TODAY'S FOCUS
:: Teaching kids about social networks

ELLIOTT BRACK'S PERSPECTIVE
:: Perdue had good idea on offices

McLEMORE'S WORLD ARCHIVE
:: Stormy weather

FEEDBACK
:: Snellville vote, Brain Train, Luddites

UPCOMING
:: Sr. Leadership Gwinnett, Rudy Bowen

NOTABLE
:: Norcross site, Suwanee award

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_:: GEORGIA TIDBIT: Austell
_:: TODAY'S QUOTE: Carter on toughness
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TODAY'S FOCUS
Teach your children how to stay safe on social networks
By DOTTIE CALLINA
Special to GwinnettForum.com

ATLANTA, Ga. Feb. 19, 2010 -- The popularity of social networking continues to grow among kids. Social networking sites can provide a secure way for kids to connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of nefarious purposes. The Better Business Bureau recommends parents take specific steps to keep their kids safe online.

Kids of all ages are getting into social networking. According to Strategy Labs, the number of users on Facebook who are between the ages of 13 and 18 grew by 88 percent in 2009 to 10.7 million. While Facebook and MySpace require all users to be at least 13 years old, some sites are geared for children even younger.

Fred T. Elsberry, Jr., president and CEO of the BBB Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia, says: "For some parents, their kids know more about computers and the Internet than they do; however, it's important to remember that kids aren't old enough to understand all of the various threats that lurk online. Even if they're intimidated by technology, parents need to supervise their child's computer use in the house as well as educate their kids on how to play it safe online." The BBB offers the following tips for parents who want to help keep their kids safe online:

Explain the Difference Between Sharing and Oversharing: While social networking is about sharing photos, thoughts and experiences, explain to your kids that they should never share personal information such as phone numbers, address, bank account numbers, passwords or their Social Security numbers. Also talk about what constitutes inappropriate photos or language and stress the fact that---while you may be able to delete them---you can never fully take them back.

"Never talk to strangers" applies online too. One of the first rules we teach our kids is to never talk to strangers; remind them that the rule holds true when online. Even though chatting with a stranger online can seem harmless, the relationship can evolve and grow until the stranger has earned your child's trust---and can then exploit it.

Set strict privacy settings. Social networking sites let users determine who they want to share information with. Talk to your child about restricting access to his or her profile to only friends or users in "safe" networks, such as their school, clubs or church groups. But remember, these sits are not always safe

Keep the channels of communication open. Let your kids know that you are always ready to talk if they are ever threatened, bullied or feel uncomfortable about an experience they had online.

Join them online. If you haven't already, set up your own account in the same social networks. This will help you better understand what social networking is all about. You can also then "Friend" your child and keep an unobtrusive eye on what they are doing.

Federal law requires sites collecting identifying information from children under 13 to get a parent's consent first. Report concerns about data collection from children under 13 to the Children's Advertising Review Unit of the Council of Better Business Bureaus at www.caru.org/complaint.

You can learn more about how to keep your kids safe online at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/net-cetera.aspx

Parents can also learn how to keep themselves safe from ID thieves and hackers online at www.bbb.org.

EEB PERSPECTIVE
Perdue's proposal for appointing officials makes good sense
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher

FEB. 19, 2010 -- Here toward the end of his second term in office, Governor Sonny Perdue is proposing several suggestions to the Georgia General Assembly…but they are being met with very little acceptance. One of the lame-duck governor's proposals hits us as smack-dab worthy.

Brack

The governor wants to have four currently-elected state offices become appointed by whoever is governor. His idea includes appointing the state school superintendent, the attorney general, the agricultural commissioner and the insurance commissioner.

These are currently elected officials. You can bet your bottom dollar someone will yell and scream that this takes away the power of the people electing these officials, and that this is bad. But it also gives the sitting governor a better way to shape the direction he or she sees the state needing. This would allow planks that were part of the governor's platform nailed down much quicker.

Granted, there is a downside to the governor's proposal. It would concentrate more power in the hands of the governor, not necessarily good. And it could open the possibility of more corruption in one office, allowing the misuse of power to flow not to just one office through one individual, but to five offices (the governor's plus those four department officials) in one fell swoop.

Do you want to give a potential governor more power than the current governor has, or do you want to have a weaker governor?

Electing a good person as governor would make it great to concentrate more power with the governor. And this harkens back to the oft-quoted phrase of politics: "Trust the people. Always trust the people."

Perdue

The governor's proposal comes at an opportune time. Three of the people occupying the present offices will not seek re-election this year: the attorney general and the insurance commissioner are running for governor; the agricultural commissioner is bowing out after a long career; and only the state school superintendent is expected to seek re-election. So, three of the four offices will not have incumbents in this year's election. Should the Legislature pass the governor's bill, those persons seeking those three offices would realize that they would only serve a four year term, and then the governor in 2014 would appoint those officers. Candidates for the offices this year, then, would be forewarned, assuming a constitutional amendment on the measure passed.

Look at it another way: under an appointed system, the governor would have to conduct a "Nationwide search" for the best possible persons for the jobs. We would probably "upgrade" the people serving in these four slots.

An appointed state school superintendent, for instance, couldn't do a worse job than Georgia's educational attainment has shown over the years, with Georgia always near the bottom ranks of educational attainment.

The drawback of Governor Perdue's proposal to have these four state agencies function under an appointed leader, is that his idea came far too late in the governor's term. Had it been floated earlier while he was in office, he would have had several years to see it to passage. But with him in his last term, it could die an easy death.

Our consolation is that, with a gubernatorial campaign ongoing, we should be asking those seeking the governor's office their views on this proposal. It might result in better government. You got it: we can always stand improvement in state government.

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The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. of Snellville. Founded in the 1920s, ERS was built on Christian beliefs with honesty and integrity leading the way. Specializing in roads, bridges and culverts, its goal is to build a safe and modern highway system while preserving our natural environment. Through quality production and high safety standards, it strives to be the best contractor possible, while continuing to be a positive influence on its employees and the community. Internet access is available at www.ersnell.com.

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McLEMORE'S WORLD ARCHIVE
Stormy weather

FEEDBACK
Reflections on recent Snellville alcoholic sales voting

Editor, the Forum:

In 2004, I voted in a referendum to allow alcohol by the drink inside the Snellville city limits. It passed by a narrow majority, but a majority none-the-less. Having lived in Snellville for 37 years, I felt like we had finally emerged from the dark ages. I felt it was fine that all that was left was for the City Council to outline the hours of operation.

Boy! Was I surprised when the council cut out Sunday sales, then had the gall to say it was not because of religious reasons! That was like Wayne Odum stating back in the late 70s that he was the reason we got beer and wine. He was going to vote against it and had Preston Mitchell's vote aligned with him to defeat it. Unfortunately Wayne had to be hospitalized and missed the vote. Preston voted his conscience, voting for it; and, therefore, it passed.

Over the next thirty-something years, there have been petitions for referendums which ended in defeat. Although I would have voted for it, liquor by the drink was defeated time and again. That is the democratic way.

Sometime during these years, my pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church, the Rev. J.B. Reese, preached to defeat a petition. I explained that I and others as veterans had fought to preserve our constitutional right to petition our government for grievances, and suggested that if a referendum was defeated, it would legally be much longer a time before it could come up again, than if only the petition was defeated. He backed off by the next week.

The Snellville City Council, by majority vote, voted out Sunday sales. Voters and circumstances voted out councilmen who over-stepped their authority by blacking out Sundays (Councilmen Garroway and Smith). Ego got another one, Auld.

Tom Witt came along as patriotic fresh blood and voted for it. Kelly, you need to get in touch. I suggest rather than Snellville holding another frivolous referendum, how about counter-suing the plaintiffs in the current frivolous action? Oh, yeah, Mark Lewis will have to stand for re-election at some point too.

By the way, you know either way I won't be out there drinking, so this is not for me. I'll be packing and drinking unsweetened ice tea.

-- Howard N. Williams, Jr., Snellville

Writer looks forward some day to riding the Brain Train

Editor, the Forum:

Here's my response to Jim of Duluth regarding high-speed rail. I wish he could see that by someone else taking the train, he now has one less car to worry about on the highway. However, below is my response and support for the Brain Train.

Ask any used car salesman what he thinks of the Brain Train. They would say it wouldn't work. Of course their view is biased, because it would impact their sales. Ask a student on the way to a test, or employee working downtown or uptown, all who may be stuck on Interstate 85 traffic about the Brain Train, and they would agree it is aptly named.

Many who do not support the Brain Train might change their minds if they could see how it would simplify their life. It's a matter of perspective. If more people were on the train instead of on a congested I-85, traffic would be lighter. People could TEXT and NOT DRIVE, study, read the newspaper, and prepare for work while riding the train. Ultimately, roads would be safer!

I wish the questionnaire asked me if I would ride it, because my answer would be YES, many times! I'd go to school, to work, to UGA and Georgia Tech games and to get out of traffic! Jim of Duluth may not ride it himself, but he sure would be appreciative that he is now in the spot I'd be in if I was in my car.

-- Adolfo Ponce de Leon, Lilburn

Thinking reflects progress such as the Luddites proposed

Editor, the Forum:

In 1811, the Luddites thought the new labor-saving textile machinery was the source of their economic problems. In 2010, Elliott Brack thinks open communications, air travel and the Internet are causes of government's inefficiency at all levels.

The problem wasn't the machinery in 1811 and it isn't the tools of our modern society today. The problem is the mediocre and ineffective leadership of the politicians in office today. Unfortunately, if Scott Brown is the precursor of our new political leadership, we are continuing to choose the lesser of two evils.

-- Patrick Malone, Blairsville

Dear Pat: Regular readers of the Forum will recognize your name as a contributor, and also recognize the sharpness of your wit. They will wish you good fortune at your new location.-eeb

Send us a letter. We encourage readers to submit feedback or letters to the editor. Send your thoughts to editor at elliott@brack.net. We will edit for length and clarity. Make sure to include your name and city where you live. Submission of a comment grants permission to us to reprint. Please keep your comment to 200 words or less. However, if you write 500 words, we'll consider it for Today's Focus.

UPCOMING
Senior Leadership Gwinnett seeking new applicants for class

Senior Leadership Gwinnett is now accepting nominations and applications for its 2010-2011 leadership class. The nomination deadline is July 2, 2010 and the application deadline is July 30, 2010.

The program is now entering its 11th year, and the third year partnering with Gwinnett Technical College. Both Gwinnett Tech and the Gwinnett Tech Foundation continue to assist and support Gwinnett seniors. Gwinnettians 55 and older, working or retired, are eligible for the program.

Senior Leadership Gwinnett is chaired by Elliott Brack, with Bill Barry as vice chair. Heading the program during the past year as the general chair has been Tom Travis (Class of 2003.) They and the more than 200 graduates of the program will welcome the 2010-2011 class at a reception in August. The class meets for program days the third Wednesday of each month from September through May.

Lorri Christopher (2007), director of institutional advancement at Gwinnett Tech, is the college coordinator for the Gwinnett Senior Leadership program. For more information or for an application, please email to: lchristopher@gwinnetttech.edu or call 678-226-6316.

Rudy Bowen to serve another term on Highway board

Rudy Bowen of Duluth was re-elected Wednesday to the State Transportation Board by a caucus of state representatives and senators from the Seventh Congressional District.

Bowen

Bowen, who now serves as Board vice chairman, has been a member of the Board since 2007. Bowen has previously been selected by the governor to serve on the Lake Lanier Recreational Authority. He has also served on the Gwinnett Airport Authority, the County Board of Appeal and as board member for several banks.

Bowen is the owner of Bowen Family Homes, a nationally recognized housing and community developer in metro Atlanta. A Georgia native, Bowen was born in Atlanta. He is married to Jean, and the couple has three children.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is governed by the State Transportation Board. Its 13 members, representing each of the state's congressional districts, exercise general control and supervision of the Department. Each member serves a five-year term and the terms are staggered. Board members are elected by the state representatives and senators whose legislative districts fall within all or part of the congressional district.

NOTABLE
Norcross now sporting new design on city Web site

The City of Norcross has a new web site, and features information in four languages, in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese. The site may be viewed at www.norcrossga.net. The entire site is developed along a theme reflecting the city slogan, "A Place to Imagine."

Photography of scenes around Norcross brighten the site. A feature of the site is an up-to-date calendar of events. Key officials, including those elected, are an email click away.

The new design of the site was done by city staff, with oversight by elected officials and the Downtown Development Authority Promotions Committee. JHouse Media from Athens was the design consultant for the site.

ARC recognizes Suwanee with CREATE Community Award

Suwanee Mayor Dave Williams is all smiles as Atlanta Region Commission Director Chick Krautler congratulates him on the city being named a winner of the CREATE Community Award from the Commission for its social media initiatives. Suwanee was the winner in the Application and Innovation in Technology category for its commitment to using social media as a tool to engage citizens and for development of a progressive Social MediaPolicy. In early 2009, Suwanee established active Facebook and Twitter accounts as yet another means to share information, but most importantly as a way to engage residents and others in conversation. The City currently has 2,823 Facebook fans and 377 Twitter followers.

Diabetes screening on March 18 at Emory Eastside Hospital

The Emory Eastside Diabetes and Medical Nutrition Therapy Center received recognition from the American Diabetes Association as a Certified Diabetes Education Program in 2001. The Center is re-certified by the National Certification Board of the American Diabetes Association every three years.

The Diabetes Center will be providing free blood sugar screenings at Emory Eastside Medical Center Classrooms 1 and 2 on March 18 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The Diabetes Risk Test will be also be available for individuals to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. This is being provided as a free service to the community in recognition of Diabetes Alert Day.

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States. An additional 57 million, or one in five Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is named the "silent killer" because nearly one-fourth of those with the disease---5.7 million people---do not know they have it.

RECOMMENDED

• 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 ENCYCLOPEDIA
Town of Austell named for banker and cotton dealer

Alfred Austell was a merchant, banker, financier, and railroad builder who organized the Atlanta National Bank, became one of the country's largest cotton dealers, and built railroads in several southern states.

Alfred Arthur Austell was born in eastern Tennessee on January 14, 1814. In 1836 he moved to Campbellton, Ga., and went into business with his brother. In 1853 he married Francina Cameron of LaGrange, and the couple had four surviving children, Alfred Jr., Janie, Leila, and William.

Austell moved from Campbellton to Atlanta in 1858. With E. W. Holland, he purchased the Bank of Fulton, where Austell also served as cashier. In 1861 Atlanta hosted the Bank Convention of the Confederate States, and Austell was a delegate.

At Austell's instigation, the Atlanta National Bank was established in 1865, and operated out of his home for the first few months. Austell was not only director but also president from its founding until his death in Atlanta in 1881. In 1875 another new bank, the Atlanta Savings Bank, was incorporated, with Austell as its director.

Austell was also associated with William H. Inman in the cotton business. Their company, Austell, Inman and Company, worked with S. W. Inman and Company in transporting cotton from Georgia to New York. Austell was a chief factor in building the Atlanta and Charlotte Air-Line and the Spartanburg-Asheville branch of what was later the Southern Railway. Because of his services in the advancing of transportation facilities in the South, the town of Austell in Cobb County was named Austell for him.

Although he opposed secession, he supported his state in its decision to do so. When the Civil War (1861-65) ended, Austell was a member of the committee that submitted resolutions congratulating the people of Atlanta on the end of the war, approving the appointment of the provisional governor, expressing a desire for the restoration of state government, and renewing old friendships and trade relations.

• Click here to access the Georgia Encyclopedia

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© 2010, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.

TODAY'S QUOTE
More than confidence in your ability needed

"You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through."

-- Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter (1927- )

MODERN HISTORY OF GWINNETT

Those interested in the history of Gwinnett need to know that the recently published book: Gwinnett: A Little Above Atlanta, has sold fast, with the first editions about sold out. Get yours before they're gone. Go to http://www.elliottbrack.com/ to order, or buy the book at a local bookstore shown on the site.

The books are available at:

• Books for Less in downtown Snellville and Lawrenceville (Highway 20 near the Braves park);
• Labaire Pottery, downtown Norcross

MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE

	4/27: Asian temple to open
	4/23: Airport delay
	4/20: Red Cross building
	4/16: Grand openings
	4/13: Congressional races
	4/9: Gwinnett in great light
	4/6: About flag lapel pins
	4/2: Starting our 10th year
	3/30: Perdue and history
	3/26: Bishop Sheals' 30th
	3/23: Health, waste issues
	3/19: On Cox' lottery proposal
	3/16: Gwinnett is BB hotbed
	3/12: Big schools save money
	3/9: Health insurance co-ops
	3/5: Politics, garbage, more
	3/2: "43" takes on meaning
	EEB index of columns

MORE RECENT COMMENTARY

	4/27: Malcolm: Health care, taxes
	4/23: Grant: New iPad great
	4/20: Trujillo: Jazzy Thing
	4/16: West: Earth Day celebration
	4/13: A. Brack: Civil War and today
	4/9: Bolling: Lanier venues
	4/6: Ebner: 5 things about Gwinnett
	4/2: McDowell: Lilburn CID
	3/30: Brown: Market terminals
	3/26: Spitzler: Native plants
	3/23: Millsaps: Campus innovation
	3/19: Hoffman has poetry book
	3/16: DiLeonardo: Counselors noted
	3/12: Freyer: Turnkey jail needed
	3/9: Collobert: Francophone Fest
	3/5: Seupersad: Corruption study
	3/2: Boyce: Vietnam trip
	COMMENTARY INDEX

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GwinnettForum.com is a twice-weekly online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Contact us today.

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