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Issue 10.33 | Friday, July 23, 2010 |
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TODAY'S FOCUS LAWRENCEVILLE,
Ga., July 23, 2010 -- Gwinnett Technical College bioscience student Jenny
Hedges knows how to make an impression while completing an internship.
Hedges applied the skills she learned in the classroom and manufactured
a vaccine to treat fish for enteric redmouth disease, or ERM, as part
of her internship with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at
the Buford Hatchery
Hedges is a graduate of Meadowcreek High and plans to continue her studies at Georgia Gwinnett College, seeking a degree in Biology and Biotechnology. Her early memories include when her parents took her fishing in North Georgia. "I guess I was about 3 or 4 when I had a fish on the line. I was so excited." Her mother is Annette Brock of Atlanta, and her father is Earle Downes of Covington. "I was able to return to school because of the wonderful help from my Mom and Dad and the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) program, which helps displaced workers return to school." She adds: "My love is for the ocean. I always dreamed of having my own establishment with injured sea life that cannot be released back into the wild." Her other interests are fishing in general, deep sea fishing, boats and teaching my son to fish." Hedges
recently completed course work to earn her associate degree in Bioscience
Technology from Gwinnett Tech. She secured the internship with the Department
of Natural Resources to fulfill Gwinnett Tech's Bioscience degree requirements,
complementing her reputation as a high-performing student. Hedges also
works as a laboratory assistant for the college's Bioscience program. EEB PERSPECTIVE JULY 23, 2010 -- Let's look at the outcome of Tuesday's primary elections and prospects for runoffs. There were some surprises.
Roy Barnes surprised himself by winning the Democratic primary for governor without a run-off, which is hard to do with six opponents. But he scored a whopping 65.8 percent of the vote. Karen Handel had a fast finish to come out atop the Republican gubernatorial primary with 34 percent of the vote, picking up recent help from Sarah Palin. Nathan Deal placed second in this race with 22.9 per cent to get into the runoff in three weeks, followed by Eric Johnson with 20.1 per cent. Stunned must have been John Oxendine, the early front runner, who was a distant fourth with 16.9 percent of the votes, though he had spent the most money and long had been favored. Oxendine did only slightly better in his home county, Gwinnett, where he polled 17.5 percent. Remember the recent South Carolina primary, where an unknown, unemployed candidate defeated a well-thought-of favorite? One reason given was that the winner's name was ahead of the other candidate on the ballot. Perhaps that explains why Carol Porter, whose name was listed second on the ballot in this race, got only 70 percent in winning the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, over a candidate who did not campaign at all and was considered a far-fringe candidate.
Two seats were up for grabs with no incumbents for the Gwinnett County Commission. Lynette Howard, scoring 41.89 percent, had exactly eight percent more votes than Keith Shewbert, with 33.89 percent, for Post Two on the commission. A third candidate, Jose Perez, lives in the Peachtree Corners area, as does Howard, and if Ms. Howard can pull some of his votes, she could win this seat. The Post Four seat on the Commission will be a runoff between John Heard, with 29 percent, against Tim Sullivan, who scored 22 percent. Sullivan garnered only one percent more than did Tommy Hunter, or 120 votes, to gain the runoff. This race is interesting in that Heard is a friend of Commission Chairman Charles Bannister, while Sullivan had the backing of District Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. The results might indicate where the power will be on the commission for the next two years. The race for the Seventh District in Congress, with eight Republican candidates, was questionable from the start. Rob Woodall, former chief of staff for Congressman John Linder, stole the show and surprised lots of us with his 36 percent showing. And Jody Hice, a national radio minister from Barrow County, made the run-off with Woodall with 26 per cent of the vote. But the biggest surprise of this race may have been the poor showing of State Rep. Clay Cox, who though outspending everyone, and even including in his media releases what time he would vote, only got 20 percent! The winner of the runoff will face unopposed Democrat Doug Heckman, who ran last time against Linder. There were several interesting results in races for the Georgia House. Tom Rice easily won re-election in Peachtree Corners by a 73-26 percent margin over Neal Towey. What made this race interesting is that Towey is an avowed Tea Party backer. Not only in this race, but not in any of the Gwinnett races to speak of, did the Tea Party show particular strength.....Former County Commission Chairman Wayne Hill was turned back handily by the voters, losing 70-30 percent to newcomer Jody Clark.....Former Snellville Mayor Brett Harrell had a relatively close but decisive 54-46 percent victory over Warren Auld. (Note, too, that Snellville passed the measure allowing for Sunday alcohol sales.) Another statewide race, that for Commissioner of Labor, had a local candidate, Rep. Melvin Everson. We thought he would fare better, but another House member, Rep. Mark Butler, easily won this seat with 70 percent of the vote. Butler will face Democrat Darryl Hicks, who won a squeaker, with 50.1 per cent of the vote. Hicks won by 525 votes in Gwinnett, and his statewide winning margin was only 483 votes. Take pride, Gwinnett. You helped put him over. There will probably be a re-count in this race. * * * * One more
element in the voting on Tuesday: did you notice all those questions that
both the Democrats and Republicans put to the voters? Forget them. These
questions, as asked in a non-binding vote, are worthless. All they do
is to clutter the ballot, and allow the politicians to say that they pander
to the voters. But they seldom follow up on such votes, since they are
not binding. It's political patter! ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
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McLEMORE'S WORLD
FEEDBACK Editor, the Forum: I certainly agree with the concerns raised in your editorial regarding the United States involvement in Afghanistan. But you didn't go far enough. Not just the Soviet Union (not Russia then) realized a war in Afghanistan was unwinnable, but many other countries prior to that gave up there in despair. Great Britain was involved for many years there, before that the Mongols, etc. As you point out, Afghanistan history doesn't support democratic rule, communist rule, colonial rule, religious rule. Nothing but tribal lords have successfully ruled small areas of that region over the centuries. The amount
of money we have spent on our involvement in that area since 2001 has
been astronomical Isn't it time to reexamine the huge expenditure of American lives and economic resources in Afghanistan? Exactly what do we wish to accomplish? What could be termed a 'successful' outcome there?
Returning grandsons say Afghans do not want us there Editor, the Forum: In your last comment, you asked "WHAT PRICE FREEDOM?" You had all the correct questions and had all the correct answers, too. But HOW can we get this message to our leaders? Many people are sending the same emails, etc., BUT politics seem to be getting in the way of ANY common sense! We have had several grandsons in Iraq and Afghanistan and they ALL are saying: "It is time to get out NOW!" The Afghanistan people do not want the United States involved in their country, so WHY ARE WE?
Worries about voting machines requiring faith in them to vote Editor, the Forum: You missed an important factor in your article on early voting. I know a number of people who do it, and all say they do not trust the faith-based voting machine. Nationwide the machines are turning out to be unreliable, and there is no proof at all whether the count is good or not.
UPCOMING On behalf
of the City of Duluth, the Duluth Fine Arts League (DFAL) is sponsoring
a public art project entitled "Living Honorarium." The artwork,
conceived of by former Duluth mayor, Shirley Lasseter, is intended to
honor living firefighters, veterans, and police officers. It will offer
a place for reflection on the public service given by these dedicated
people daily.
The project is open to artists living in the Southeastern United States (as defined in the "Call" on the artsduluth website), working in any medium. Up to five artists (or artist teams) will be short-listed as semifinalists and will be required to present a detailed written proposal, plus a mockette of the proposed artwork. Semifinalists will receive an honorarium of $500 to prepare and present the proposal in person. The winner will receive a $50,000 commission. This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the project. Information on the project, including all details regarding application, may be found at the DFAL website: www.artsduluth.org under the "Living Honorarium" link. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer Freeman at jennifer@mosaicodyssey.com or 404-683-4288. Suwanee's Toast@Town Center features Arts Association The July rendering of Suwanee's monthly Toast@Town Center event will take on a creative hue as the North Gwinnett Arts Association joins Town Center merchants on Thursday, July 29, in offering an evening of good meals, good deals, and good times. Toast@Town Center is a regular event through which merchants offer special deals, entertainment, and in-store events from 5-10 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month through October. Town Center Avenue is closed and a street-festival atmosphere is created. As part of July's festivities, the North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA) is hosting an Art Walk. Participants can view up close the artwork that has been on display in Town Center windows and meet the artists responsible for the original creations. NGAA President Vickie Johnson says: "Footprints" throughout Suwanee's built-from-scratch downtown area will lead participants to a wealth of great artwork and books as well as interesting artists and authors." Snellville plans youth soccer registration starting July 24 On Saturday July 24, 2010 the City of Snellville will hold open registration for the upcoming Fall Youth Soccer season to be played at Briscoe Park. The registration will be from 9 am until noon. Fall Soccer registration ends August 13. Soccer
registration forms may be downloaded from the City Web site, www.snellville.org
and filled out ahead of time. Other information about such programs is
available at the City website by typing in "Snellville Youth Soccer"
under the search option. NOTABLE Gwinnett County will continue buying and renovating foreclosed homes in an effort to stabilize hard-hit neighborhoods, help provide affordable housing and create jobs in the struggling housing and construction industries. Commissioners
this week accepted additional grant funds of almost $900,000 for its Neighborhood
Stabilization Program from the state Community Affairs department. Duluth's LEAD program application deadline is Aug. 27 The City of Duluth is accepting applications for its third annual LEAD (Learn, Engage, Advance Duluth) Academy This is a program that offers an avenue for citizens to become knowledgeable about City of Duluth operations, services, and the overall essential functions of city government. It offers an interactive learning experience, which includes information about city services, programs and responsibilities. Additionally, citizens casually interact with elected officials and city staff. Class participants are afforded the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the City of Duluth government and their role in local government. This leadership program encourages citizens to become engaged in government operations and participate by serving on various boards and committees and explore other opportunities in the community and in the city to become involved. The citizens and business leaders who participate are empowered to create insightful solutions to important community issues and needs. In addition, the program sparks interest in local issues, presents information about important questions facing the city, provides an avenue for residents to help plan the community's future, and gives citizens hands-on experience in city government operations. The Academy is a six week program, beginning Tuesday, September 28, and continuing each Tuesday through November 2. The program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Applications are available online at www.duluthga.net or at City Hall. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 27. This program is made possible by donations from Chocolate Perks, John A. Monk, C.P.A., P.C. and Quick Wash Express Car Wash. For more information contact Alisa Williams at awilliams@duluthga.net or 678-475-3506.
GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
Counties were created by a rural society that looked to government to keep the records straight and the justice swift. To help counties administer state programs and conduct state courts, the state constitution originally created four elected county officers: the sheriff, the tax commissioner, the clerk of the superior court, and the judge of the probate court. In 1868 the state began creating the position of county commissioner to administer the general operations of the county. Today every county has a commissioner; many have a board of commissioners (BOC). As part of general county operations, the BOC must finance county programs and pay the salaries of constitutional officers. The sheriff enforces the law, maintains peace in the county, and serves as the jailer. In some counties the BOC has established a county police department. The county police may supplement the law enforcement ability of the sheriff, but they do not replace the sheriff. The functions of the tax commissioner resemble those of an accountant for the county. He or she receives all tax returns, maintains the county's tax records, and collects and pays tax funds to the state and local governments. To assist the tax commissioner, the BOC in some counties has established a tax assessor's board, an equalization board, and/or a board of appraisers. The purpose of these appointed, not elected, boards is to ensure that everyone pays his or her fair share of taxes. The clerk of the superior court is the primary record keeper for the county. The clerk maintains all the court records and supervises the registration of property transactions. Each BOC also has its own county clerk, who is responsible for keeping the records for the board. The judge of the probate court has a broad range of powers, mostly unrelated to criminal matters. He or she oversees matters pertaining to property deeds, marriage licenses, guardianships, and wills; supervises elections; and administers public oaths of office. To assist the judge of the probate court, the state has created a local board of elections in almost every county. Beyond the powers assigned to the constitutional officers, the BOC is the county governing authority. It has the power to adopt ordinances, resolutions, or regulations relating to county property, county affairs, and the operation of local government. Larger, more urban counties distribute governmental responsibilities among many departments, whereas smaller, more rural counties often employ only a few officials, each of whom serves several functions. For example, Clayton County (population 236,517) has a police chief, a fire chief, a warden, a sheriff, an emergency management agency director, and a public safety director to ensure the safety of its citizens. In Clay County (population 3,357), on the other hand, the sheriff also acts as the emergency management agency director. CREDITS GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday. If you would like to serve as an underwriter, click here to learn more. Send
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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 "Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems."
For the 2010 primary season, GwinnettForum asked all candidates facing primary opposition in Gwinnett County to provide answers to a few questions. You can read their answers below by clicking on the links. (NOTE: We're keeping these profiles here for a few days after the election so you can review them if you want.) Candidates with no primary opposition are noted. They'll be asked in the fall by us to fill out issues surveys, which we'll publish before the November election.
PROFILE KEY
2010 FEDERAL CANDIDATES U.S. Congress, District 4
U.S. Congress, District 7
2010 STATEWIDE CANDIDATES Georgia Governor
Georgia Lieutenant Governor
Georgia Attorney General
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture
Georgia Commissioner of Insurance
Georgia Labor Commissioner
Georgia Secretary of State
Georgia State School Superintendent
Georgia Public Service Commission
2010
LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES Republicans
State Senate, District 40
State Representative, District 51
State Representative, District 88
State Representative, District 95
State Representative, District 96
State Representative, District 98
State Representative, District 101
State Representative, District 102
State Representative, District 103
State Representative, District 104
State Representative, District 106
2010 GWINNETT COUNTY CANDIDATES Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 2
Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 4
MORE RECENT COMMENTARY
ABOUT US 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. © 2001-2010, Gwinnett Forum.com is Gwinnett County's online community forum for commentary that explores pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. PHONE: 770.840.1003
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