture of a platform for the average American.

The last two Democratic candidates for President offered none of that. Gore and Kerry had to write long books detailing plans of finesse, and tweaking at the margins. They had not a whit of vision in either book.

So what do we do now? Well we've got to put an end to this and get back to being the party of regular Americans. We need to do what Democrats in Gwinnett County have done. We have to work hard for our votes, every last one of them, door to door. And we have to offer a simple clear vision of what we stand for.

We have to get back to offering something and labeling ourselves. We were the majority party for 50 years because we offered stuff that mattered to average Americans - things like Social Security, the G.I. Bill for college, job creation and good health care. Until we get back to being that party, that great Democratic Party that made America what it is today, we won't be the majority party again.

If we do once again make ourselves this party of average Americans, of quality jobs, secure healthcare, good education and honest and open government, then we will be winning elections and enjoy the privilege of governing again. Then and only then will we be able to have a discussion about the legislative session that doesn't begin with a litany of bad bills that passed.
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ELLIOTT BRACK
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CITY OF DULUTH SHOWS CONCERN, GAINS STATUS IN EYES OF NATION

The focus was on Duluth last week, as a would-be bride may have wanted some time by herself, but ended up inviting the eyes of the United States to be upon her.

Yet what we took from the spectacle is far different from what we have heard from others. For we feel that the residents of Duluth showed just what a loving, close-knit community it is, that they care deeply for one another, and this was obvious in the efforts they exhibited when one of their own-to-be was missing.

People all across the country saw the concern that residents of Duluth have for one another. They saw it in the volunteering for combing of the community seeking to find this missing person. They saw it in the way people looked after the volunteers, providing them food and drink and kindness. They heard it in the words that members of the community used when talking about those involved.

Most especially, the deep caring of the community for the families involved came through loud and clear. The outpouring of concern was obvious. It told people throughout the United States: Duluth is a good place to live.

Granted, the fiasco not only caused concern, but it cost money, from the public services, and individual donations of food and services that the community provided. And some want to see the reluctant bride-to-be punished for causing all this havoc. Authorities are now sifting through information to see if a crime has been committed, and if so, what to do about it.

Yet think, too, that if the City of Duluth were embarking on a public relations campaign to polish its image, what would be this cost? In the natural outpouring of affection for those in the community, the City of Duluth garnered untold thousands of dollars of positive feedback and good will.

People in Rhode Island, in Oregon, in New York and all across this country not only know that Duluth is a suburb, northeast of Atlanta, having some 22,000 people, and has streets lined with nice homes and dotted with trees. They know the city is composed of caring, solid people who don't hesitate in going to bat for one of their own.

People in Texas and Pennsylvania and North Dakota recognize the hurt that these people felt when they found out that the disappearance of the young lady was not a crime, but a premeditated effort, something of a cry for help. And they saw the startled look on the face of Duluth residents, the hurt they felt, when they learned that all this was not what they had first thought.

People in Nebraska and Delaware and Nevada saw the consternation that the people of Duluth felt as they learned that they had been taken in, but also saw the relief on their faces that one of their own was safe.

Now people all across the country realize that here was another potential bride that got the jitters before the ceremony, and that though she took unusual steps, she is a person who needs more time, care, love and understanding, to set her life straight.

The life of Jennifer Wilbanks will never be the same after the events of last week. Neither will the life of John Mason, nor will the lives of the people of Duluth.

One person's difficult times caused others to show their own concern for her, while at the same time, the City of Duluth gained tremendously in the eyes of the nation.
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Regarding your note in the April 15 edition about red light cameras, all I can say is it's about time someone in the media acknowledged the blatantly obvious. Safety MAY be stimulated, to a very small degree, but these items are not about saving lives or controlling traffic, this is a revenue generation plan, pure and simple; and now that have infected Gwinnett County. They haven't been in operation for a year and already they are being considered for "speed enforcement" but in reality that is "increased revenue."

Its very discomforting that anyone would think otherwise, especially, when in articles on the subject, usually the only voice heard is that of the company that builds and installs the system and has a vested interest in its success. Local news teams report the numbers of "red light runners" as though it was an outstanding amount, when it never discerns whether the vehicle actually went through the intersection or stopped safely but some part of the vehicle crossed the invisible marker.

That the operation of these cameras has not been adequately discussed with the public, including the timing of the traffic lights and the point at which the camera considers a red light violation, should be an immediate trigger to question the true motive of these devices. Abuses and secret adjustments have been reported everywhere these cameras have been installed and all with one purpose: to guarantee tickets and the revenue are produced. It's only a short matter of time before we find the same problems here in Gwinnett.

As for their deterrent value, I doubt it. If the death penalty, actually losing your life as punishment, doesn't stop crime…does anyone really believe a ticket in the mail will have an effect?
Tony Rivera, Suwanee

Dear Tony: You are forever the contrarian. In this case, pardon us, but I hope you are not right……but then this is at least reasonable food for thought.---eeb

My boss (Randall Pugh at Jackson EMC) showed me your article in the Gwinnett Forum about Operation Round-up. I noticed the grist mill picture beside your article. I wanted to let you know that I recognized the picture.

The mill is Tanner's Mill, which was located about 8-10 miles south of Gainesville between Candler and Belmont. The mill and the covered bridge adjacent to the mill were burned by arsonists several years ago. As a child I visited the mill with my Dad when he carried corn to be ground there. I attended Candler Elementary School (now Myers School) and we had field trips to the mill and played in the river. There are paintings in circulation of that very mill and I have photographs of it.
Sara Bell, Jefferson

Dear Sara: Thanks for clearing that up. It makes sense for the mill to be in Gainesville, since many of the old pictures I have are from Gainesville as well as Gwinnett. --eeb

I couldn't agree more with Dennis Norton's letter of April 26. My son lives in Acworth, and consequently, I have to drive through Atlanta, ugh!, to get there. These past few years I have noticed all that growth north Cobb County is experiencing; trees being clear-cut, town houses going up in what was once a beautiful forest, shopping malls all over the place, and traffic congestion, traffic lights, etc., etc.

I guess all this is inevitable when we have growth and progress, but that is why I live way out here on the beautiful Altamaha River.
David Earl Tyre, Jesup
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Residents and businesses in the Norcross/Meadowcreek community are planning a "Pride In Our Community" Clean-Up on May 7. The clean up will focus on several locations in the area between Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Singleton Road and Beaver Ruin Road.

Volunteers are encouraged with a strong recommendation that all they wear/bring long sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes and socks, leather gloves, steel rakes, and possibly insect repellant. Children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult.

The agenda includes:

8 a.m. - Arrive at St. James Lutheran Church, 4845 Jimmy Carter Blvd in Norcross: continental breakfast and welcome from local officials.

8:30 - Disperse to assigned locations with Team Leaders: pick up trash and cover graffiti.

11:30 - Return to St. James for lunch (barbecue, chips & drink), with music by the Meadowcreek High students.

Nomax has problems. And now he has Five Guys Named Moe to help straighten him out. Take part in a fun-filled musical journey to persuade, joke, coax and insist that Nomax change his ways. Join Atlanta's nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre as it travels through time and the radio to stage the Broadway Hit musical Five Guys Named Moe, an energetic and playful musical written by Clarke Peters. This explosive revue will keep your toes tapping to the music of bandleader, songwriter and showman Louis Jordan.

Opening Night is Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org.

Every square inch of the Alliance Theatre is transformed into a rollicking musical concert complete with an audience conga line and confetti cannons. Bring the entire family to hear more than 24 songs by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame star Louis Jordan, one of the most beloved songwriting talents of the 20th Century. Songs like "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" and "Ain't Nobody here But Us Chickens" will entertain and delight as this good-time musical teaches Nomax and the audience how to "…get it together and learn how to treat women."

Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 4 - June 5, 2005 on the Alliance Stage.
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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has voted to approve an additional $1,040,130 of U.S. Housing and Urban Development funding for numerous revitalization projects.

A total of $754,369 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funding for the Liberty Heights community was included in the vote. Liberty Heights is located south of the City of Norcross adjacent to Buford Highway and is part of the Beaver Ruin Revitalization Pilot Study area. Gwinnett County is revitalizing this area of 750 homes by reconstructing the streets, drainage structures, water/sewer systems and sidewalks.

Also approved in the vote was additional HOME Program funds of $171,976. The funds were awarded to the largest non-profit housing organization in Gwinnett County, The Impact! Group (formerly known as Gwinnett Housing Resource Partnership), which has been purchasing rental housing needing rehabilitation, improving those units, and leasing them to working families at affordable rates.

The Board of Commissioners also approved a change in use of CDBG funds awarded to the City of Norcross. The City will use the funding for the construction of a new Senior Citizens' Center within the currently planned Multi-Cultural Community Center adjacent to the Beaver Ruin Revitalization Area.

An additional $233,419 of HOME Program funds will also be used to help qualifying homeowners throughout the county rehabilitate their homes. The funds are provided to qualifying homeowners as zero percent loans to bring their homes to current code standards..

Frank Stephens has been named director of the Gwinnett County Department of Public Utilities. Stephens previously served as a deputy director for the department. Stephens brings 24 years of experience to his new position, and has worked the past nine years with Gwinnett County. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Public Administration. Stephens is a licensed professional engineer, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in administration. Georgia Trend Magazine recognized Stephens' service to the public in 2003 by naming him a Distinguished Public Servant.

Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington wants to remind senior citizens who are renewing their motor vehicle registrations that they may be exempted from vehicle emissions testing requirements, if the following conditions are met:

· The vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles per year (exact odometer readings are required).

· The applicant is a registered owner of the vehicle (with their name listed on the vehicle's title/registration).

Seniors can apply for vehicle emissions waivers by completing an application obtained from one of the Tax Commissioner's Tag Offices or a Georgia Clean Air Force Emissions Waiver Center. Applications can also be obtained from the Georgia Clear Air Force by calling (800) 449-2471 or e-mailing ga-caf@mci.com.
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ELLIOTT BRACK
Bob Barr brings up thoughts concerning presidency
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

"I just finished The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherford, a historical fiction of Ireland from the 5th Century AD to around 1100. Edward Rutherford writes in the style of Michener and wrote one of my favorite books, Sarum, which is about Salisbury, England over many centuries and includes the construction of the beautiful Salisbury Catherdal we saw when we visited there.

"I've just begun How the Irish Saved Civilization as a follow up to Irish history and the Rutherford book. Both are excellent books on Irish, as well as European and world history. Paige Power's husband, Jim gave this one to me after I told him about Princes. I guess I should want to take a trip to Ireland after this, but my heart is still in Italy's Umbria and the Almalfi Coast."

ENCYCLOPEDIA TIDBIT
5/3: Atlanta becomes more thriving during Civil War

At the time of the Civil War, Atlanta boasted a population of almost 10,000 (one-fifth of whom were slaves), a substantial manufacturing and mercantile base, and four major railroads connecting the city with all points of the South. It was neither Georgia's capital nor the largest city in the state, but it was energetic and thriving.

With the Confederate loss of middle Tennessee in early 1862, Atlanta became the military medical center. The city cemetery, then 25 acres (today known as Oakland Cemetery and much larger), also had to be expanded; some 632 soldiers were buried during 1862 alone.

Advances of Union forces in Tennessee and Mississippi made Atlanta a city of refugees. Its population was estimated at 17,000 in mid-1862 and 20,000 a year later.

As a key railroad hub, Atlanta became an important military supply center. More important were Atlanta's manufacturing facilities. Scofield and Markham's Atlanta Rolling Mill was one of only two in the South that could produce rails. The government also set up its own establishments, such as the arsenal outside the city's western limits. In 1863-64 the Atlanta Arsenal employed nearly 5,500 men and women. In spring 1863 the Confederacy's Quartermaster Department had some 3,000 women in the city working as seamstresses and shoes. Bakeries and meatpacking plants made Atlanta a major army commissary as well.

The approach of Sherman's armies threw Atlantans into alarm. Newspaper editors urged calmness and chastised gloomy "croakers" who began to predict the city's fall.

Atlantans heard their first distant thud of cannon fire on May 25, 1864, when General Joseph E. Johnston's Confederate army held Sherman's forces near Dallas. After the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, a panic gripped many townspeople, who packed their families and belongings and fled. Even Mayor Calhoun sent off his wife and two children.

From a population of about 22,000 in the spring of 1864, probably 3,000 civilians remained in the city when the Confederate army was forced out of Atlanta on September 1. Days later, Sherman ordered almost all noncombatants to leave town. With their exodus, Atlanta as a Confederate "home front" dissolved.

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