TODAY'S ISSUE
GOP official feels party running state way people like it
By Buzz Brockway
Former chairman, Gwinnett Republican Party
Special to GwinnettForum.com

Brockway

When Governor Sonny Perdue shocked the "experts" by defeating the seemingly invincible Roy Barnes, he inherited a budget nightmare. Georgia had a deficit at that time of $640 million. Governor Perdue and the Republicans in the House and Senate trimmed over $2 billion from the State budget, created a surplus while replenishing the State's rainy day fund. With our financial house in order, Republicans this year will give teachers a four percent raise (keeping Georgia's teachers the best paid in the Southeast), send $234 million back to local communities to build roads where they are needed, and invested money in making Georgia a leader in cutting edge technologies, such as nanotechnology and alternative fuels.

Under Republican leadership, the State House and Senate have tackled the important issues Georgians care about. They've provided over $1 billion in tax relief, created a $100 million fund to protect threatened green space and historic sites, and dealt with fraud in the voting booth by requiring photo IDs to vote, Republicans also finally repealed "Jim Crow" laws shortly after gaining the majority in both legislative bodies.

When Governor Perdue took office, he promised to run Georgia's government more like a business, and he has kept that promise. The "Commission for a New Georgia" has sold $20 million in surplus vehicles and real estate, updated the State's construction contracting process (saving taxpayers between $12 and $60 million per year), and hired a national management firm to make Georgia's procurement operations more efficient (saving taxpayers up to $135 million over the next four years).

Under Republican leadership, Georgia's government is more open and accessible than ever. You don't have to be a big money donor to have the Governor's ear; you can meet with Governor Perdue during his "Saturdays with Sonny." For the first time this year, you can watch Committee hearings live over the internet and see your Representative or Senator in action.

It's easy to determine whether or not people approve of the direction Georgia is headed: Are people still moving to Georgia? The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported this week that Georgia ranks fourth in the nation in attracting new residents. Governor Perdue also remains popular, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with a 61 percent job approval rating and a 70 percent personal approval rating. This poll suggests even a lot of Democrats approve of Governor Perdue - perhaps even our psychic friend.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Coretta Scott King continued to dignify rights movement
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

FEB. 3, 2006 -- The death of Coretta Scott King shocked most of us. We knew she was sick; we didn't know the extent of her sickness, and so the announcement of her death was surprising.

With her passing goes the most direct link of anyone to Martin Luther King Jr. She moved from being a wife-partner to the leading advocate of his approach to peaceful and non-violent change. She carried on his legacy with dignity.

Her passing got us to thinking of how much the times have changed since the death of Dr. King. Being realistic, we recognize that his efforts did not result in making the world a perfect place, but after all, no man can do that.

Yet Dr. King's movement reverberated throughout the world. Just as he took inspiration from Dr. Mahatma Ghandi in India, others have taken up his mantel to move our country, and the world, into a more civilized society, where people from all races are more respectful of one another, and work to get along with each other more.

It took an electrifying personality like Dr. King to shock our nation into more a open and understanding society of the plight of blacks in particular, and all people in general. Our nation, because of him, what his wife carried on, and his legacy, is a far better place. Just thinking back to some of the practices of an earlier day is offensive to most of us today. It is shocking to remember our former ways, not only in the South, but throughout this nation. (The South had no corner on our nation's prejudices, though they were more openly displayed.)

We think back to many of those symbols of oppression and hatred and separation that we in the South particularly used:

• Separate (but we said equal) schools.
  
• Two water fountains, rest rooms, often entrances.
  
• Segregated neighborhoods.
  
• And worst and ironic of all, shunning one another on a social basis, when often we worked closely together in other ways.

While all of these elements are not entirely different today, still our nation, and particularly the South, has made tremendous progress. We are still looked upon as a nation who cares about the human struggle, human rights, and the individual person. If we ever lose that concern, our nation is doomed.

For Coretta Scott King, her life was a full one, as she was pushed onto the public stage even while in the middle or raising a family. She seemed comfortable in the life she lived, and in an always head-held-high and dignified way. Some have said she was regal, similar to Jackie Kennedy.

She worked diligently, and once said: "I'm fulfilled in what I do. . . I never thought that a lot of money or fine clothes -- the finer things of life -- would make you happy. My concept of happiness is to be filled in a spiritual sense."

With her passing ends an era for the King family, and the nation. We all just hope that the King children can come together and halt their squabbles, so that their family's contribution to the world won't get tarnished.

Let's remember another thought from the late Mrs. King: "Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated."

Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006: May you rest in peace.

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McLEMORE'S WORLD
2/3: Television reruns are all the rage

The latest from cartoonist Bill McLemore:

FEEDBACK
1/31: Onlooker surprised to see commercial signs all over city

Editor, the Forum:

After all the heck raised a few years back about the billboards (and rightfully so), now the City of Snellville puts up commercial advertising ALL OVER the city instead of in select places and spots. I thought they were just taking down the Christmas (oh, I'm sorry, "holiday") decorations, but instead were putting up advertising.

For most of the 33 years in this city I have answered outsiders inquiries of "Isn't that where Everybody Is Somebody"? I answered with "Yes if you're the right body, know the right body, or pay the right body".

I'd like to buy the entire council a drink next Sunday in the city. Oh, don't get me started on that breech of the public trust!

-- Howard N. Williams, Jr., Snellville

Councilman says banners look different up on a pole

Editor, the Forum:

Good article about the banners. The Snellville DDA approached the council about putting up these banners for some DDA revenue that would be spent in the city and even showed us an example for our (the Council's) approval. Well, close up, they looked really good. But put them on a pole and you can hardly see the new town center logo script but you can see the advertisement all to well.

The banners sell for $500 and they are hung for one year. Then they all come down and new ones go up with those who pay for new contracts. I am sure the council will look at the size and placement of these banners after the contracts have been fulfilled.

The big idea now in local government meetings and conferences is to market your city with some unique banners so that people know where the city limits begin and end. So when seeing these banners, they know they are in the city and not just passing through another un-incorporated County. If you will, have the cities be identified more, and allow them to have a clear identity.

I appreciate the history lesson for us who have not lived here in Gwinnett a long time, and your angle on visual pollution. It is something to think about. These are my thoughts. I appreciate yours.

-- Bruce L. Garraway

UPCOMING
Free stormwater forum set Feb. 6 at Chamber building

A stormwater forum is set for Monday, February 6, at 3 p.m. at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce building.

Frank Stephens, Gwinnett County director of public utilities, discusses the newly implemented Stormwater Utility Fees. This utility will provide support for major stormwater activities such as replacing pipes, reducing flooding, fulfilling regulatory requirements, and reducing pollution carried by stormwater to our waterways.

The forum will address:

• What is stormwater and why should Gwinnett businesses care?
  
• What is the utility fee, how is it determined and who has to pay?
  
• Why does the fee have to be assessed? What will the money be used for?
  
• How can residents, customers and business owners reduce their bill?

The forum is free. Persons wanting to attend should contact Stephanie Hopkins at 770-232-8807, or via e-mail at shopkins@gwinnettchamber.org.

Aurora Theatre plans special Valentine's Day performance

Join Aurora Theatre for an evening of theatrical love songs to serenade your sweetheart and say " I love you" with a song on Valentine's Day. This musical evening will feature singers accompanied by the Peachtree Symphonic Winds, a 50-member ensemble.

Special packages for couples, including dinner at one of the area's outstanding restaurant sponsors, make this outing one on the most romantic nights of the year. After the performance, guests will be invited to join in a champagne toast to romance.

The date is February 14 at 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for all seats. Dinner packages are $99 and includes two tickets and dinner at your choice of Cedar Creek Grill, Park Café or Lil' River Grill. For reservations, call 770 476 7926 or visit the web at www.auroratheatre.com

Walton EMC seeks students for Washington leadership trip

Four local high school students will earn a unique leadership experience this summer through Walton Electric Membership Corporation's Washington Youth Tour.

Tenth and eleventh graders are eligible to win a spot on the tour and participate in its leadership development activities. Entrants must either live or attend a school in Walton EMC's service area.

Interested students should first complete an entry form and return it to Walton EMC by February 17. Forms are available by going online to waltonemc.com/youth_tour.htm or calling 770-266-2307. The selection process includes a test and short interview.

During the week of June 8-15, winners will first see state government in action at Georgia's Capitol and learn how Georgia's EMCs work together through their state trade association to deliver power to customer-owners.

Then in Washington, participants will visit cornerstones of United States government and history. Leadership development activities include a luncheon with Georgia's congressional delegation, one of the trip's many highlights.

Walton EMC is a consumer-owned electric company with 110,000 accounts in ten Northeast Georgia counties between Atlanta and Athens.

New court facilities opened in former Gwinnett Federal building

Gwinnett County Recorder's Court and Juvenile Court have moved to 115 Stone Mountain Street in Lawrenceville, less than a mile from the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The building once housed Gwinnett Federal Bank. The new facility will free up much needed office and parking spaces at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, while providing a new, efficient space for the Recorder's Court and Juvenile Court to conduct business. An official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held for the new facility on Tuesday, February 7, at 3:30 p.m. in courtroom 2A.

NOTABLE
Chamber recognizes top citizens with awards at annual meet

Outstanding Gwinnett citizens were recognized for their accomplishments and leadership during the 58th annual meeting of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce recently.

Dr. Miles H. Mason, III was named "Citizen of the Year" for his invaluable leadership to members of both the medical staff and the administrative team of the Gwinnett Health System. He was cited for his determination to see that access to quality healthcare in his hometown remains easy and convenient. His leadership in Gwinnett has also earned him this coveted award.

Six Public Service Awards were presented to Tom Andersen with Andersen, Tate, Mahaffey & McGarity; Rudy Bowen of Bowen Family Homes; Pat Brown, formerly with Annandale at Suwanee, Inc.; Joyce Ogletree of Number One Realty/Luv Homes; David Snell of E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.; and Roddy Sturdivant with RSE Grading Company, Inc.

The Legacy Award was given posthumously to Micromeritics Inc. of Norcross Co-founder and President Warren Hendrix. The award was accepted by his sons who now run the company, Preston and Greg Hendrix.

This year's D. Scott Hudgens Award for philanthropic service was presented to Hi-Hope Service Center Executive Director Alice Cunningham.

The Ambassador of the Year Award was awarded to Kevin S. Moffitt with Southeast Commercial Realty Services, Inc

Two Chamber employees were recognized as top salesmen. They were Jackie Ginn (total revenue) and Brian Karr (top membership.)

Braselton chief named to Area 7 All Hazards Council

Esco

Braselton police chief Terry Esco is named to Area 7 All Hazards Council, an advisory panel for Georgia's homeland security issues. Esco will serve with personnel representing emergency services, police, fire, 911, public health and elected officials representing Gwinnett, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Henry and Rockdale Counties. Issues of jurisdiction include fire and technical rescue, HAZMAT, communications, law enforcement, emergency medical services and training.

RECOMMENDATION
The

• 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
UGA hosts Peabody Awards, tops for broadcast industy

Broadcasting's most prestigious award, the George Foster Peabody Award, is given annually by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia (UGA). Several awards are given for "distinguished achievement and meritorious service" by individuals, networks, stations, and organizations. Each winner receives a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of philanthropist and financier George Foster Peabody, a native of Columbus. In 1938, the National Association of Broadcasters formed a committee to establish a prize for distinguished radio programs.

Peabody

The committee was headed by Lambdin Kay, manager of the WSB radio station in Atlanta. Lessie Smithgall, continuity editor at WSB, suggested that UGA administer the new broadcasting prize. The inaugural Peabody Awards, for radio, were given in 1941. Television awards followed in 1948, and cable television winners were first recognized in 1981.

The number of Peabody Awards varies from year to year, and merit is the sole basis for recognition. Individuals, companies, and organizations submit programs or news stories that they believe are worthy of consideration; typically, more than 1,000 such entries are received each year.

Presentation of the awards is made in the spring, and for many years the ceremonies were held at a private luncheon, usually in New York City. In 2003 the Peabody Awards were broadcast for the first time, on the A&E cable network, with ABC's Charles Gibson as host. The ceremony, held on May 19, 2003, aired later that week on May 25. Although the list of winners reads like a Who's Who of broadcasting, local or non-network stations and individuals have also been recognized for their contributions to broadcast journalism and entertainment programming.

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

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Here's a real way to measure a person's worth

"The real measure of your wealth is how much you'd be worth if you lost all your money."

-- Bernard Meltzer, professor emeritus of law, University of Chicago, vis Cindy Evans, Duluth.

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

MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

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