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TODAY'S
ISSUE
Couple questions
seniors not helping pay school taxes
By Jann and Larry Bennett
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: soon the deadline for seniors
to file homestead exemption occurs. One senior couple in Jesup
(he is a retired dentist) questioned this practice. Here is
what they wrote the Jesup Press-Sentinel on January 25. -eeb.)
FEB. 14, 2006 -- Wayne County is attracting more and more retirees,
but for the wrong reasons. They are interested in Wayne County
for all the standard reasons, but the fact that they can exempt
their property from school taxes is a big attraction.
We voted against the resolution granting this exemption, but
we decided to accept free money when the resolution passed. We
applied for it. Looking back, we regret applying for the exemption.
Why should we not have the opportunity to contribute to the education
of our grandchildren? Why should we not help educate the children
of this community, since our own children were educated by all
taxpayers?
We need to return this question to the local ballot, and we need
to vote it down. We need to vote for a resolution that will exempt
only those over 65 who have genuine financial needs.
Consider the following conversation:
Irate property owner: "My taxes are too high. My property
is appraised for way too much money."
Potential buyer: "Will you sell it to me for the appraised
fair market value?"
Irate property owner: "Absolutely not. It's worth more than
that!"
* * * * *
The above dialogue typifies the current dilemma most Georgia
county appraisal boards are facing and also supports The Press-Sentinel
editorial of December 18. Property in Wayne County is not
appraised at fair market value because none is for sale at that
value.
Because Wayne County has exempted over age 65 taxpayers, more
than one-fifth of the total homestead value has been removed as
a source of money for the schools because those of us over 65
have more valuable homesteads.
Here are the facts, gleaned from the 2004 Consolidated Wayne
County TRax Digest, (which is available on the internet).
Although those of us over 65 that applied for the exemption only
account for 13 percent of the taxpaying homesteads in Wayne County,
we have taken 21 percent of the total homestead value off the
digest. We own homesteads whose average net assessed value is
79 percent higher than the average net assessed value of the rest
of the population.
The average net assessed value of the 1,151 over-65 homesteads
currently requesting exemption from school tax is $28,000 (average
fair market of $70,000). That's why the $125,000 value initially
considered is too high; the fair market values in Wayne County
are too low. The average net assessed value of the 7,652 remaining
homesteads paying school tax in Wayne County is only $16,000 (average
fair market value of $40,000.)
Here is the real problem: Georgia legislation effective January,
2006 exempts the first $25,000 of retirement pension income from
Georgia income tax. This amount will increase by $5,000 per year
for the next two years, so in 2008, a two income retired couple
can exempt $70,000 from Georgia income tax. When the local school
tax exemption is coupled with the legislation that became effective
in January, Wayne County is suddenly retirement heaven. This will
become more and more well-known.
The tax burden will continue to increase for the under-65 crowd.
Most of the new retirees will have no family ties in Wayne County
and will have no desire to rescind this exemption.
If we don't reverse this law pretty soon, we won't be able to.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
First one thing, then the other, for president
last week
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
FEB. 14, 2006 -- The week wasn't a particularly good one for
our president. From on first one front, then another, a series
of incidents proved disconcerting to the Bush team, culminating
in the vice president accidentally shooting a hunting companion.
On top of the president's popularity skirting toward its low,
and what with mid-term elections coming later this year, you wondered
if this week might prove to be the beginning of the downfall for
the Bush team.
Let's review some events:
1. Cartoons: first was the continuation of the "cartoon
problem," not so much aimed directly at the USA, but certainly
a problem for the free-thinking Western world, coming from closed-minds
of the Islamic world. What it emphasizes more than anything
else is how the United States has inserted itself into the Arab
world problems, with this just another blow to our efforts toward
stabilization.
2. Katrina: "Brownie's" testimony didn't help the
president, either. Along with disclosures from a bipartisan
investigation of Katrina problems, now we learn that the White
House knew a full 24 hours earlier than thought that the breaking
of the levees in New Orleans would put that city at a major
risk. Why the Administration insisted that it didn't know earlier,
we may never know. The rift between FEMA Director Michael Brown
and the White House could give us new evidence on this subject.
3. Eavesdropping: unauthorized wiretaps continued. The president
may think he has the power to wiretap people, but more members
of Congress, surprisingly from both political parties, are questioning
it. Many point to a legal way for the president to get this,
already in force through the courts, and wonder why he can't
take this action for eavesdropping. These officials are urging
Congressional oversight, and perhaps investigation, and are
getting more vocal in their views. Look for this to be an issue
that won't go away for the president.
4. Sabre-rattling toward Iran: why the current Administration
is acting the bully toward Iran is puzzling. At a time when
Afghanistan threatens to get dicier, when the occupation of
Iraq is just as harsh as ever (more deaths to American troops
continuing virtually every day), it's obvious that the U.S.
cannot open a third front in Iran. And we heard people saying
this week, "Let's get out of Iraq and let Iraq take care
of their neighbor, Iran." Many Americans would agree, especially
since this would halt more Americans dying in Iraq.
Then the Sunday night announcement of the hunting accident and
a companion shot in the face by the Vice President.
It's enough as to make Mr. Bush look up and say, "Why me,
Lord?"
But much of the ramifications of the last week are the result
of the direction that Mr. Bush has taken this country. He may
look back now and wonder if his bully pulpit of terror-bashing
was the right course in which to push us Americans.
And all this coming as the nation begins the build-up toward
the elections now less than nine months away. It's not unusual
in the lame-duck term of a two term president for the president's
party to falter in the Congressional elections. Yet events piling
up could indicate that the loyal opposition might score better
than usual this year.
All in all, last week was a terrible one for the president.
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FEEDBACK
2/14: Only way Georgia
316 first extended was without bridges
Editor, the Forum:
Regarding the shortsightedness of the Georgia Highway 316 extension,
I do know at the time the financial situation was such that the
road could ONLY have been built without the bridges or not built
at all. The funds simply were not available, and not likely to
become available anytime soon, so the decision was made to go
ahead even with the knowledge that without the bridges, it would
be soon be inadequate. I am reminded of this every time I travel
316 eastbound in the afternoons.
Could other funds have been found? I doubt it as some pretty
influential people worked hard to do so. Should it have not been
built? No, I believe it was better to have it as it is than it
not be there at all. But traveling it as it is is very frustrating,
not to mention crossing it.
I do agree that examples of short-sighted savings that cost us
in the long run are all around us. But sometimes there are simply
no good choices to make and hinesight is always 20-20.
-- Lee Hutchins, Hog Mountain
Humorous comments
spur view of differences in two parties
Editor, the Forum:
I find it truly humorous that a critic of our current President
can comment on his State of the Union without actually hearing
or seeing it first hand. This behavior could spawn a whole new
career path for many and actually be an economic stimulant. We
could have food critics who don't actually go to restaurants.
Movie critics who never actually watch a movie. Letters to the
editor from people who never read the GwinnettForum.
Additionally, the partisan comments on January 27 and February
3 were very helpful as they pointed out the huge difference between
the two political party's approaches to governing. Republicans
seem to present initiatives that achieve results (whether or not
you agree with the initiatives). Democrats present criticism and
little else.
Democrats will never regain power in the county, the state or
the nation when all they offer is criticism - firsthand or virtual.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
UPCOMING
Farmers' markets
in Duluth and Suwanee tell 2006 dates
Earlier this month, General Beauregard Lee, Georgia's prognosticating
groundhog with a purported 90 percent accuracy rate, declared
that spring is on its way. That means that the return of the Suwanee-Duluth
Farmers' Market to Town Center Park must be just around the corner
as well.
The Farmers' Market, to be held on alternating Saturdays in Suwanee
and Duluth from May through September, offers a variety of fresh
seasonal produce, fruits, flowers, and plants. Farmers and gardeners
interested in offering their home-grown products at the market
need to complete the 2006 application .
The market will be open 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays beginning May 20.
The dates on which the Suwanee-Duluth Farmers' Market will be
in Suwanee are:
May 20
June 3 and 17
July 1, 15, and 29
August 12 and 26
September 9 and 23
The market will be in downtown Duluth every other Saturday, May
27-September 30.
Suwanee to plant
two big oaks in Arbor Day celebration
In celebration of Arbor Day this year, the City of Suwanee is
going big, really big. Rather than planting several young trees,
the City plans to plant two 20- to 25-foot oak trees at City Hall
Park.
"With the loss of three large oak trees over the past couple
of years due to disease," says City Planner Josh Campbell,
"there's been something important missing from City Hall
Park-shade. We want to plant trees that will be large enough to
provide some shade right away."
Because of their size, these oak trees, whose trunks will measure
6 to 8 inches in diameter, will be planted professionally over
the next few weeks. To mark Arbor Day, however, the City will
host a ceremonial planting of a smaller tree at 3 p.m. Friday,
February 17, at City Hall Park, located at 373 Buford Highway.
The City of Suwanee has been recognized by the National Arbor
Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for more than 15 years.
Atlanta Mayor Franklin
to address Gwinnett Chamber Feb. 21
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is scheduled to address the Gwinnett
County Chamber of Commerce's general membership luncheon on February
21. The luncheon is set for 11:30 at the Gwinnett Place Marriott
Hotel on 1775 Pleasant Hill Road.
Mayor Franklin will be speaking on issues facing metro Atlanta
and how they impact Gwinnett and the region. She'll also speak
about other major issues, including Atlanta's BeltLine project,
a new runway at Hartsfield Jackson, and her vision for the future.
General Membership meetings are held once a month providing an
opportunity for Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce members to stay abreast
of important issues in Gwinnett, network with other business professionals,
and have a chance to listen to renowned speakers from all types
of industries. Cost: $35 for Chamber members; $45 for non-members.
Pre-payment is required. Registration deadline is February 17.
NOTABLE
EPD OKs Gwinnett
to discharge more reclaimed water to lake
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has issued
a permit to temporarily increase the amount of reclaimed water
sent to the Chattahoochee River by nine million gallons per day
(mgd).
The permit covers the combined discharge of Gwinnett County's
Crooked Creek Water Reclamation Facility and F. Wayne Hill Water
Resources Center. The temporary permit gives the county time to
construct a planned line to discharge reclaimed water to Lake
Lanier.
The action is consistent with the Metropolitan North Georgia
Water Planning District's Long-Term Wastewater Management Plan
and with the agreement between the county and the Lake Lanier
Association.
The new permit will allow the county to increase the flow from
20 to 29 mgd once EPD authorizes operation of the new facilities
at the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center.
County Administrator Jock Connell says: "This enables Gwinnett
County to continue reclaiming water using the most advanced treatment
technologies and to return highly-treated water to the Chattahoochee
basin."
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
Vienna's Emily Woodward has distinguished
worldwide career
Woodward |
Emily
Woodward was a prominent female journalist in the early 20th-century
South who became an outspoken advocate of liberal causes. Eschewing
a domestic life for a career in journalism and adult education,
Woodward appeared personally and in print across the United States
and abroad. Hers was a public life devoted to social and political
advocacy.
Emily Barnelia Woodward was born on May 2, 1885, in the south-central
Georgia town of Vienna, where she lived her entire life. She attended
public school in Vienna and in 1910, graduated from the Gordon
Institute in Barnesville.
Woodward began her work as a journalist in 1916, when she became
editor of the Vienna News, a weekly newspaper purchased by members
of the Woodward family. In 1918, she became sole owner of the
News, which she continued editing until 1933, when she sold the
paper. In 1927, she became the first woman to be elected president
of the Georgia Press Association, and in 1928, she founded the
Georgia Press Institute, an annual gathering of Georgia's newspaper
editors.
After the sale of her newspaper in 1933, Woodward published a
photographic history of her home state, Empire: Georgia Today
in Photographs and Paragraphs (1936). She also became a more widely
known figure during the 1930s through her freelance work with
the Atlanta Journal, which resulted in quite a demand for her
to speak around the state, region, and nation.
During World War II (1941-45) Woodward lectured in England and
Scotland for the U.S. Office of War Information and the British
Ministry of War Information. After the war she traveled to Japan,
where, as a member of General Douglas MacArthur's committee on
education, she served as an advisor on education. Woodward's connection
to national politics had begun when she served as one of the first
women delegates to a National Democratic Convention in 1928. She
was an early proponent of saving Georgia's public schools when
segregation advocates wanted them closed in the face of Brown
v. Board of Education .
Woodward's formal education was limited, but she was awarded
honorary degrees from the University of Georgia (1929) and LaGrange
College (1946). She died on March 23, 1970, in Vienna. Woodward
was inducted into the Georgia Newspaper Hall of Fame in 1973,
and was named to the ranks of Georgia Women of Achievement in
2004.
THOUGHT
OF THE DAY
What to think of
a person who does not do his own thinking
"The man who does not do his own thinking is a slave, and
is a traitor to himself and to his fellow-men."
-- Author Robert Ingersoll (1833 - 1899 ) via Roy McCreary,
Dacula.
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