TODAY'S ISSUE
Southwest Gwinnett Village CIA moving closer to hit goal
By Chuck Warbington
Executive Director, Gwinnett Village
Special to GwinnettForum.com

FEB. 21, 2006 -- Efforts to incorporate the Southwest Gwinnett Village Community Improvement Association (CIA) are moving well. The first six weeks of 2006 have proved to be an excellent one for the CIA. The group gained an increase of over $130 million of property signup value in six weeks with a 200 percent increase in actual property owners.

Warbington

We are extremely pleased with the progress made in the first part of this year, especially with one particular week in which we added over $40 million. That hasn't happened since July of last year, just after the CIA was formed. As of February 15, our total signup value was over $338 million in signup of 100 property owners, representing over 200 parcels. With four weeks remaining until the deadline to form, we have just passed the Highway 78 CID in total value and have our sights on passing the Gwinnett Place CID within the next week or so.

The CIA formed in June 2005 with a goal to gain Community Improvement District (CID) status by March 2006 and ultimately draw businesses back to the Southwest portion of the county by making it safer and more attractive.

With approximately 1,000 parcels along the I-85 corridor spanning from DeKalb County to Beaver Ruin Road, the challenge is huge, but people in the area see the need and are stepping up to the plate.

We are seeing the fruits of many informational meetings and education about where the tax dollars are going. Once people understand the concept, they are all for it. We are closing in on the requirements of a commitment from the majority of the property owners in a defined area that includes at least 75 percent of the accessed value in the area to form the Southwest Gwinnett Village CID.

Much of the work has been done by our sales force of four people. However, board members and others in the area have been very helpful in opening doors, such as State Rep. Pedro Marin, who has been invaluable in helping us gain credibility and support in the Latino community.

Our focus in January was on smaller parcels, but we were especially pleased to also sign up CarMax on Beaver Ruin Road, one of the single largest businesses to sign on this year. Jeffrey Hearn, the general manager of the Norcross market, is excited about the prospects a CID brings to the area.

CarMax has been in Gwinnett for ten years. They joined because they want to be actively involved in programs that will improve the lives of fellow business owners, their customers and the overall general public. Like many other business owners and managers in the area, Jeffrey is passionate about the CID because of the significant prospects of revitalization.

Ultimately, it appears that the Southwest Gwinnett Village CID would be valued at $650 to $700 million, making it the largest in the area. Once the CIA becomes a CID, we will move into Phase II and continue to add properties until the ultimate goal of $1 billion in assessed property value is reached. Formation of the CID in March would make the SW Gwinnett Village CID the fastest ever formed in Georgia.

If your business is in our district, I hope you will call us at 770-449-6515 for more information about becoming part of this exciting endeavor. In the meantime, check out our website www.gwinnettvillage.com, and see how our plans will make a significant difference, not just in the Jimmy Carter corridor, but throughout the Southwestern part of Gwinnett County.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Personality, character are what we miss when a friend dies
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

FEB. 21, 2006 -- What we miss about the deceased, besides their friendship and love, is their character. Sadly, we seem to be losing more people who had real character. Today we see fewer people who are complete individuals as themselves, as many more seem homogenized personalities with little distinctiveness.

Brack

People with "character" have real personalities. One of the most distinctive, Betty Mauldin, passed away recently. For years she was the city clerk of the Norcross government.

Emmett Clower, former mayor Snellville, was remembering Betty, and came up with perhaps the single best story which characterized her.

Emmett says: "We used to laugh about it, but Betty exercised veto power when she was with the city. She had been with the city for years, and guarded the treasury with relentlessness.

"Once when the Council passed a resolution to buy new radios or something, the guy who got the contract went to see Betty at City Hall, and said he was ready to start the contract. Betty told him: ŒI vetoed that.'

"The guy was flabbergasted, and spouted out something like ŒYou can't do that The Council just passed it and awarded me the contract.' And Betty told him: ŒYes, that's correct,' in her prim and proper way, but added: ŒBut we don't have enough money in the treasury now, so you will have to come back in a couple of months.' The guy eventually got the contract, but not before he understood just how completely Betty watched over the City money."

Thanks, Emmett Clower, for that story. It captures a lot of the character of Miss Betty.

Betty Mauldin: 1931-2006, may you rest in peace.

* * * * *

We were also saddened this week to learn of the death of a person we barely knew, but considered a friend. We just wish that we had taken the time, especially in the years recently after his wife passed away, to know more about him.

His name was Pete West, and I knew him only through church. On February 12, I noted that he was not in church that day. Later I learned that he died that day. A memorial service for him is scheduled for March 4 at 3 p.m. at Holy Innocent's Episcopal Church.

What frustrates me about Pete is that I only knew him slightly. He usually attends an oyster roast with me each March. Once reading his obituary, there are so many sides of him that I did not know about, and wish that I had spent more time with him.

Now I learned that he was 86, and was a lifetime resident of Atlanta. Not only that, but he played football at Georgia Tech, being an all-SEC tackle, and graduated in 1942. The eminent sportcaster Ted Husing called his performance in Tech's 13-7 victory over unbeaten Notre Dame "may be the best single game performance I have ever seen." He's also mentioned prominently in Gene Asher's book, "Legends."

Joining the Navy in World War II, Pete was patrol boat skipper in the South Pacific, and was awarded the Bronze Star. After the War, he joined Johnson's Controls, and in 1947, married Lillabel Hill, who passed away in 1984. After his retirement, they had moved to Norcross.

He is survived by daughters Susan Schantz and Jenny Schneider, and sons William Preston "Pete" West Jr., and Patrick Hill West; and five grandchildren.

Pete West: 1919-2006: May you rest in peace.

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FEEDBACK
2/21: Whose responsible for ills created by someone else?

Editor, the Forum:

In response to "Comes up with all sorts of ways president is responsible": we should all be offended by the never-our-fault White House spin team and supporters.

One of the many paradoxes of the Bush Administration, that claims to be creating "the responsibility society," is that they have taken little responsibility for anything they have or have not done. They're good at preaching responsibility to others----and blaming other people for everything that goes wrong on their watch.

Is it an accident if your home and your life are destroyed by the flood following a hurricane? Especially if the flood was caused by failed levees, a government responsibility?

Is it an accident if you are born with a physical disability and your parents are too poor to pay for the operation to repair it? Is there any societal responsibility in such a case?

Is it an accident when your job gets outsourced overseas and all you can find to replace it is a low-wage job at the Mega-Mart store with no health insurance, and your family is faced with outrageously high medical bills, so you have to declare bankruptcy under a new law that leaves you broke, with no chance of ever getting out of debt? Or was all of that caused by deliberate government policy?

The administration is good at lecturing us about taking responsibility. When and where does societal responsibility come in?

-- Ralph Greene, Snellville

UPCOMING
"Frog and Toad" to visit six Gwinnett County libraries soon

Arnold Lobel's well loved characters, the Frog and Toad, will visit Gwinnett County Public Library branches. Bring your very best friend and a camera to have your picture taken at the library. The visits are scheduled:

Saturday, February 25:

_ Suwanee Branch at 10:30 a.m. ,361 Main Street, Suwanee;
_ Buford Branch at 1 p.m., 2100 Buford Highway;
_ Collins Hill Branch at 2:30 p.m. , 455 Camp Perrin Road; and
_ Lawrenceville Branch at 4 p.m., 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.

Sunday, February 26

_ Norcross Branch at 2 p.m., 6025 Buford Highway, Norcross, and
_ Duluth Branch at 3:30 p.m., 3480 Duluth Park Lane, Duluth.

* * * * *

In a community partnership, the library and the Aurora Theatre bring Arnold Lobel's well loved characters from the page to the stage in this family friendly musical extravaganza. March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 2:30 p.m. performance at the Aurora Theatre, 3087-B Main Street, Duluth. The Gwinnett County Public Library and the Aurora Theatre "bring stories to life" with their matinee special tickets $10 price with a library card.

No card? No problem. Sign up for a card at any Gwinnett County Public Library Branch or online at www.gwinnettpl.org.

Arcado Community Theater offers "Annie Get Your Gun" soon

Arcado Community Theater will be presenting Annie Get Your Gun March 2-5 at Shiloh High School Theater in Snellville. This is the hilarious story of the love affair between the world's first superstar, Annie Oakley, and Frank Butler, the rifleman she bested on their first meeting. With such Broadway classics as There's No Business Like Show Business, They Say It's Wonderful, and I Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night this show is a perfect treat for the whole family!

Conti

Among the lead actors are Justin Green as Frank Butler, Mary Carolyn Conti as Annie Oakley.

For over 20 years, ACT's goal is to bring contemporary musical theater to Gwinnett County that all of the family can enjoy. They have enjoyed the participation of various members of the community and have had a great deal of family involvement: husbands and wives, their children, siblings. No one in the group is giving up their day jobs, but they love theater and are willing to immerse themselves in the creative process for two months a year in order to strut their stuff in front of an audience.

Tickets are $8. Show times are Thursday, March 2, through Saturday, March 4, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 5 at 3 p.m.. For ticket information and directions call 770-682-6633 or go to www.actatlanta.org.

NOTABLE
Governor appoints Bartow Morgan to State Ports Authority

Governor Sonny Perdue has appointed Bartow Morgan Jr., to the Georgia Ports Authority. Morgan is chairman and CEO of Brand Banking Company, a family-owned and operated Gwinnett business since 1905. He was appointed to fill Keith Mason's seat on the board. This term will expire June 30, 2006.

Morgan

Morgan is a member of the board of directors of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, the Gwinnett Health System, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. Morgan also serves on the executive board of directors for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hampden-Sydney College. Morgan and his wife, Leslie, have two children, and are building a home in Flowery Branch.

The Georgia Ports Authority's mission is to develop, maintain and operate ocean and inland river ports within Georgia; foster international trade and new industry for state and local communities; promote Georgia's agricultural, industrial and natural resources; and maintain the natural quality of the environment.

RECOMMENDATION
Peachtree Diner, Norcross

"Let me tell you about a new dining venue, the Peachtree Diner, located in Norcross. Just recently having had their grand opening, they are well on their way to pleasing your taste buds and your wallet. They are at 6050 Peachtree Parkway, in the shopping center with Kroger. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Rotating different meats and sides on different days, you are sure to find many you like. I had baked chicken, delicious and generous, as well as collared greens. Their stir-fry broccoli and zucchini and black eye peas looked good, too. The tab was $4.72. Next time I will have the okra or fish or squash and maybe peach cobbler."

-- Cindy Evans, Duluth.

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

GEORGIA TIDBIT
Central of Georgia Railroad helped spur early development

The Central of Georgia Railway was one of the most significant railroads in the American South and a vital part of Georgia's transportation infrastructure for more than 100 years. From its start, the Central was a classic expression of the developmental American railroad, serving as a leader in the region's economic growth.

In response to the innovative South Carolina Railroad that was diverting cotton and other products from the Piedmont area to Charleston, S.C., Georgians officially organized the Central in 1833. Originally known as the Central Railroad and Canal Company of Georgia, it was reorganized as the Central Rail Road and Banking Company in 1835. By 1843, the Central was perhaps the longest railroad under one management in the world.

With tracks that passed through some of the most productive cotton lands in the state, the Central was a vital element in the antebellum Georgia economy. The extensive and innovative roundhouse complex built in Savannah in the 1850s survives today as the most complete antebellum railroad complex in the nation.

During the Civil War (1861-65), the Central remained operational and served Confederate military, manufacturing, and economic objectives until the summer of 1864, when Union forces began a systematic destruction of bridges, track, and rolling stock. However, the Central recovered rather quickly from this destruction, and was operational again by June 1866.

In the postbellum era, the railroad underwent another phase of expansion and profitability. It expanded operations into Alabama and Tennessee, founded numerous short lines that connected Georgia cities and towns, created a steamboat line that linked Georgia to the major port cities of the Atlantic seaboard, and positioned itself as an important player in a chaotic era of takeovers, mergers, and fraud in the railroad industry. After losing control to outside investors in 1892, the Central regained nominal independence as the reorganized Central of Georgia Railway in 1895 before the Illinois Central System acquired control in 1907.

In the early 20th century, the Central promoted the development of Birmingham, Ala.'s coal and iron industry, actively recruited chemical and textile industries into Georgia, and fostered investments in new agricultural, forestry, and clay products as substitutes for the declining economic importance of cotton. As part of its passenger service, the Central lured tourists to Tybee Island , among other southern destinations, and it offered relatively inexpensive connections between Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, and Savannah. Nevertheless, economic hardships forced the Central into receivership in 1932, where it remained until 1948.

A last gasp of diesel conversion and route consolidation took place in the 1940s and 1950s, making the Central the target of a takeover plan by the St. Louis San Francisco Railway. The Interstate Commerce Commission ruled against that scheme in 1961, but approved a plan by the Southern Railway to purchase a controlling interest in the company. The Central became a subsidiary of the Southern in 1963.

The Central of Georgia Roundhouse Railroad Museum is administered by the Coastal Heritage Society and has been designated a National Historic Landmark

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

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Advice from Schweitzer on mankind's excuses and complaints

"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will and his personal responsibility."

-- German medical missionary and Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) via Patrick Malone, Snellville.

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

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