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Gwinnett Tech grandma wins honor; did
it for grandchildren
By
Dana Urrutia
Special to GwinnettForum.com
LAWRENCEVILLE, March 18, 2007 -- Gwinnett Technical College adult
education student Lenore Delibero was recently honored by The Technical
College System of Georgia as an EAGLE Award recipient for her achievements
as an adult learner.
Delibero |
Ms. Delibero was honored at a luncheon introducing the state's
EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Ambassadors.
This program honored 37 delegates to the program's Leadership Institute
conference and recognized them for their achievements in adult education.
Nominated by instructors from Georgia's local adult literacy programs,
the 37 EAGLE delegates are among more than 84,000 adult learners
in the state. Delegate earned the statewide recognition based on
hard work in obtaining their GED, as well as their excellent character,
positive attitude, superb classroom attendance and outstanding leadership.
As a grandmother of two young girls, Delibero plans to mentor them
and others by sharing her success story. She believes that any obstacles
to education can be overcome with hard work and a belief in oneself.
She says: "I was blessed with two grandchildren and I wanted
to be a role model to them…to show them never to quit."
Georgia's 2008 EAGLE delegates are considered ambassadors and spokespersons
for adult education, according to Ron Jackson, commissioner for
the Technical College System of Georgia. Jackson adds, "These
outstanding men and women are role models for others who want to
obtain their GED. I take pride in knowing that each delegate demonstrates
leadership qualities wherever they are - their homes, communities,
workplaces and, most assuredly, in their classrooms."
Gwinnett Technical College is among 33 colleges in the Technical
College System of Georgia. In 2007, 140,852 students attended TCSG
colleges, which offer small classes, hands-on experience and low
student-to-teacher ratios.
For more information about Gwinnett Tech or about any of the college's
more than 45 program options, call 770.962.7580.
Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech www.gwinnetttech.edu/news.
* * * * *
About Gwinnett Technical College: It is one of
Georgia's largest technical colleges, offering more than 45 associate's
degree, diploma, and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars
and workshops offering specialized training each quarter. The college
is also the county's largest single provider of corporate training
programs. Gwinnett Tech is accredited by the Commission on Colleges
of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a unit
of the Technical College System of Georgia.
Axing car tax means you'll end up being taxed
another way
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
MARCH 18, 2008 -- Here they go again, the State of Georgia not
just trying to stick its nose into the business of local government,
but indeed, outright trying to take money away from local government.
Brack |
Not mentioned in the discussion about whether the State of Georgia
should charge a tax on vehicles is the fact that here legislators
are getting their hands into the counties' treasuries.
State House legislators, in general both Republican and Democratic,
have passed (166-5) a measure to exempt automobiles, trucks and
I suspect motorcycles from ad valorem taxes. It's a Populist issue,
one the legislators can use to say to the people "We removed
a tax."
And you believe that? If so, there's a bridge I want to sell you.
No doubt the state will find other ways to make up that tax, and
that might be far worse than paying a car tag tax.
But that's not the reason we're against eliminating state auto
tag taxes. What has not been mentioned is that the legislators are
seeking to eliminate a tax, which goes to the county's coffers,
not to state government!
Yep, these legislators are reaching into the local county tax revenues,
and removing funds which will make it difficult for school boards
and county governments to balance their budgets.
These high and mighty legislators aren't eliminating a tax that
goes to fund state activities, from a budget they can control. Now
they are trying to get their hands into the operations of individual
counties by taking away money from the counties, which will have
to make it up somehow.
In Gwinnett County, the school board gets $44.7 million each year
in revenue from vehicles, while the county governmental operations
gains $29.1 million from the tax on vehicles.
What these legislators will probably do next is to find another
way to tax you another way for this money, have it sent first to
the State Treasury, then be so gracious as to return a portion of
that money to the individual counties. "Look what we did for
you," they will brag. Sure they did.
All the while, this wouldn't be necessary if the House legislators
had simply kept out of what is essentially not their business. Oh,
they are so kind to us to halt the tax on cars! Yeah, sure. But
without it, how will the counties balance their budget?
It seems every time the legislators say they are helping us, why
is it that we feel the pinch in some way?
It's the same old story, and we've heard it before: "Now all
this bill does……" Every time you hear that, watch
out.
A bright spot in all this, and we don't know the reasons why, but
our Governor, Dr. Sonny Perdue, decided that he didn't like the
legislators eliminating the auto tax fees. Maybe it's because our
economy is headed for recession, and the governor realizes local
governments need the monies. Maybe it's simply the governor not
getting along with some of his GOP friends in the House, especially
the speaker. Or maybe Governor Perdue recognizes that here is the
state sticking its nose into the means that the counties use to
collect their taxes, not state taxes.
Whatever the reason, we welcome the surprising decision by the
governor to oppose this legislation. Local officials will tell you
there're plenty of reason to oppose the elimination of the auto
tax.
We must be taxed in some way. Every time the government changes
the system….watch out. You'll probably be taxed more in a new
manner.
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Electing
school superintendents is fundamentally flawed
Editor, the Forum:
As one who has recruited school superintendents throughout the
country, focusing on very specific criteria, I can tell you that
the idea of electing superintendents is fundamentally flawed and
a bad idea. We already have too many laws on the books that have
little or nothing to do with providing an optimal education for
our kids. I hope this proposed legislation doesn't see the light
of day.
-- Alvin S. Johnson, Sandy Springs
Dear Alvin: Best bet may be to cross our fingers.
-eeb
By nature, public
transportation of people never profitable
Editor, the Forum -
In today's
issue of the Forum, a letter writer complained about the subsidy
for public transportation.
As a someone who has spent over 30 years in the transportation industry,
let me once again reiterate the fact that passenger transportation
is inherently unprofitable.
Most industries are either labor-intensive or capital-intensive.
Passenger transportation is, unfortunately, both, requiring large
sums of money at the outset and ongoing expenses for the labor required
to handle passenger traffic.
As a result of this situation, no one, anywhere in the world at
last reporting, makes a profit hauling passengers only on a fully
allocated cost basis (factoring in expenses covered by subsidies
such as the ones you mentioned in your response to the letter writer)
and factoring out any revenues from air mail, air freight, etc.)
Because of this, turning such transportation over to private enterprise
is not an option, as no private enterprise is interested in providing
any service that does not turn a profit.
-- Robert Hanson, Loganville
Why he's Republican
but might portray brother's ideas badly
Dear Gwinnett Forum:
I moved to Georgia in 2000 partly because of my "conservative"
disposition. However, I had given up on voting because I didn't
see where any of the candidates represented my viewpoints. They
all seemed to believe that they were somehow my guardian, or otherwise
to be taken in by the New World Order paradigm. I never saw anyone
of my "so-called" representatives as a "representative."
I have to admit that my "liberal" twin-brother might
have been right about the south and, more importantly about "local
government." His philosophy is that the "evil" begins
at the local level. Somehow he believes that it can be solved at
the federal level.
Well, yes, evil begins at the local level. In fact, it begins within
an individual. (That's pretty local.) But, for those of us who do
not succumb to an evil pattern, I find no motivation for a "higher
government" than that which we choose fundamentally.
I've recently found that Georgia is not all that "conservative."
For this reason, I joined the Republican Party. This was almost
anathema to my personal philosophy of individualism. Reluctantly,
that it is in my best interest to "join" in a group to
protect my "individual" rights.
-- Kendall Young, Buford
Dear Kendall: You don't say where you moved from,
but one thing about Georgia. Though you say you have "joined"
the Republican Party, in this state, you are not required to stay
within your party to vote in primaries. Every time you vote in
a primary, you have a choice to vote in the Republican, Democratic,
or some years, even non-partisan primary. No matter what party
you identify with, you can throw off that mantel every primary
and vote any way you choose. Welcome to Georgia, and to the GwinnettForum
discussion.
You also portray your brother in a bad light.
I suspect that he doesn't entirely subscribe to the idea that
all problems can be solved at the national level. Few people think
that. Send this to him and let's get his response for print.--eeb
Still feels TAD bonds
might fall back on taxpayers
Editor, the Forum:
Recently you took me to task for suggesting Gwinnett County taxpayers
could be responsible for any shortfalls in the repayment of bonds
that could be issued if Gwinnett voters were to give the county
commission the power to create Tax Allocation Districts.
While you were technically correct that the bonds issued would not
be general obligation bonds, research indicates that the county's
"general funds may be pledged directly" to cover the debt
obligation in the event of a shortfall. This information (page 12)
is part of research report prepared by Research Atlanta Inc at the
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.
The report (Georgia's
Redevelopment Powers Law: A Policy Guide to Evaluation & Use
of Tax Allocation Districts) should be required reading for
every Gwinnett voter before going to the polls for the anticipated
July special election on this issue.
Most voters need only read the Executive Summary (pages IV - VII)
to conclude the risks associated with authorizing TADs in Gwinnett
are unacceptable. Real policy wonks will especially enjoy the sections
on Preventing Unneeded TAD Subsidies (pages 16 - 21), Mitigating
the Risks of TAD Debt (pages 29 -32) and Problems and Issues with
Tax Allocation Districts (pages 33 - 37).
Unfortunately, too few voters will vote in a July special election
and, of those who do vote, virtually none will take the time to
become sufficiently informed to cast a well informed vote. Instead
they will rely on the spin doctors from Gwinnett's three Community
Improvement Districts, the Chamber of Commerce and the county media
sources who appear to be drinking the corporate "Kool-Aid".
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
Dear Pat: Revenues from the bond, from what we
understand, as such are not guaranteed by the county. On issue,
should the county want to, it could "enhance" the saleability
of the bonds with any backing it might choose. But in every case
so far, the backing of the TAD district has been sufficient to
cause the bonds to sell at the best rates available without further
backing. This allows the County's bond rating to be without further
encumbrance. And remember: TAD districts are just coming to Georgia.
They have been in place in most other states for years, and work
well.--eeb
Surface
Mount group returns to Duluth Center on April 17
The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) announces that
the Atlanta SMTA Expo would return to the Gwinnett Civic Center
in Duluth for its 12th annual event on Thursday, April 17, starting
at 9 a.m. This free, one-day event will feature suppliers to the
electronics industry displaying products and services for the high
technology and surface mount markets, as well free technical presentations.
This event also includes networking opportunities such as free
lunch on the trade show floor for pre-registrants sponsored by World
Micro Components. A charity raffle will be held with proceeds to
benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children.
For more information on exhibiting or attending, please visit http://www.smta.org/education/vendor_days/vendor_days.cfm.
The SMTA, established in 1984, is a non-profit international association
of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and
develop solutions in electronic assembly, including microsystems,
emerging technologies, and related business operations. The Association
is dedicated to the advancement of the electronics industry through
member education and interaction. For more information, visit http://www.smta.org.
Exhibitor applications
open for Suwanee Day activities
Exhibitor applications are now being accepted for this year's 25th
celebration of Suwanee Day. The annual "celebration of community,"
which attracted 40,000 participants last year, will be held Saturday,
September 20, at Town Center Park.
Exhibitors include artists, craftspeople, and food vendors as well
as a limited number of non-profit organizations and festival sponsors.
Exhibitors are selected through a jury process, not on a first-come,
first-served basis. Preference is given to exhibitor applicants
who offer individually made artistic and craft items. No business
resale, hobby-crafts or home-based consultants, or retailing is
permitted. If not accepted, application fees will be returned.
Additional exhibitor guidelines and an online application are available
at www.suwaneeday.com.
Deadline for applications is June 1.
For the first time this year, the Suwanee Day festival is offering
artists and craftspeople an opportunity to participate in a Best
of the Festival competition. Those artists interested in participating
will add $25 to their exhibitor fee. First, second, and third place
winners will be determined the day of the festival and, winners
will receive cash awards to be determined by the number of artists
participating.
- 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
Gilmer
was governor when Indians driven out of Georgia
George
R. Gilmer, a two-time Georgia governor during the 1830s, is
best known for his successful efforts to remove the Cherokees from
the state. He was also a state legislator, a U.S. congressman, and
an army officer during the War of 1812. At various times in his
life, Gilmer also served as a teacher, an author, a historian, a
lawyer, and a trustee of the University of Georgia. Gilmer County,
in the north Georgia mountains, is named in his honor.
Gilmer |
George Rockingham Gilmer was born on April 11, 1790, in Wilkes
County (later Oglethorpe County). Gilmer studied for four years
at the academy of Moses Waddel in Willington, South Carolina, and
then briefly taught school in Lexington, while he concurrently read
law.
While in his early 20s, Gilmer fought in the War of 1812 and achieved
the rank of first lieutenant in the 43rd Regiment of the U.S. infantry.
At the war's end, he returned to Lexington, where in 1818 he began
the practice of law. In 1820 Gilmer was elected to the U.S. House
of Representatives, but poor health prevented him from seeking reelection
in 1822. By 1824 he had recovered sufficiently to return to the
Georgia legislature.
During the 1830s Gilmer served two nonconsecutive terms as Georgia's
governor and one additional term as a representative in the U.S.
Congress. During his first term as governor (1829-31), Indian affairs
were Gilmer's top priority, as conflicts erupted between white settlers,
whose numbers had increased in north Georgia following the discovery
of gold in 1829. Gilmer, and ultimately the state legislature, responded
by passing legislation that extended state law to all parts of the
Cherokee Nation located within Georgia's borders.
In 1835 the Cherokees signed the Treaty of New Echota, which forced
their removal from the southeast to the Oklahoma Territory in a
migration that came to be known as the Trail of Tears, which was
completed in 1839. In 1838 Gilmer raised a regiment, commanded by
Charles Rinaldo Floyd, to drive Seminoles seeking refuge in the
Okefenokee Swamp out of the state during the Second Seminole War,
which was being fought in north Florida.
After his final gubernatorial term he published Sketches of Some
of the First Settlers of Upper Georgia (1855), a volume that chronicles
the experiences of his family and acquaintances in early Georgia,
including his mother's impressions of Nancy Hart, a heroine of the
Revolutionary War. Gilmer died on November 15, 1859, in Lexington,
where he is buried.
Guess who determines
what will happen to you?
"It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened
in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions
about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're
going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny."
-- Peak Performance Guru Anthony Robbins (1960 -), via Roy
McCreary, Dacula.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
© 2008, 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.
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