GRAND OPENING: Jim and Billie Ellis of Duluth use super-sized scissors to cut the ribbon at the new Center for Surgical Weight Management (CSWM) at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth. Patients can now find a wealth of healthy-living resources, all behind one door, as GMC-Duluth opened the newly renovated, 12,000-square foot facility, located on the Glancy Campus. The new CSWM was made possible through a donation from the Ellis Family. The new CSWM includes several features emphasizing patient care and convenience, such as the Eating Well demonstration kitchen, expanded clothing closet, on-site massage suite, comfortable exam rooms, and larger classrooms.

Issue 12.56 | Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012

TODAY'S FOCUS
:: Is Amendment One good for state?

ELLIOTT BRACK'S PERSPECTIVE
:: Georgian plays key role with GI Bill

FEEDBACK
:: Painting is reminder

UPCOMING
:: Lilburn bike patrol, YMCA awards

NOTABLE
:: Shorter anniversary, GTC Foundation

ALSO INSIDE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
:: Gwinnett County Public Library

GEORGIA TIDBIT
:: Deal names poet laureate

GWINNETT CALENDAR
:: Lots of events on tap

TODAY'S QUOTE
:: What attempts add up to

OUR SPONSORS

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.

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TODAY'S FOCUS
Is Amendment One good for state of Georgia education?
By MARK WILLIS
Special to GwinnettForum.com

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Oct. 30,2012 -- Public education is in a financial crisis. Resources for our students continue to diminish, teachers are being furloughed, school systems are reducing the number of days in the school year, and class sizes are increasing. This financial crisis is in part because of the down economy. But it is also a result of the state not adequately funding our public schools as required by the existing law.

Willis

Instead of working to find ways to adequately fund our public schools, state lawmakers are proposing to take even more tax money away from schools to give to privately operated state charter schools. State lawmakers tried to make this change a few years ago but the Georgia Supreme Court struck down their efforts. The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that local boards of education, not a state-appointed commission, has the authority to create charter schools. State lawmakers now seek to overturn that decision by amending the state Constitution in the November election to recreate the commission to authorize and fund state charter schools.

On November 6, the voters of Georgia will be asked the following question at the ballot box.

"Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state and local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?"

There is a problem: the question is misleading.

So what does the amendment really do?

It authorizes the state to create a system of state charter schools through an appointed board with unlimited authority to authorize state charter public schools AND to create a funding structure that would allow the state to fund state charter schools at an amount higher than they fund local public schools.

Is it right for the state to provide more taxpayer money to a state charter school than a local charter school or traditional public school? Would the state be better at managing and controlling local schools than local communities?

Issues to consider:

• Representation and Control: Local public schools are managed and controlled by representatives elected by their community. State charter schools would be authorized by an unelected state board and operated by private companies. This creates a dual model (state and local) system of schools, establishing an additional layer of bureaucracy (emphasis supplied).
  
  
• Funding: If the overall pot of money is not increased for K-12 education, particularly in a down economy, how is it possible that the state could provide the additional funding to these state charter schools without reducing the amount of funding it would provide to traditional public schools and locally authorized charter schools?
  
  
• Trust: Successful transformation of our public education system must involve a partnership between the state and local communities. True partnerships and effective accountability models must be founded on trust, respect, and equality.. How do we trust the state with this new and expanded responsibility when the wording of the amendment is clearly misleading?
  
  
• Transparency: State charter schools are not subject to the same financial requirements as local public schools such as annually publishing their budget in the newspaper, holding public budget hearings, etc. Members of the state commission and the state charter school governing boards are also not subject to the same code of ethics, conflict of interest, nepotism, and training requirements as locally elected school board members.

Public education is the cornerstone of American democracy. Transforming our public schools will require engaged and informed citizens, organizations, and state lawmakers to come together for the benefit of ALL students. Creating state charter schools does just the opposite by adding more layers of bureaucracy, eroding local control and trust, diverting local tax dollars, and draining financial resources from our existing schools.

Don't be fooled by this misleading question when you go to the ballot box. I will be voting NO on the Constitutional Amendment #1 for State Charters. How about you?

Mark Willis is the assistant executive director of the Georgia School Boards Association, a nonprofit association in Lawrenceville serving Georgia's 180 public school boards. He lives in Peachtree Corners with his wife Wendy and their two daughters.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Georgia congressman saves the day in passage of 1944 GI Bill
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher
GwinnettForum.com

OCT. 30, 2012 -- Most Georgians have never heard of Congressman John Gibson of the state's Eighth Congressional District. Yet he played a major role in the initial passage of what we know as the GI Bill of Rights, way back in 1944.

Brack

We got to thinking of the GI Bill, known officially as the "The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944" when first passed, after hearing a 2006 interview by Bob Edwards with the late Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota. The senator said that because of the GI Bill, our country allowed 14 million veterans to buy homes, get education, and better themselves. The senator said something like this to Edwards: "The country made money on the GI Bill, as it gave returning veterans the ability to get more education, and to be able to earn more money, which resulted in them paying higher taxes."

Today there's another GI Bill out there, giving similar benefits to returning servicemen who have been in the wars since 2001. And because of this bill, it will also let even more veterans of the most recent war to better themselves through home loans, education and generally improving their status.

We knew nothing about Congressman Gibson of Douglas before we starting looking into the many ways the GI Bill helped this country. When Congress was debating the Serviceman's Readjustment Act in 1944, both houses passed the bill without a single negative vote. People were looking forward for its quick passage. Then the bill went to a conference committee to finalize the bill…..and the six conference members of the House deadlocked 3-3 on what the final version would look like. That's where John Gibson comes in.

All this is reported in detail in the American Legion Magazine. Here is the link.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the G.I. Bill in 1944.

The abbreviated version is that Congressman Gibson was back in Douglas, Ga., it was thought, and was needed in Washington-quickly-to break the 3-3 tie among the House members, and move the bill toward passage.

But in those World War II days, communications was not easy. The Congressman could not be found. There was no answer to repeated telephone calls to his home Some said he was between Valdosta and Douglas. People all over the state were looking for him. Even two radio stations (WSB in Atlanta, WGOV in Valdosta) were broadcasting bulletins asking if anyone knew where he was to contact officials. It was so desperate that the Georgia State Patrol was stopping automobiles between Douglas and Valdosta and asking startled drivers if they were the Congressman.

Finally, about 11 p.m., the Congressman returned home, heard the phone ringing, and was briefed on the circumstances. Meanwhile, several people were working on different fronts to get Gibson to Washington, including higher-ups at Eastern Airlines, who had a 2:30 flight from Jacksonville, which was told to "Bring Gibson to Washington on that plane if you have to wait all night."

It was 6:37 the next morning when the flight landed at Washington National, and Gibson could cast a vote that day to break the House deadlock and get the conference committee approval by both Houses.

President Roosevelt signed the bill into law on June 22, 1944, opening up a new opportunity to assist the veterans in the coming years. Congressman John Gibson only served six years in the House, but no vote was so essential to helping our country as his vote on the GI Bill passage in 1944.

SPOTLIGHT
Gwinnett County Public Library

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. The Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) leads the state with over seven million items circulated in FY2011. It is the recipient of the Overdrive 2011 Digital Pioneer Award and the proud winner of over $45,000 of books from publisher John Wiley. The library is the only public community partner that supports economic development with early literacy opportunities, curriculum support, lifelong learning and literacy based programs for all residents. GCPL branches provide wireless internet access and public computers. GCPL further connects the community with two county-wide special events, Gwinnett Reads and Fall Into the Arts - for which it received first place recognition for Community Arts Programs, in January of 2012! More online.

• For a list of other underwriters of this forum, click here.

FEEDBACK
Painting reminds her of grandmother's house in Hartwell

Editor, the Forum:

Anne Labaire's painting reminds me of staying with my grandmother in Hartwell, Georgia. I recall waking up in fresh sheets off the line, the smell of biscuits in the kitchen, and the local radio station giving the daily hospital, funeral home, and school absence report. It was a sheltered and wonderful way to grow up.

-- Kelly K. Herndon, Gainesville

• We welcome your letters and thoughts. Our policy: We encourage readers to submit feedback (or letters to the editor). Send your thoughts to the editor at elliott@brack.net. We will edit for length and clarity. Make sure to include your name and the city where you live. Submission of a comment grants permission for us to reprint. Please keep your comments to 300 words or less. However, we will consider longer articles (no more than 500 words) for featuring in Today's Focus as space allows.
  

UPCOMING
City of Lilburn beginning 7-man bicycle patrol unit

The Lilburn Police Department Bicycle Patrol Unit rolled into action last Saturday with the opening of Bryson Park.

Four of the seven Lilburn Bicycle Patrol Unit members are, from left, Sgt. Matt Price, and Officers Ron Jones, Matthew Russell and Brian Wolf.

The department recently enhanced its patrols by adding four officers to this specialty area of policing, making a total of seven certified bicycle officers on staff. Last week the last batch of officers completed a certified training course. Included was an obstacle course that simulates riding through a crowd; being able to ride down several flights of stairs; and make tight turns and sudden stops. Officers have been riding at least 20 miles a day during training.

Police Chief Bruce Hedley said, "The bike unit is designed to make officers more approachable and accessible. Officers talk to people while on patrol to find out their concerns and other issues."

Officers will ride in the city's trails, parks, neighborhoods or parking lots. They will also be on hand for special events, where bikes make it easier to maneuver through a crowd.
"They are never more than five minutes away from their patrol cars, however, so they will always be able to respond quickly to an emergency," Hedley said.

• Watch Lilburn Police Sgt. Matt Price train for the new Bike Patrol Unit in this video.

Two YMCA board members recognized for volunteer service

Two YMCA board members will be honored on November 12 for their volunteer service.

Hager

Lackey

Louise Hager of Norcross is receiving the YMCA's 2012 Volunteer of the Year award for her service at the Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA. Vekeisha Lackey of Grayson is receiving the Volunteer of the Year award for her service at the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA. The two will be recognized at the annual volunteer recognition dinner Monday, November 12, 2012.

Mark Thornell, executive director of the Fowler Y in Peachtree Corners, says: "Louise loves books and wants everyone to have access to them. She playa an integral role in opening a library in our senior center. She works there daily to make sure everyone feels welcome. She is a true asset to our Y."

In addition to starting the senior center library, Hager assisted with planting a garden with children at the Fowler Y. She is an active participant in various senior programs and volunteers her time in many capacities.

"Hager is a member of the Peachtree Corners Cherokee Roses service club. She owned and operated a small chain of retail stores for 24 years with her late husband.

Lackey says: "I am a Y success story," says. The YMCA was instrumental in my life, from swim lessons at age four to middle school lock-ins and now serving others as a volunteer. I love getting to know people and having a positive impact on families in our community, especially through raising money for the annual campaign."

Lackey raises money for the Y's annual campaign, a program that provides underserved youth the opportunity to participate in Y programs like academic enrichment and youth sports.

Greg Stewart, executive director of the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family Y, says: "She is truly a Y advocate in the community. She engages her multiple connections in the community to raise funds and has been a tremendous help in programs like Healthy Kids Day. She truly deserves this honor."

Lackey is a financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank in Duluth. She and her husband, Spencer, have three children.

NOTABLE
Shorter University at Gwinnett marks 20 years of service

A University with a Gwinnett campus is celebrating a major milestone: 20 years of educating adult learners.

It was October, 1992 when Shorter University, founded in 1873 in Rome, Ga., first opened the door of its College of Adult and Professional Programs. During the past two decades, the school has graduated thousands of students in its associate, bachelor, and master degree programs. Today Shorter offers adult learners accelerated degree programs at four campuses: Gwinnett, North Atlanta, Riverdale and Rome.

According to Lawrenceville's Stephanie McKenzie, Shorter's adult degree program was life changing. "The Shorter experience and the completion of my degree had a great effect on my life personally and professionally. Personally it gave me a sense of accomplishment. Professionally, it showed my employer my dedication to hard work and it allowed me to advance in my career."

For the university, the expansion of its adult degree programs has brought more students and alumni into the Shorter family.

Shorter University President Donald Dowless says: "It wasn't too long ago that higher education was nearly the exclusive purview of those 18 to 22 years old. Our College of Adult and Professional Programs opened the doors of academia to adults of all ages."

Gwinnett, Lanier Tech foundations honored by state group

Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels, TCFA President David Strickland; Gwinnett Tech Foundation Board Chairman Dan King; and Mary Beth Byerly, Gwinnett Tech vice president of institutional advancement.

The Board of Trustees of the Gwinnett Tech Foundation has been honored for "dedicated work and exceptional service" by the state Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA). The Gwinnett Tech Foundation board received the prestigious designation of "Role Model Board" by the TCFA during the Technical College System of Georgia's 2012 Leadership Conference last month.

TCFA President David Strickland said that his association's Role Model Award is presented annually to state technical college foundations that demonstrate outstanding business practices and the highest level of commitment to their colleges and students. "I congratulate the foundations of Gwinnett Technical College and (fellow recipient) Lanier Technical College as our 2012 award winners and thank them for their many outstanding achievements during the past year," said Strickland. The award has now only been presented four times. The TCFA represents the 27 TCSG college foundations with over 600 trustees statewide.

RECOMMENDED
Gone Girl
By Gillian Flynn

"If you are intrigued by people with twisted minds, this may be your book. Billed as 'a psychological thriller,' Gone Girl is supposed to be one of the most popular books published this year. Here's the set up: Nick and Amy Dunne live in a mansion on the banks of the Mississippi River. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick comes home to find the front door open, the living room turned upside down, blood on the kitchen floor and his lovely wife - gone. Did she run away? Was she kidnapped? Was she murdered? Did her husband kill her? Lies and deceits. Twists and turns. You start wondering how well you can really know someone. Was this the best thriller I've ever read? No. The book bogs down in places and I didn't care much for the ending. But did I enjoy it? Absolutely!"

-- Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill

• 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
Deal names Monroe County native as poet laureate

An award-winning poet and novelist, Judson Mitcham was named poet laureate of Georgia in 2012 by Governor Nathan Deal. His writings, which examine basic human themes within the specific landscape of Georgia, are both poignant and powerful.

Judson Cofield Mitcham was born in 1948 in Monroe, Walton County, where he grew up and where much of his work is centered. His parents, Myrtle and Wilson Mitcham, figure prominently in his poetry. Mitcham was not formally trained as a writer. Instead he studied psychology at the University of Georgia, where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He received his Ph.D. in 1974. From then he taught in the psychology department at Fort Valley State University until his retirement in 2004, with the rank of associate professor.

In 2002 Mitcham began teaching workshops in poetry and fiction at Mercer University in Macon. He has also served as adjunct professor of creative writing at the University of Georgia and at Emory University, where he has directed the Summer Writers' Institute. He resides in Macon with his wife, Jean. They are the parents of two children and have three grandchildren.

Mitcham's poetry has been widely published, appearing in such journals as Chattahoochee Review, Harper's, Georgia Review, Gettysburg Review, Hudson Review, Poetry, Southern Poetry Review, and Southern Review. His first poetry collection, Somewhere in Ecclesiastes, earned him both the Devins Award and recognition as Georgia Author of the Year, an honor bestowed annually by the Georgia Writers Association.

His poetry collection A Little Salvation: Poems Old and New, comprising forty new works as well as previously published poems, was released by the University of Georgia Press in 2007.

Mitcham's first novel, The Sweet Everlasting (1996), won him the Townsend Prize for Fiction and a second Georgia Author of the Year award. Sabbath Creek (2004), his second novel, also won the Townsend Prize, making Mitcham the first writer to receive the award twice. Both novels were published by the University of Georgia Press.

In both his novels and his poetry, Mitcham's elegiac voice looks backward with fondness and discernment on a personal and regional past slipping rapidly beyond reach.

• Click here to access the Georgia Encyclopedia
  

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© 2012, 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.

GWINNETTOBITS.com

Visit this site to see details of the upcoming funerals of Gwinnett Countians from local funeral homes. On the site, sign up at top right and we'll send you GwinnettObits each day.

Click on the names below to see details of their funerals.

• Visit GwinnettObits.com

TODAY'S QUOTE
What all those attempts add up to

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against an injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope."

-- Former attorney general and noted civil rights activist Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968), via Cindy Evans, Duluth

CANDIDATE PROFILES
Meet this year's candidates

For the 2012 general election, GwinnettForum asked all candidates facing opposition in Gwinnett County to provide answers to a few questions. You can read the answers of those who responded below by clicking on the links.

Candidates with no opposition are not listed.

• SEE the 2012 general election ballot
  
  
• READ our 2012 endorsements

PROFILE KEY

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

2012 FEDERAL CANDIDATES

U.S. Congress, District 4

• Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D) (YES)
  
• J. Chris Vaughn
  

U.S. Congress, District 7

• Rob Woodall (R)
• Steve Reilly (D) (YES)
  

2012 STATEWIDE CANDIDATES

Georgia Public Service Commission, District 3

• Chuck Eaton (R)
  
• Stephen Oppenheimer (D) (YES)
  

2012 STATE CANDIDATES

Georgia State Senate, District 9

• Don Balfour (R)
  
• Scott Drake (D) (YES)
  

State Representative, District 81

• Chris Boedeker (R) (DNR) 
  
• Scott Holcomb (D) (YES)
  

State Representative, District 93

• Christine (Tina) Hoffer (R)
  
• Dar’shun N. Kendrick (D) (YES)
  

State Representative, District 95

• Tom Rice (R) (DNR)
• Brooke Siskin (D) (YES)

State Representative, District 96

• Pedro "Pete" Marin (D) (YES)
• Mark Williams (R)
  

State Representative, District 101

• Valerie Clark (R) (YES)
• Timothy Swiney (D) (DNR)
  

State Representative, District 105           

• Joyce Chandler (R) (YES)
  
• Renita Hamilton (D) (DNR)
  

2012 COUNTY CANDIDATES

Clerk of Superior Court

• Richard T. Alexander (R)
• Brian Whiteside (D) (YES)

Gwinnett County School Board, District 1

• Carole C. Boyce (R) (YES)
• Jennah Es-Sudan (D)

Gwinnett County School Board, District 3

• Mary Kay Murphy (R)
• Jen Falk (D) (YES)

Gwinnett County School Board, District 5

• H.K. Dido (R) (DNR)
• Louise Radloff (D) (YES)

MORE COPIES AVAILABLE
Gwinnett history book in second printing

Previously out of print, Elliott Brack's 850-page history, "Gwinnett: A Little Above Atlanta," is now available again. Since its original publication, the book was declared the winner of the 2010 Award of Excellence for documenting Georgia history by the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board. It is also the winner of the Gwinnett Historical Society's Whitworth-Flanigan Award for 2011 for preserving the history of Gwinnett County.The book includes 143 demographic and historic tables, with more than 4,000 names in the index, and 10,000 names in the appendix.Two versions of the book are available. The hardback edition is priced at $75, while a softback edition is $40. Books are available at:

• Atlanta History Center, Atlanta
• Books for Less, Buford
  
• Gwinnett Historical Society, Lawrenceville
  
• Parsons Gifts and Cards, Duluth
  
• Vargas and Harbin Gallery, Norcross

You can also order books through the Internet. To do that, go to www.elliottbrack.com to place your order. For mail orders, there is a $5 shipping and handling fee. Purchases are also subject to the 6 percent Georgia sales tax.

SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM

GWINNETT CALENDAR

THE WEEK AHEAD

Euro in Crisis: 11:30 a.m., Oct. 31, 1818 Club, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway. The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a talk by the Consul General of Germany to Atlanta, Christoph Sander. Sponsored by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Info: 770 232-3000.

Eighth Annual Hemlock Music Fest: Nov. 2 to 4, Starbridge Sanctuary near Dahlonega. This all-ages, eco-friendly event features three days of live music, primitive camping, educational exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, a kid's nature village, rustic living demonstrations, great food, and free canoeing. Proceeds aid efforts to minimize the impact of the non-native hemlock woolly adelgid parasite, which is devastating the hemlock trees of North Georgia at an alarming rate. More details.

Gateway International Food and Music Festival: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 3, Lillian Webb Park in Norcross. The region's multicultural talent festival will highlight the rich cultural contributions of Gwinnett's diverse communities, through music, dance and cuisine. Details: 770 449 6515. Sponsored by the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance.

Fourth Annual Synchronized Swimming Performance: 11 a.m. Nov. 3, Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center. The free patriotic program is a tribute to military veterans and their families. The group is composed of girls ages 8 to 14 who love to swim in an artistic and creative way. More details: 770237-5647 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

(NEW) Stitched Art Show by Adele Steele: Through Nov. 30, Chocolate Perks in Duluth. An opening will be November 4 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with quilt wall hangings, scarves, custom designed jewelry, totes, etc. Proceeds benefit the Gwinnett Women and Children's Shelter.

ONGOING AND COMING SOON

24th Annual Eizenstat Memorial Lecture, featuring Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer of the United States Superior Court: 8 p.m., Nov. 7, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue, Atlanta. The lecture is free and open to the community. Courtesy RSVP requested by email or by phoning 404.355.5222.

(NEW) Veteran's Day Ceremony: 1:30 p.m., Nov. 11, Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville (at the back of the GJAC front parking lot.

(NEW) Gwinnett Technology Forum: 7:30 a.m., Nov. 13, Busbee Center of Gwinnett Technical college. The subject will be Untangling the Invisible Wires of today's Wireless Industry. Panelists will be Glenn Lurie, AT&T; Daniel Foster, Verizon Wireless; and Steve Brumer, 151 Ventures. There is no cost to attend.

Wink Art Exhibit: Through Nov. 24, Tannery Row Artist Colony in Buford. Shown will be resident art with a hint of humor, a turn of the phrase or visual twist to make you smile. Details: 678-428-4877, or visit www.TanneryRowArtistColony.com.

Photo Exhibit: Through Nov. 28, George Pierce Park Community Room, Suwanee, during Community Center hours, Monday through Saturday. Frank L. Sharp presents "Israel, the Holy Land," while Wendell Tudor features "Images of the Sea," coastline and landscape images, including photographs from Canada.

MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE

12/21: Fort Daniel, Chambliss 12/18: Ban assault weapons 12/14: Army-Navy game 12/11: Who stole American dream? 12/7: Lock 'em in a room 12/4: On Partnership Gwinnett 11/30: Hera Lighting 11/27: Voting out scalawags 11/20: Arts alive in Gwinnett 11/16: Hope Clinic needs help 11/13: Casino coming? 11/9: GOP and Georgia Dems 11/6: Early voting, more 11/2: Will Sandy impact election? 10/30: Georgia and GI Bill 10/26: Barge making name 10/23: Our 2012 endorsements 10/19: Pet peeves, more 10/15: Long plane flights 10/12: NO on Amendment 1 10/9: Elisha Winn Fair 10/5: Lots of construction 10/2: Texting while walking 9/28: WSB sets lower bar 9/25: State Archive fracas 9/21: Charter concerns 9/18: Benefits of living here 9/14: Continuing objectives 9/11: Trip to France, Spain 9/7: Community pride 8/31: Conversation on guns 8/24: More robocalls ahead 8/21: Newspaper museum 8/17: Seem easier to vote? 8/14: Western ridges, fall line 8/10: Runoff endorsements 8/7: New UGA health campus 8/3: Primaries raise more questions EEB index of columns

  FOCUS ARCHIVES

12/21: Wiggins: Recycle trees 12/18: Two canal cruises to take 12/14: C. Brack: Give a little 12/11: Goodman: Suwanee's art 12/7: Duke: Director of Encouragement 12/4: Dorough: Food co-op 11/30: McHenry: CID redevelopment 11/27: Sutt: Gwinnett arts' questions 11/20: Urrutia: Grad wins award 11/16: Collins: Las Vegas 11/13: Barksdale: Storm prep 11/9: Houston: Kettle Creek 11/6: Stilo: Christmas Canteen 11/2: Crews: View Point Health 10/30: Willis: Amendment One 10/26: Brown: Doc's research 10/19: Hudgens Prize jurors picked 10/15: Urrutia: $2 million gift to GGC 10/12: Young: Lilburn city hall 10/9: Long: Charter schools 10/5: Jones: PGA golf to return 10/2: DeWilde: Suwanee's red code 9/28: Stilo: Pinter's Betrayal 9/21: Love: Model for Nigeria 9/21: Walsh: Childhood obesity 9/18: Ashley promoted 9/14: Wiener: CID's initiative 9/11: Olson: $50K Hudgens contest 9/7: Stilo: Acting classes for all 8/31: Havenga: Great Days of Service 8/24: Griswold: Casino for OFS site 8/21: Brooks: Taking the Megabus 8/17: Summerour: Newspaper family 8/14: Sharp: Newport visit 8/10: Thomas: On schizophrenia 8/7: Carraway: Amendment wording 8/3: Willis: Ready for school parents? COMMENTARY INDEX

CONTINUING OBJECTIVES FOR GWINNETT

Gwinnett Forum publisher Elliott Brack suggests that Gwinnett County needs a long-range list of continuing objectives for improving the county. Read more.

• Development of a two-party system for local offices
• Transparent operations to restore faith in Gwinnett's County Commission
• Moving statewide non-partisan judge election runoffs to the General Election
• Light rail for Gwinnett from Doraville MARTA station to Gwinnett Arena
• Extension of Gwinnett Place CID area to include Arena and Discovery Mills Mall
• Banning of tobacco in all Gwinnett parks
• Making Briscoe Field a commercial airport for jet-age travel
• Approval of Educational SPLOST in 2013
• More diverse candidates for political offices and appointment to local boards
• Physical move of former St. Gerard's Catholic Church in Buffalo, N.Y., to Norcross
• Creative efforts to support the arts in Gwinnett
• Advancement and expansion of city and Gwinnett historical societies
• Stronger regulation of late-night establishments with alcoholic licenses
  

CONTACT US TODAY

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