NEW LIBRARY: This stunning view from inside the new library building at Georgia Gwinnett College shows the Signature Building and central quadrangle in the background. Ribbon cutting at the library last week marked the completion of the facility, as the library books and material are being moved this week in preparation for the fall session of the college, which begins in mid August. For details, see below.

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TODAY'S FOCUS
Media-reported surveys are not always what they first seem
By JIM NELEMS
CEO, The Marketing Workshop, Inc.
Special to GwinnettForum.com

NORCROSS, Ga., July 27, 2010 -- Media-reported surveys are not always what they seem. Perhaps surprisingly, the most mentioned qualification in a published survey, the "sampling error," is almost of no value, because for the most part, published polls have a large enough sample.

Nelems

If sampling error is not the problem, what could be? Here are 10 reasons to question them.

1. The sponsoring organization may have a vested interest in how the results come out. If findings disagree with the underwriting sponsor, you will never see that poll in the media.

2. The sample may be large enough, but it may be conducted among the wrong people: for example, a political poll where there is no screening for likely voters

3. The questions may be slanted to give a certain answer. "If you knew that John Smith was arrested for beating his wife, would that make you more or less likely to vote for him?" Or, "If the new shopping center would create 1,000 jobs, would you be in favor of it?" Obviously, you can tell what the answer would be to these two questions.

4. The poll may not provide all possible answers. Here is one from an elected official:"Which is the best way to reduce the federal deficit: increase taxes, stop paying interest on the national debt, or cut Medicare and Social Security funding?" And who thinks the government could ever borrow money without paying interest?

5. The order of questions may influence the findings. Asking one to rate a product, service, or candidate on various measures before asking for an overall opinion suggests the measures one should use for the evaluation.

6. The order of possible answers can influence findings. Asking one to rate an elected official by showing the possible answer as.......Excellent, Good, Average, Fair or Poor.....will give a different answer than.....Poor, Fair, Average, Good, or Excellent.

7. The poll may use the wrong sample, such as doing a customer survey but only talking to current customers. This way, those who are so angry at the company they no longer deal with it are excluded from the sample.

8. Making the answers sound more accurate than they really are, such as 60.4 percent which sounds more accurate than 60 percent.

9. People may lie to pollsters, such as reporting how much exercise they do because it sounds better than admitting they don't exercise.

10. Sometimes a poll can combine all errors into one question: "If you knew global warming was the most important problem facing the environment, how much more would you be willing to pay in taxes to solve this problem?"

What's wrong with this question? First, it assumes global warming is the most important problem facing the country; (2) it says that paying taxes will solve the problem; (3) it assumes that most people pay taxes; (4) it assumes that people will want to pay more; (5) and that people know how much they want to pay; (6) and finally, that people will do what they say.

So you see, there are many ways to construct a poll that will be fraught with faults.

Bottom line: Be careful in drawing conclusions from polls unless you know the whole story.

EEB PERSPECTIVE
Here are our candidate choices for the Aug. 10 primary runoff
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher

JULY 27, 2010 -- Two weeks from today, on August 10, Georgia voters get a second chance to pick nominees of their political parties. For Gwinnett voters, there will be eight positions on the Republican ballot, while for Democrats, only two offices are to be decided.

Brack

Whatever party you chose to vote in for the July 20 primary, you must vote in that same primary on August 10. That stops people hopping from one party in a runoff and sullying the political waters, you might say. If you did not vote on July 20, you may vote for either party in the runoff.

As a service to voters, GwinnettForum continues to run the candidate profiles of those who responded to our questions. Look to the right of this page to review data about the candidates still in the race.

Now below are GwinnettForum endorsements in Republican races for the runoff.

U.S. Congress, 7th District: Rob Woodall. His stance on major issues, plus his more centrist approach, should make him more acceptable to voters than the far-right candidacy of Jody Hice. Woodall has years of experience as John Linder's top assistant, knows the machinations, and can be effective in the office from Day One.

Governor: Nathan Deal. He is the antidote to having more of the same type of government Georgia has had for the last eight years from Sonny Perdue. We feel he will be a better nominee than the governor's hand-picked replacement, Karen Handel.

Attorney General: Sam Olens. He is a well-known quantity, having served in recent years as the chairman of the Cobb County Commission, in an era when that county has made tremendous progress. He sees Georgia's ethical political problems, realizing current laws are "wholly inadequate," in his words. He also will fight for statewide grand juries to help curb crime across county borders.

Insurance Commissioner: Ralph Hudgens. The candidate brings wide experience, in business and experience in the legislature as chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee, to this office. He advocates de-centralizing the office, and we feel he will seek more free market competition to benefit the consumer.

Public Service Commission: Tim Echols. This candidate, we feel, will do the most for Georgians in the regulation of utilities within the state. He advocates positive outlooks, such as advocating the use of nuclear, solar and geo-thermal sources of power. Overall, his energy, and enthusiasm, and forward thinking make him the best nominee in this race.

House District 102: Linda Carsten. She has the a strong determination, plus talented organization skills and concentrated pizzazz that will represent this district well. Ms. Carsten's outgoing personality and a wide circle of acquaintances will win her friends in the Legislature which will make her the most effective of the candidates in this race.

Gwinnett County Commission Post 2: Lynette Howard. Her years of experience in local public affairs, her ability to get the job done, and her impressive academic credentials will serve to make her a solid county commissioner.

Gwinnett County Commission Post 4: Tim Sulllivan. The balance on the county commission could shift with this election. Mr. Sullivan has the youthful zest, the determination and the political savvy the county needs.

* * * * *

Now for the two Democratic runoffs, we support these candidates.

Secretary of State: Georganna Sinkfield. Long active in state politics, she has an impressive background and a outgoing style that can serve Georgia well. She plans to use the office as a bully pulpit to insure fair elections, review processing of state licensing, and make it easier for businesses to get processed in Georgia. Her 28 years experience in the Legislature can help her get this job done well.

House District 95: Pam Dickerson. This is the type of candidate you want to see running, someone you can trust to get the job done, and who has the determination to complete the job once in office. We feel she will be more responsive to the people of the district and unseat the present incumbent.

* * * * *

Perhaps the most under-rated of elections, a runoff often sees a small number of people determine winners in political races. Small turnouts undermine the will of the majority of the people. Do your job on August 10 and vote. If you will be unable to go to the polls that day, get an absentee ballot, and register your choices in one of these two primaries. You'll be doing your public duty in selecting the leaders for your area and help make our state an even better place to live.

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FEEDBACK
Wants town hall meeting on what, why we pay for freedom

Editor, The Forum:

You produced magnificent thoughts on the issues of the price of freedom. This is a topic that should be debated in community settings by various parties throughout the country over the next few years.

A minor correction though. It was not local insurgents that the Russians couldn't beat and that ran them out of Afghanistan. It was us. It was our weapons, equipment and money that the Russians couldn't compete with. Until we stepped in, Afghanistan was well on its way to becoming an another Soviet satellite. Question is: did we win?

As fast as the then Soviets marched out, we washed our hands, packed our bags, and left also, leaving an unstable state to its own mercy. Many think that is one of the biggest blunders made in U.S. history. What would have been the price to try to back development of a democratic state then, as opposed to the cost of leaving it for the Taliban to come in and sponsor terrorists parties bent of the destruction of the USA? We know the price so far, for not doing anything.

Some have talked it is cheaper to let the Taliban back in. Did we not learn a lesson?

Many of our enemies blame the downfall of the USSR on their bleeding in Afghanistan and see that as a way to get us. Unfortunately for the Soviets, while Afghanistan helped, the glut with oil at $15 a barrel, a government- controlled economy incapable of providing expansion, and inferior technology led to their downfall. They didn't have a private economy, as we currently have, that could grow enough to provide capital to pay past bills. Gorbachev saw this and tried to adopt capitalism as a last ditch effort to save the republic.

Unfortunately for him, his subjects who spent their entire lives standing in line to spend the equivalent of one month's salary to purchase one boot or some potatoes (benefits of a government controlled economy) did not understand freedom and it failed. Lesson learned? What price is freedom there?

How many people are organizing flotilla's to Cuba to enjoy the fruits of nationalization of industry, and banks there? Or anywhere else nationalization occurs?

Why are we even discussing the evils of capitalization and the government takeover of auto, oil, banking, health industries, and the benefits thereto? Lessons learned?

The benefit of freedom is life, liberty and happiness. The cost of freedom is worth it.

-- Scott Fuller, Lawrenceville

P. S. Let's have town hall meetings on cost of freedom , but set rules that no one is allowed to impart their expert knowledge: you can only ask questions.--- SF

Dear Scott: Your P.S. is a good idea. But have you noticed the way some people literally filibuster in asking a question? Maybe also say that the question can last no more than 30 seconds? --eeb

Proud that district gave his candidate 70 percent of the vote

Editor, the Forum:

Just wanted to touch base with you in regards to the primary election on July 20 in the 98th district. I was quite proud of Josh Clark's victory over Wayne Hill. This campaign sought to continue a positive tone despite Mr. Hill's attacks on Josh regarding his position on public education.

Our district, despite Mr. Hill's vast number of endorsements from individuals and websites such as yours, that 70 percent of the people said no to Mr. Hill. Now, It is my hope that everyone can come together and offer their support for Mr. Clark because it is only together that we can accomplish everything that is needed for the District.

-- Adrian Parriera, Buford

• Send us your letters. 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
Several art classes start in mid-Augusta at Hudgens Center

Fall art classes start the week of August 16 at The Hudgens Center for the Arts. These include adult classes in clay, drawing, oil and acrylic painting, drawing and painting, jewelry making, fiber arts and digital photography.

For children, there are classes in drawing, cartooning, loom weaving and stitching, and an introduction to media class, plus a magical 'Storytime Studio' class for young children. Clay classes for children include beginning, intermediate and advanced pottery wheel and a special pottery class for home schoolers.

There are also two one-day workshops planned for the month of August at The Hudgens, just in time for students to create interesting and unique handmade gifts for the holidays.

A Handcrafted "Cold-Process" All Natural Soap Making Workshop with Anne Rambo will take place on Sunday, August 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., through which participants will learn to create their own soaps customized to skin type and fragrance preferences. This workshop is perfectly timed for students to create their own handmade soaps for holiday gifts, and uses high quality, all natural ingredients for soap that is good for the skin, such as herbs, essential oils, fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and more. Cost is $45 for members of The Hudgens and $65 for non-members, plus a $30 materials fee.

A Bookbinding Workshop with Linda Lindeborg will take place on Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In this beginner workshop, participants will make a small, hardback journal with a hand-stitched binding. Prepared class notes will give students the information they need to make other books on their own, using the accordion binding method. Cost is $60 for members and $80 for non-member, plus a $15 materials fee.

To sign up for a class or workshop, or to find out more about them, visit the Education pages on the website at www.thehudgens.org, or call 770-623-6002.

Nationally-known artist featured at Lawrenceville show

Abstract collages by nationally exhibited artist Eugene Motz will be featured in the Fall Art Show, "Stamp Collage," at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse August 5 through October 29. The artist will exhibit mixed media collages reusing stamps, advertisements and envelopes.

Motz

Motz's self-taught skills include paint, collage, printmaking and glass, but his varied artwork often includes common abstract and colorful styles using found materials. The Romanian-born artist began his collages at 16 years old, using colored paper. Eugene Motz currently resides in Atlanta and continues his bold, mixed media artwork.

Visitors can meet the artist at the exhibit's opening reception on Thursday, August 5, 7 until 9 p.m. Exhibit hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Admission is free.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St., in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-822-5450.

Open house is Aug. 7 at Snellville's Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's new season begins on Saturday, August 7, with a special Open House for our GBT Family members, students, and all newcomers!

To be held at the GBT studios located at 2204 Fountain Square in Snellville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will feature dance demonstrations and mini-performances plus opportunities to meet the faculty and tour the studios. Bring your friends and potential new students for a warm GBT welcome to the exciting world of dance!

Nutcracker auditions will be held on September 10. Cast members must be students at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. For more information, visit our web site or call the GBT studios at 770-978-0188.

NOTABLE
Georgia Gwinnett celebrates new library and learning center

Georgia Gwinnett College is to open its new, state-of-the-art Library and Learning Center soon.

GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman says: "In many ways, the Library and Learning Center represents the hallmarks of a GGC education. Its very design blends technology with active, collaborative learning and its role will strengthen the connection between our students and the community. This facility will not only serve students and faculty, but also will welcome the community as a regional resource, educational facility and common gathering space."

The $28.3 million, 95,370 square-foot building features a three-story, curtain wall of windows and square arches that make a strong architectural statement. The wall of windows encloses an atrium with views of the campus' central quad and signature building. The atrium houses the "information commons," a large study area wired to power for students' laptop computers as they work individually or in groups.

The Library and Learning Center is designed to house 300,000 volumes and a fusion of digital and print library holdings. It will offer self-check services, and its inventory will be managed by an electronic tag system not often provided in collegiate libraries.

The Student Center will be fully completed later this fall, but its dining facilities will open in time for the resident students' arrival.

New medical director named at Eastside Heritage Center

Ahmed

Dr. M. Shakeel Ahmed has been named the new medical director at Eastside Heritage Center. Dr. Ahmed completed his residency at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Prior to joining Eastside Heritage, Dr. Ahmed served as a staff psychiatrist at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome, Georgia.

Gillian Samuels, administrator for Eastside Heritage Center in Snellville, says: "We are fortunate to have a psychiatrist of Dr. Ahmed's skill and experience joining our staff. He will play an important role in the opening of our 12-bed Adult unit and maintaining the high standard of care."

Elimination of sales tax holiday is right move, economist says

Georgia's elimination of its back-to-school sales tax holiday is "a move in the direction of sound tax policy and more lawmakers should consider eliminating sales tax holidays, regardless of the condition of their state's budget," says Mark Robyn, staff economist for the Tax Foundation in a recent release through the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. "Don't be fooled by claims that brief tax holidays boost the state economy. The products typically targeted in sales tax holidays are things people would be purchasing anyway, like school supplies. Any increase in business during the holiday is largely due to a shift in the timing of purchases (not to mention the natural rush that occurs before the start of the school year), not an overall increase in economic activity."

RECOMMENDED READ
The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell

"I just finished The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell. It was a fascinating crime and consequence novel that spanned 150 years and several continents. The backstory is compelling. If you enjoy reading about cultures, economies, or mass murders, Mankell has woven quite a tale. What really struck me about the book was how it made me think. This book is a really good reminder of the Golden Rule and also to not judge someone by their outward appearance/race. It hits on the abuse of the slaves brought to the United States to build railroads. The economic situation in China regarding how to handle the huge population of poor people without a revolt is also interesting."

For an interview on National Public Radio about this book, go to:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123774852

-- Joan Hicks, Loganville

• 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
Revolutionary war leader Emanuel was first Jewish governor

David Emanuel was a leader in the Revolutionary War (1775-83), a state legislator, and acting governor, as well as the only Jew to serve as Georgia's chief executive. Because so few records remain of his life, he is one of Georgia's least-known governors. Emanuel County, in the wiregrass region, is named for him.

Emanuel County is named in honor of David Emanuel.

Emanuel was born circa 1744 in Pennsylvania, the third of eight children. His father, David Emanuel Sr., was a planter. His mother's name is unknown. Around 1765 the family moved to Georgia, settling in St. George's Parish (later Burke County). Land records show that he acquired property and probably engaged in farming. He acquired additional land when his father died in 1768.

Emanuel married Ann Lewis, a resident of Burke County, and they were the parents of at least six children. One of his daughters married Benjamin Whitaker, Speaker of the House in Georgia's House of Representatives. His sister, Ruth Emanuel, was the wife of John Twiggs, a militia leader during the Revolutionary War.

Emanuel was named justice of the peace in Burke County in 1774. Beginning in 1775 he joined the Revolutionary cause, probably as a member of the Burke County militia, serving as a soldier and scout under his brother-in-law, General John Twiggs. In addition to military service, Emanuel was a member of the executive council from Burke County, and he served in 1781-82 as a county magistrate.

Beginning in 1783 Emanuel served in the state legislature almost continuously until his death. He was a member of the standing committee on petitions, a delegate to the state constitutional conventions in 1789 and 1795, and the president of the state senate three times. In addition, he served as an assistant justice of the state superior court from 1786 to 1788.

When news of the Yazoo land fraud broke in 1795, Emanuel was appointed as a member of a commission to investigate the fraud cases. After Governor James Jackson resigned in 1801 to take a seat in the U.S. Senate, Emanuel, as president of the state senate, became acting governor. He served in the post from March to November 1801, when he was succeeded by Josiah Tattnall. Emanuel is considered to be the first Jew elected to public office in the South and the first Jewish governor of any U.S. state, although he may not have been an openly practicing Jew. As an adult he became a Presbyterian, confusing later researchers about his identity, but modern historians accept that he was Jewish. Emanuel died at his home in Burke County on February 19, 1808, at age 65.

• 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
Here's another way to face
the world each day

"I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time."

-- Peanuts Character Charlie Brown, via his creator, Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000).

CANDIDATE PROFILES (runoff)

Here are the simplified profiles for the August 10 runoff primary in Georgia. This information first appeared here prior to the July 20 election.

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.

PROFILE KEY

• (DNR) indicates a candidate did not respond to our survey
• (+) indicates a candidate has received GwinnettForum's endorsement.

SAMPLE BALLOT FOR YOUR PRECINCT

You should eventually be able to see a sample ballot for your particular precinct online at this site:

http://www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login.aspx

However as of July 26, the Secretary of State's office had not posted the runoff ballot online. Only the ballot for the General Primary was on line on that date. Check back later to see if the Secretary of State's office has posted the ballot prior to the election.

2010 FEDERAL CANDIDATES

U.S. Congress, District 7

Republicans

• Jody Hice
  
• Rob Woodall (+)

2010 STATEWIDE CANDIDATES

Georgia Governor

Republicans

• Nathan Deal (+)
  
• Karen Handel
  

Georgia Attorney General

Republicans

• Sam Olens (+)
  
• Preston W. Smith
  

Georgia Commissioner of Insurance

Republicans

• Ralph Hudgens (+)
  
• Maria Sheffield

Georgia Secretary of State

Democrats

• Gail Buckner
  
• Georganna Sinkfield (+)\

Georgia Public Service Commission

Republicans

• Joey Brush (DNR)
  
• John Douglas
  
• Tim Echols (+)

2010 LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES

State Representative, District 95

Democrats

• Toney Collins (DNR)
  
• Pam Dickerson (+)

State Representative, District 102

Republicans

• Linda Carsten (+)
  
• B.J. Pak (DNR)
  

2010 GWINNETT COUNTY CANDIDATES

Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 2

Republicans

• Lynette Howard (+)
  
• Keith Shewbert

Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 4

Republicans

• John Heard
  
• Tim Sullivan (+)
  

MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE

	9/3: Governments, ancestry
	8/31: Grand jury findings
	8/27: Coveting artifical turf
	8/24: N. Ga. to control House
	8/20: Salvation Army ties
	8/17: Civility and society
	8/13: Good ole boys got pick
	8/10: GGC opens new facilities
	8/6: Sophisticated scam
	8/3: Howington celebrates
	7/30: Humor in books
	7/27: Runoff endorsements
	7/23: Looking beyond primaries
	7/20: What price freedom?
	7/16: Early voting concerns
	7/13: UGA headline-maker
	7/9: On Bannister incident
	7/6: On classic movies
	7/2: Malcolm Gwinnett
	EEB index of columns

MORE RECENT COMMENTARY

	9/3: Thomas: Great Days of Service
	8/31: Severino: Tucker crematory
	8/27: Regan: Anti-privatization
	8/24: Pope: HOT lanes info
	8/20: Stilo: Aurora kids' theater
	8/17: Morrison: Artistic collaboration
	8/13: Pirello: Culinary center
	8/10: Mock: Sharing worthwhile
	8/6: Sherman: Opp zone
	8/3: Morrison: Brenau's plans
	7/30: Heaven: Federal tax info
	7/27: Nelems: Media surveys
	7/23: Urrutia: Fish vaccines
	7/20: Paul: Norcross group
	7/16: Stilo: Aurora's 15th season
	7/13: Jackson: PCOM's new school
	7/9: Jones: Energy audit
	7/6: Callina: Vacation rentals
	7/2: Williams: Gwinnett Place
	COMMENTARY INDEX

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.

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