TODAY'S ISSUE
Braselton mayor tells of recent major town growth
By Pat Graham
Mayor
Town of Braselton
Special to GwinnettForum.com

JAN. 13, 2006 -- Several months ago, Braselton received the distinction of being the tenth fastest growing city in Georgia. Town officials who came into office in 2002 realized that large residential annexations approved between 1999 and 2001 would place us in this situation. The challenges of managing growth have been our primary focus for the town for the last four years.

Mayor Graham (Photo courtesy, Jackson herald)

There are many complex growth issues that this small town considered since early 2002. Our geographic location places us at the far reaches of four counties. The town provides water and sewer infrastructure, has two exits on I-85, and the Chateau Elan resort community, all of which are tremendous catalysts for growth. Our first task was to develop a 20 year comprehensive plan to serve as a guide for our continued mission to "honor and protect our history as a rural village while balancing the growth pressures of the 21st century".

The town adopted a new "unified development code" which is a comprehensive set of zoning and development regulations. This assures that, as property is developed in Braselton it will be of the highest quality and architecturally compatible with our existing developments.

Braselton does not levy a property tax. Providing the capital facilities necessary to allow for the effective provision of essential services to the community was a challenge. The town addressed this issue by implementing impact fees in 2004. Two projects currently under construction are a Police and Municipal Court Facility and a new Braselton Library. We are fortunate that our citizens, property owners and the development community all supported the implementation of this funding mechanism. The belief that growth should pay for the impacts of growth is well supported in Braselton.

We have worked to be a responsible and respected partner within the four counties that Braselton spans (Jackson, Hall, Barrow and Gwinnett.) Effective relationships are necessary for the future success of Braselton.

Recently we took an even more in-depth look at growth by commissioning a "fiscal impact of growth study" that supports our knowledge that our economic development opportunities lie in increasing commercial and office development.

Our revitalization plans for the downtown Historic District, including specific land use plans, overlay zoning, and architectural guidelines, will insure that the heart of Braselton is returned to the economic vitality that served the communities' needs in the early 1900's.

Braselton, named America's Dream Town in 2005, is a town that is poised for much success. We are committed to our motto: A past to preserve and a future to mold.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Have last two presidents tarnished USA irreparably?
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

JAN. 13, 2006 -- You wonder how much harm our country has suffered by the conduct of the two last presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush?

Barbara and Elliott Brack during a recent Yangtze River trip in China. Click to see more photos.

You wonder if such conduct will have a long-lasting affect on our nation?

You wonder if the Congress will ever be what it once was, something to check an imperial president?

You wonder if the Supreme Court will continue to be the check it once was, independent-once-appointed jurists?

You wonder if the people of the Untied States will be continually the victim of an onslaught by their government, virtually toothless in fighting Big Government, no matter if from the left and right?

Back to the presidency: first Mr. Clinton.

"I never had sexual relations with that woman," Bill Clinton can be heard on tape saying. The believability all hinged, perhaps, on how you defined specific terms. Yet the nation, in general, seemed to question the Clinton denial. People wondered why the President would put himself into a position that questions should have been raised.

The impact was devastating for Mr. Clinton, for the presidency, and for our country. Trotting dirty linen out for all to see never helps matters.

Now we turn to the current Mr. Bush and his presidency.

His recent admission that wiretaps were being used against "enemies" of our nation, though these enemies were known only to certain people, has shaken the people, his own Administration, and we can only hope, the Congress.

When we have Mr. Bush on tape saying that wiretaps can only be authorized by court order, yet we also have his admission that certain agencies were routinely listening by wiretaps without authorization, it puzzles us.

One time he said we couldn't, the next time he said we could, on his authorization. But time Mr. Bush said this, to add to the confusion, his Administration now says that the National Security Agency acted on its own accord to expand domestic surveillance, without being formally told to do so by the president.

We presume it's a matter of semantics. The key word is "formally." Just like Clinton's "never had sex" was a key element.

Oh what a tangled web we weave!

Where will it all end?

In the way that people were saying during the Clinton years, we can now say: "He's (Mr. Bush) only in office for three more years."

We presume we can survive as a nation that long. It would help if the Congress and the Supreme Court showed their independence and oversight over an Imperial president. That's what the checks and balances of our three-pronged government were supposed to protect us against.

Oh, again, for the simpler times! But this is not the case. You wonder still….can we ever return to more normality? We guess not.

Yet our nation yearns for politicians who will be upright, moral, have strong ethical standards, and have the leadership that we so sorely need.

That man has been there before, at least on the screen. We are in the throes of "desperate presidents" when what we really need is Martin Sheen! It's really ironic that the television president is seen as more worthy than the real one!

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McLEMORE'S WORLD
1/13: Bugging the bugger

The latest from cartoonist Bill McLemore:

FEEDBACK
1/13: Wonders how hardwoods from area are now being used

Every time I drive up to Acworth to visit my son, I see more and more devastation of the forests along Cobb Parkway. I also see more and more townhouses, shopping centers, malls, and restaurants being built where the forests were. ( I suspect it is going on all throughout Metro Atlanta.)

WalMart is building a new supercenter in sight of my son's home, just off Mars Hill Road. This is happening even with the fact that a WalMart supercenter is already in existence less than 10 minutes from this one being constructed!

Recently, I read an article on the Internet about some entrepreneurs who are logging the urban forests. One company, called CITILOGS, removes these unwanted trees and works with Amish craftsmen who turn the boards into tables and chairs

Another company, URBAN HARDWOODS, a furniture design company in Seattle, does much the same thing, only they save homeowner's disposal and removal costs, if the trees are large enough for their use, and are of sound quality.

These companies only use hardwood trees, as opposed to softwoods, ie, pine, etc. I have noticed a lot of pine trees being cut along Cobb Parkway.

Makes me wonder if any of these wood products are being used by the pulpmills and sawmills in the area around Cobb County. If not, it is a shame to waste this valuable resource. I wonder, also, if there are any companies in the Atlanta area like CITILOGS, or URBAN HARDWOODS?

For more information on urban logging, click here.

-- David E. Tyre, Jesup

UPCOMING
Author workshop set for Jan. 21 at Hopewell Church

Are you ready to write that first book and don't know where to start, or, is writing a book one of your goals for 2006? Do you want information on self publishing or making that publishing deal? Well, here is the event to help you get the information you need. The City of Hope Christian Bookstore located on the campus of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting an "Author's Workshop" on Saturday, January 21, 2006. This event is back by popular demand due to the enormous success of its first event held in November last year.

Returning will be Stephanie Perry-Moore, Michelle Clark-Jenkins, and Janice "JP" Miller, our own in house author of, "Over the River and Through the Woods, a journey with Harriet Tubman." Janice will share her experiences to help you avoid some of the industry pitfalls of new authors.

Finally, a local publishing company will be in attendance to give you the publisher's side of getting a book into print..

The workshop will be in Faith Hall from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cost of the workshop is $50for adults and $20 for children ages 8-17. For the children, there will be a special class for "young authors" who can learn early what they can do to get published A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for the day. Call Belinda Lindsey at 678-282-2532 for information or visit www.hopewellmissionarybaptist.org for registration and more information

Gwinnett Library plans two author programs this month

Gwinnett's Public Library has two upcoming programs coming soon.

The Library presents Deric Gilliard, author of Living in the Shadows of a Legend: Unsung Heroes and Sheroes Who Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Tuesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Branch 1001 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville.

Meet the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement. Glimpse how these notable men and women have achieved a glimmer of greatness in their own right and how Dr. King's legacy continues to live through them.

The author will discuss his book and take questions from the audience. Books will be available for purchase and signing at this program.

* * * * *

Then on January 31, at 7 p.m. at the Five Forks Branch, the library presents Ken Smith, author of Mission Octagon The Five Forks Branch is at 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville.

A top secret WWII mission goes terribly wrong. Years later, an innocent boy is caught in the aftermath. So begins a desperate struggle to unravel the secret of Mission Octagon.

The author will discuss his book and take questions from the audience. Books will be available for purchase and signing at this program.

For more information on these two programs, visit www.gwinnettpl.org.

Business After Hours to be held at Gwinnett airport Jan. 19

Business After Hours of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will next be held Thursday, January 19, at Wings Air at 460 Briscoe Blvd. (Gwinnett Airport) in Lawrenceville. The function will be catered by the Lil River Grill. The networking experience begins at 5:30-7:30, and is free to members and members'guests of the Gwinnett Chamber. Non-members are $20.

While there, visitors can view the Piper Navajo Chieftan or tour a helicopter, all under the roof of a hanger at the Gwinnett County Airport. On the fare will Lil' River Grill's gourmet creations of contemporary American tasties with French and Southwestern selections.

Business After Hours is open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information, contact Angelia Risher at 770-232-1273 or angelia@gwinnettchamber.org.

RECOMMENDATION

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

GEORGIA TIDBIT
Blessing of the Fleet is annual event on Georgia's coast

The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition originating in southern European, predominantly Catholic, fishing communities. A blessing from the local priest was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season. Two communities in coastal Georgia, Darien and Brunswick, observe this annual tradition.

Blessing of the fleet

Brunswick held its first blessing more than 60 years ago when Portuguese immigrants introduced the practice in their new home. The blessing is inextricably tied to the local Catholic church, St. Francis Xavier. The event is held on Mother's Day as a way of honoring Our Lady of Fatima (the patron saint of Portugal) and mothers in the parish.

After the procession, the celebration moves to the waterfront. There, shrimp trawlers, freshly painted and decorated with streamers, signs, and American flags (required for the decoration competition), circle the waterfront. In recent years, the number of "working" boats and pleasure craft participating in the blessing has averaged about 15 each. Family and friends of boat owners crowd the decks while spectators watch from the shore.

Darien, just north of Brunswick in McIntosh County, has held an annual blessing since 1970. The blessing is held on the Darien River on a Sunday afternoon each spring, but the date varies. It is scheduled to coincide with a falling tide because a rising tide could drive the boats into the bridge-a reminder that they are always at the mercy of the weather.

Boat owners spend weeks preparing and decorating their crafts in keeping with the yearly theme and compete for prizes and trophies. One year an owner decorated his boat as a wooden ship in honor of the Scottish Highlanders who settled the town. Almost anything goes, including a high school band performance or a wedding ceremony on deck. While the tradition has changed over time, it continues to reflect the values of these two fishing communities.

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

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Is fun of NASCAR another outlet for ethnic price?

"In short, NASCAR is an ethnic pride festival for the one group of people who aren't supposed to hold ethnic pride festivals."

-- Steve Sailer, via Marshall Miller, Lilburn.

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

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