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Evermore CID hires Stedman to guide
economic development
By
Michelle Couch
Special to GwinnettForum
SNELLVILLE, Ga., Aug. 26, 2008 -- The Board of the Evermore Community
Improvement District (CID) advanced into a new phase in its effort
to improve the U.S. Highway 78 corridor by hiring David Stedman
to lead the organization's economic development initiatives. Gary
Custar, the chairman of Evermore's Board, says: "In addition
to our efforts to improve traffic flow, ensure the safety of our
residents and improve our quality of place, the CID is looking to
attract new business and help grow existing business to bring new
jobs and generate economic prosperity throughout the district."
Stedman |
Stedman will work with regional economic development allies, including
the city of Snellville, Gwinnett County, Partnership Gwinnett, the
Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Economic Development
Association, says Brett Harrell, executive director of the CID.
"We've been focused on removing the reversible lanes along
U.S. Highway 78 and the installation of the signal synchronization
plan to improve traffic flow and relieve congestion, as well as
our plans for increased security patrols and the beautification
of key areas within the district," Harrell said.
He added: "Our future focus is on economic development and
we have successfully retained a dedicated economic development specialist
to work full-time to promote the district."
According to Harrell, a top priority for Steadman is to work with
a newly hired consultant firm to comprise and implement a redevelopment
plan for the corridor. "Stedman has achieved great success
directing economic development for suburban Brazoria County of Houston,
Texas that also was developing a commerce corridor and working to
improve infrastructure. Together, we will implement a team effort
that will put Evermore in the forefront of the region's economic
development initiatives," Harrell said. He is a 1973 graduate
of the University of Texas.
Emory Morsberger, the re-developer who spearheaded the revitalization
of downtown Lawrenceville, chairs Evermore's Economic Development
Committee that was charged with selecting the new director from
a field of experienced candidates. "We liked the fact that
David was no stranger to the area," Morsberger said, pointing
out that Stedman was a former executive vice president of Atlanta's
Hood Marketing Solutions, where he also spearheaded an incubator
for emerging technology companies. "As a long time Gwinnettian,
we felt that David had an appreciation of our goals for the community.
His knowledge of the regional players and the national market will
be a great asset as we move forward."
Stedman says: "I'm excited about the direction Evermore has
taken and the promise that lies before us. Over seventy percent
of people who live in this corridor work somewhere else and are
forced to commute. If we can bring the jobs and businesses to the
district it will mean that this will be a place where people can
truly live, work, shop and relax in a community that enhances the
quality of life for all. With fewer commuters, we will lessen the
congestion on our roadways and attract the high quality retail,
office and entertainment venues we all enjoy."
Biden good choice, but is Obama's star falling
a little?
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
AUG. 26, 2008 -- If you're a political animal, you probably have
additional television duty this week watching the Democratic National
Convention. Coming on the heels of many having two weeks of Olympics
television time, it's a little like too much time in the Couch Potato
saddle.
Brack |
How will Sen. Barack Obama's picking of Sen. Joe Biden play for
the Democrats, and particularly, for the undecided voters? Only
time will tell if it was an inspired choice or an unfortunate choice.
We must admit we were surprised. It's unusual for either parties
to pick two senators to be on the ticket. For that reason, we thought
the vice presidential choice would be another sort of Democrat,
possibly a state governor, or even some other choice out of left
field. To have two senators sharing the ticket is unique.
But Senator Obama has taken the offense in getting his choice of
running mate out there for the Republicans to see. One thing that
must be said about the vice presidential candidacy of Mr. Biden:
he seems to have been vetted heavily, and should have no skeletons
in his closet. He's widely admired for his skill and for his longevity,
especially in Foreign Affairs. At first glance, he seems highly
acceptable. And he has some age on him, which is certainly acceptable
giving Senator Obama's relative youthfulness. He balances the ticket
nicely.
Obama, right, talks with a voter. |
The big question that the Democrats now face in Denver is if they
can come together with drive and determination. They have been through
rough primaries in the past, and seem to patch up their wounds,
and campaign strongly. So much of this coming together rests with
both the Clintons, Hillary and Bill. Our guess is that with Hillary
possibly still holding presidential aspirations, she will insure
that all seems well, and the Democrats will on the surface, and
possibly completely, emerge as a strong party pulling together.
* * * * *
How many times have you heard this phrase: "It's his to lose."
That's the way we have looked on the presidential campaign so far,
with the misguided policies of the current Republican administration,
with some conservative Republicans miffed at John McCain, and with
the freshness that Barack Obama brings the Democrats, it was Obama
well in front, and "his to lose."
Well, the Democrats better come together strongly, for in the last
few weeks, we've thought that Obama's star was falling, not rising.
Some way, somehow, the efforts of not so much John McCain, but somehow
Barack Obama seems to us to be less spectacular in the minds of
the voters. Maybe it's racism, maybe's it's too much of the spotlight
on him, or maybe it's Obama's lack of extended depth.
From well ahead, to about even, is not a good sign for Barack Obama.
We'll see.
* * * * *
Unless you are one of those political gurus who can't get enough
of the campaign, you may have been as unaware as I was about why
the Democrats are holding their convention first.
Somehow we had missed this: the reigning party in power, in this
case the Republicans, always hold their convention after the challengers.
That explains the timing of the two conventions, and as Americans
are wont to do, seems to give an advantage to the party in power
to pick their nominees, including their vice president.
* * * * *
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Our presidential quiz had an unknown
running for president, one guy named McKinney. Of course, it should
have been William McKinley. Our error and our apologies, but only
several of you let us know of this slip of print! So, shame on us.
Keep us always alert.
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The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's featured sponsor is The
Gwinnett Center, which is home to three distinct facilities
right here in Duluth. The Convention Center offers patrons the opportunity
to host or attend a wide variety of events; from corporate meetings
to trade shows, to social occasions. The Performing Arts Center
has an intimate capacity of 700 guests, which is home to many local
events, family shows and even the occasional comedic performer.
The Arena, enjoying its fifth year, has experienced tremendous success.
The lineup includes American Idol, The Cure, Keith Urban and Carrie
Underwood,, our first urban show with Kanye West and the ECHL American
Conference Champions Gwinnett Gladiators. We welcome the return
of the Georgia Force for their 2008 season. We are also proud to
announce that the Gwinnett Center is now completely wireless to
meet your technological needs. Visit www.gwinnettcenter.com
for updates on events at the three great facilities.
Mourns
loss of giant tree in Peachtree Corners area
Editor, the Forum:
It's a sad day in Fox Hill in Peachtree Corners today, friends
and neighbors.
The big tree in the Sizemores' yard we fought so hard to save a
few years ago is coming down. Tree cutters have been working on
it all day. One of them told me he hates it, but that's what the
homeowner wants. He also said it seems to be slowly dying - limbs
are hollow and have fungus and ants.
If there's anything anyone knows to do to save this tree that predates
us, predates Georgia, and probably even predates the United States
- please do it now!
-- Jan Kennedy, Norcross
Dear Jan: Seems like it is too late now. However,
other areas of the county may have old, beautiful trees worth
saving. Others should be on the lookout and make the property
owners aware of how valuable and unique such trees are. We join
with you in lamenting the loss of these big guys! -eeb
Feels more dialogue
might be constructive in debate
Editor, the Forum:
I think it might be constructive for your Forum to invite a dialogue
on the recent public reaction to Alvin Wilbank's comments about
the statistics on the discipline of minority students and the report
itself.
-- Alvin Johnson, Sandy Springs
Dear Alvin: We hear you. Yet at the same time,
we feel the School Board has in the past handled most of these
problems, if not all, with dispatch and evenness. We hope (and
think) they are on the right track. Heavy input could exacerbate
the situation. We are not Clayton County. -- -eeb
Decatur
Book Festival offers many possibilities this weekend
Festival organizers are proud to announce that the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival is the largest independent
book festival in the country. Although Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago,
and many other cities host major book festivals, only DBF is operated
independently. Others are controlled by large parent organizations.
The festival, held August 29-31 on and around the downtown Decatur
Square, has always had a strong independent streak. The 50,000+
attendees that descend on Decatur over Labor Day weekend revel in
the local businesses as much as they do the great writers. This
year, those businesses are getting more involved than ever before.
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Mingei World Arts at 427 Church Street is
bringing Daryn Kagan, former CNN news anchor, for a signing of her
new book, What's Possible! 50 True Stories of People Who Dared
to Dream They Could Make a Difference.
Sharon Franco Rothschild, owner of a Decatur boutique and knitting
studio will debut her new book, Sweater Renewal: Felting Knits
into New Sweaters and Accessories.
Southern Cooking Favorite Delia Champion will be stopping by Taste
at 416 Church Street on Saturday at 2 p.m. Champion will be discussing
Southern cooking, along with signing copies of her book, The
Flying Biscuit Café Cookbook. Other items:
- Java Monkey will host the local author's stage, including an
Invitational Poetry Slam.
- Sage is hosting the Atlanta Writer's Club for a Sunday brunch
with DBF authors.
- Eddie's Attic will host singer/songwriters and published authors
who will talk about their books during the day, and at night,
Eddie's has scheduled their return to the stage as musicians.
- The Cook's Warehouse will lend its kitchen to master chefs who
will give cooking demonstrations to festival attendees.
- Twain's Billiards and Tap will host the Writer's Conference
Happy Hour.
For more information, visit www.decaturbookfestival.com.
"Save America"
rally set for Central Gwinnett Stadium Sept. 3
A "Save America 2008" rally will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday,
September 3, 2008 at Central Gwinnett High School's stadium. Sponsored
by area civic, religious, and business leaders, the event will feature
a keynote speaker, Dr. William Sheals, pastor of Hopewell Baptist
Church of Norcross. Other participants will include NFL stars William
Andrews and Stacey Bailey.
Save America 2008's vision statement declares that the group's
goals are "to reestablish the United States of America as 'One
Nation, Under God', and to dedicate America to energy independence
and a balanced budget."
Strickland |
Save America 2008 was founded by a group which feels that our nation
has compromised America's founding vision and jeopardized its future.
According to Clyde Strickland, one of the upcoming rally's organizers,
the group emerged out of conversations about how far America's original
religious and philosophical values we have wandered. As the discussions
continued, the group realized that it had a duty to do more than
complain.
An initial meeting August 7 in Lawrenceville drew over 100 people.
Leaders we appointed, and the rally and several other marches planned.
For more information about the September 3rd rally at the Central
Gwinnett stadium, visit the website www.SaveAmerica2008.com.
Flicks on Bricks,
Fall Festival upcoming in Duluth
The Flicks on the Bricks and the Summer Stage Concert Series continues
in the City of Duluth. All movies begin at dusk.
Here's a schedule of upcoming Flicks on the Bricks:
- Saturday - Sept. 13, 2008, Surf's Up.
- Saturday - Oct. 25, 2008, Scooby Doo.
Meanwhile, Duluth is readying for its annual Fall Festival, set
for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28. For more information, go to
www.duluthfallfestival.org.
Gwinnett Reading Festival
set at Fairgrounds on Oct. 14
The Gwinnett County Public Library will present the second annual
Gwinnett Reading Festival on Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. until
4 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.
The festival is a free event to encourage the love of reading and
to promote literacy in our community. Readers, authors, and educational
vendors join together in a community-wide celebration of reading
for all ages.
Activities for children include storytelling, crafts, and a special
appearance by Spider-Man; activities for teens include Sumo Wrestling,
gaming, and artist workshops; and adults will have the opportunity
to meet local, regional, and national authors including Rick Bragg,
Carmen Deedy and Steve Martini.
Every child that attends will receive a free book. For more information,
visit www.gwinnettpl.org
or call 770-978-5154.
County votes restrictive
covenant on Sweetwater Creek
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has voted to record
a restrictive covenant on a stream restoration project site along
Sweetwater Creek to ensure the property will remain in a restored
or preserved state in perpetuity. A recorded restrictive covenant
is required to establish the project as a mitigation banking site,
thereby allowing stream or wetland restoration credits to be awarded
by the US Army Corps of Engineers, deposited into the county's mitigation
bank and later sold by the county. Credits are awarded when the
County restores, enhances or preserves streams and/or wetlands.
When public and private entities incur unavoidable losses to streams
and wetlands during construction, they must offset that loss by
completing restoration work themselves or purchasing restoration
credits from a mitigation bank. It is expected that selling credits
will help the county offset current project costs at the Sweetwater
Creek site and also generate funds to conduct additional stream
restoration projects elsewhere. The Gwinnett County Mitigation Bank,
along with each credit-generating project, is authorized by the
US Army Corps of Engineers with input from the US EPA, US Fish and
Wildlife and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
* * * * *
The Gwinnett commission is accepting a United States Environmental
Protection Agency Section 319 grant to help stabilize and clean
up an impacted tributary to the North Fork of Peachtree Creek in
south Gwinnett. The amount of the grant is $600,000 and will require
local matching funds in the amount of $400,000 for a total project
budget of $1 million.
The project is located on County-owned property along a tributary
of the North Fork of Peachtree Creek west of Jimmy Carter Boulevard
and just south of Interstate 85. This stream currently does not
meet the State of Georgia's water quality standards and is considered
one of the more impacted streams in the County.
Gwinnett County is required under various permits to evaluate and
take action to improve the water quality in such streams identified
as being in non-compliance.
Cancel
Your Own #$&%$ Subscription
"A friend sent along a copy of a Bill Buckley book that, as
his other books, proved worthwhile reading. Cancel Your Own (Expletive)
Subscription is nothing more than letters between Bill Buckley
and readers of the National Review, which he founded in 1955. We
learn that besides his prolific writings and public appearances,
he had a massive correspondence with readers and detractors. We
think of this as a dip-in, dip-out book perfect for the bedside.
It may take me a year to read, but it'll be a great read just before
sleep. The title comes from a detractor and subscriber to his magazine
who berates Buckley for some transgression, asking him to cancel
his subscription. The title is Buckley's answer to his letter. "
-- eeb
- 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
In 1948, Dixiecrats
win most Southern states, but not Georgia
The Dixiecrats
were members of the States' Rights Democratic Party, which splintered
from the Democratic Party in 1948.
Thurmond
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The faction consisted of malcontented southern delegates to the
Democratic Party who protested the insertion of a civil rights plank
in the party platform and U.S. president Harry S. Truman's advocacy
of that plank.
When the Democratic national convention convened in July 1948,
some Alabama and Mississippi delegates were prepared to walk out
of the convention if the civil rights platform passed. When it did,
all of the Mississippi delegates and half of the Alabama delegates
stormed out of the convention. On July 17, 1948, the Alabama and
Mississippi delegations, and a few individual delegates from other
southern states, met in Birmingham, Alabama, to select a presidential
ticket to oppose the Democrats. The Dixiecrats chose South Carolina's
governor, Strom Thurmond, for president and Fielding L. Wright,
governor of Mississippi, for vice president.
The goal of the Dixiecrats was twofold. First, the splinter party
hoped to deny both the Democrats and Republicans a majority in the
electoral college, forcing the election into the U.S. House of Representatives.
Second, Dixiecrat leaders maneuvered to have the Thurmond-Wright
ticket declared the "official" Democratic Party ticket
on the ballots of all southern states..
On election day 1948, the Dixiecrats won Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi,
and South Carolina but failed to win any state in which Thurmond
appeared as a third-party candidate. In Georgia, Thurmond came in
a distant second to President Harry Truman. A closer analysis of
the Dixiecrat phenomenon revealed an interesting pattern: the Dixiecrats
were most successful in the states and counties where black citizens
were the most numerous.
Although the Dixiecrats immediately dissolved after the 1948 election,
their impact lasted much longer. Many white voters who initially
cast Dixiecrat ballots gravitated back toward the Democratic Party
only grudgingly, and they remained nominal Democrats at best. Ultimately,
the Dixiecrat movement paved the way for the rise of the modern
Republican Party in the South. Many former Dixiecrat supporters
eventually became Republicans, as was highlighted by Strom Thurmond's
conversion in the 1960s.
There's money to be
made tearing down, too
"What most people don't seem to realize is that there is just
as much money to be made out of the wreckage of a civilization as
from the upbuilding of one."
--Gone with the Wind Author Margaret Mitchell (1900-1949),
via Roy McCreary, Dacula.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
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Forum for future publication.
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
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