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Questions county and kennel club actions
about ordinance
By
Randy DeCarlo
Special to GwinnettForum
LILBURN, Ga., Sept. 9, 2008 -- At the August 26 Gwinnett Board
of Commissioners meeting, a proclamation was approved designating
Saturday, September 6 as "Responsible Dog Owners Day, 2008".
This was part of a nationwide campaign by the American Kennel Club
to promote purebred dogs.
Promoting responsible dog ownership as a means of "enhancing
our relationships with our canine companions" is inconsequential
in a county where pet owners are forced to struggle with a draconian
animal ordinance drafted and recommended for passage by local AKC
legislative liaison Gail Laberge.
The revised animal ordinances criminalize many aspects of owning
pets in Gwinnett. Crimes such as leaving your canine out in your
yard for more than 30 minutes can lead to a six month jail term,
up to $1,000 in fines and loss of your beloved family pet.
My dog barking case only accentuates the problems caused under the
controversial ordinance. My guilty verdict supported only by a three
minute video taken on a Sunday afternoon, lead to a sentence of
two years probation, which is twice what is routinely handed out
for first time DUI offenders. Does our county leadership view canine
behaving like canines as a more serious threat than those who choose
to drink and drive?
Truly responsible pet owners are left to wonder why our county governmental
officials would seek to promote purebred puppies as superior choices
over the hundreds of wonderful pets that are killed each month at
our county funded animal shelter. Wouldn't an "adopt a homeless
pet day" at our SPLOST-financed county shelter send a more
responsible message to those families seeking to add a new family
pet?
Lawrenceville Kennel Club's spokesperson Gail Laberge addressed
the enormous increase in shelter killings in our brand new animal
facility by explaining "the increase is because most of the
dogs are unadoptable." They may not be puppies, but every dog
I ever adopted from the county shelter has turned out to be a wonderful
companion friend.
With Gail's role as the chairperson for Gwinnett's Animal Advisory
Council, these comments are inexcusable and only show the disconnect
the GAAC has in advising on animal welfare issues in Gwinnett. Gail
Laberge might claim that the Lawrenceville Kennel Club is "committed
to the residents in Gwinnett and their beloved canines" but
her actions prove otherwise. The Lawrenceville Kennel Club not only
fails to protect the rights to own pets for your average pet owner,
but in fact threatens their own constituents with the new animal
ordinance as well.
Our county pet owners are not committed to AKC's agenda while local
shelter dogs are left to die.
New history book on Gwinnett County is now
in publication
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
SEPT. 9, 2008 -- Today is Announcement Day to GwinnettForum readers,
the announcement of a project we've been wanting to tell you about
for months. After three-plus years of effort, the Gwinnett history
book that I have been working on has been sent out for publication.
We're hoping to have it available for sale in October.
Brack |
There's still plenty of work to do with the book. We're in the
midst of doing something now we've never done: reading the galley
proofs. It's a difficult task to catch every typo or error that's
pops up, seemingly out of nowhere. But an even more daunting task
is reading what you have written perhaps one, or two or even three
years ago, and realizing that it's not a good sentence, or even
confuses you, when you were the one writing it.
So, we learn again: "Writing is re-writing." It never
fails, and especially seems to happen when you actually see the
words on paper in the galley proof, instead of seeing it on a computer
or on a printed single sheet.
Besides asking when the history will be out, perhaps the single
other question has been: "Who's publishing the book?"
Why this interest in who the publisher is, I'll never know. But
you know the publisher, and it's GwinnettForum, that is, none other
than me.
Back when originally conceiving the book, we suggested the idea
to university presses, and did not get a positive response. Perhaps
they thought the book would be another of those family histories
with little value to others, or maybe they thought it would be arcane
effort at local history. Or maybe they didn't think the book was
wide enough in scope. After all, the place we anticipate selling
these books is mainly in Gwinnett County, Georgia, not New York
or Washington.
We take solace that there are nearly 800,000 people in Gwinnett.
Perhaps enough will buy the book to have made it worthwhile.
We can tell you it'll be a handsome hardback, and will cover at
least 900 pages. The text of the galley proof is over 600 pages,
plus we'll have about 100 photos in the book, and then there are
the appendices. You see, early on, we realized that one of the best
ways to show the growth and scope of activities in Gwinnett was
simply to produce a series of tables, about lots of subjects over
the years, from miles of paved roads, to school enrolments, to number
of farms, and of course, to the many officials of the county and
its 15 cities, and what year they were in office.
The result is about 125 tables, including officers of civic clubs,
members of leadership groups, and even state high school championships
won by various Gwinnett schools.
We've had a tremendous amount of help from people from throughout
Gwinnett to compile the history, and the statistics, of the county.
We're indebted to them for their information, and often, their patience,
in working with us.
Oh, yes. We haven't told you the title. For that, go to this new
Web site and learn more, and read about some of what will be in
the book: http://www.elliottbrack.com.
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Georgia Campus-Philadelphia College
of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM Georgia's newest medical college,
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here to learn more.
Brings
point by restating speech given back in 1945
Editor, the Forum:
Roger Hagan in GwinnettForum
on Sept.
5 obviously has his own pro-Obama/anti-McCain agenda, for which
he trots out a slew of Democratic talking points. But I wonder if
Sarah Palin was a Democrat, would she be praised instead? And taking
three paragraphs to compare to Hillary? Who cares anymore?
But I didn't see anything that refuted any of my other points on
decision-making via deal-making skills, lack of Individual responsibility
as part of Democratic platform, military experience vs. community
organizing experience, and the overall Democratic big-government
attitude.
That's not to say that Republicans don't have a big-government attitude
of their own. They do; it's just not as big and they aren't proud
of it.
In June, 1945, my grandfather, Superior Court Judge T. Hicks Fort
of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, in an address to Kiwanis,
recited "The Great American Cannots", by Rev. William
J. H. Boetcker. I'm going to turn them around and paraphrase. Doesn't
this describe American 21st century government, from both parties?
1. We will bring about prosperity by discouraging savings.
2. We will strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
3. We will help small men by tearing down big men.
4. We will help the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
5. We will tell you to keep out of debt by spending more than
you make.
6. We will help the poor by destroying the rich.
7. We think sound security can be established on borrowed money.
8. We will tell you independence can be attained by being dependent
on us.
9. We will tell you character and courage do not need individuality
and initiative, and we will put pains and penalties on honesty.
10. We will help men permanently by doing for them what they can
and should do for themselves.
11. We will further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
Again, my point here is that while both parties have this agenda,
at least the GOP does not promote it, and appear to try to swim
against the current, while the Dems seem to relish in it.
So, in my mind the GOP are the lesser of two evils, but Mr. Hagan
seems to have an "absolutely no evil" view of the Democrats.
-- Tom Fort, Lawrenceville
Dear Tom: First, I have shortened your letter,
and cut out the catcalls between you and Roger. Keep to the issue.
I tried to shorten it so that your paraphrasing of your grandfather's
presentation was the key factor. And to shorten the long letter.
You and other letter writers need to keep as short as possible,
for two reasons: 1. Keep interest among readers; and 2, allow
space for others. The dialogue is fine, but needs to be short
and sweet as possible. --eeb
Would be helpful for
candidates to write their own speeches
Editor, the Forum:
Wouldn't it be helpful to voters if all those running for office
at all levels had to by law write their own speeches? I think it
would help us make up our minds on election days to decide who would
serve us best.
-- Nancy South, Jesup
Dear Nancy: It may not be illegal, but the TV
networks would scream about losing their ratings if candidates
had to write their own speeches, for they would no doubt be dull,
dull, dull. The current method may have us elect the candidate
who can read a canned speech the best.---eeb
Tom
Simmons in Funny Fridays series at Aurora Theatre
Funny Fridays at the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville continues
a huge season of comedy on September 12 with a twist on the already
popular series.
After whetting Gwinnett's appetite for comedy, it is time to make
room for headliner Tom Simmons. He is a veteran performer who will
present a show comprised of all stand-up comedy.
Simmons' show is derived from today's top headlines. Prepare to
see a gamut of comedy, from a rapid-fire delivery, to a detailed
story, even the sharp cut of a clever quip, all told with his signature
sheepish grin. He has appeared on stage in many American cities,
and in Canada, plus Iraq and Afghanistan.
All comedians for Funny Fridays are provided by the original Uptown
Comedy Corner. Performances will be at 7:30 and 10 p.m. on Friday,
September 12. Tickets are $15 and may be booked at www.auroratheatre.com,
or by calling 678.226.6222.
Sierra Club to hear
traffic expert at Sept. 18 meeting
For all the talk of traffic meltdown in metro Atlanta, there are
positive transportation trends within the Metro Atlanta. Join the
Greater Gwinnett Group of the Sierra Club Thursday, September 18,
as Lee Biola, president of Citizens for Progressive Transit, a grassroots
organization advocating balanced transportation solutions for metro
Atlanta, speaks about how Metro Atlanta and other regions of the
state can solve many of their problems without state money.
The Sierra Club meets at Berkmar High School in the media center
with the program to begin at 7:30 pm. For questions, contact Tom
Morrissey at thmorrissey@bellsouth.net
or call (404) 513-4069.
25th Anniversary Suwanee
Day Festival is September 20
Suwanee's annual fall festival will commemorate its 1980s roots
with its 25th celebration 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, September 20,
at Town Center Park. Traditional favorites and a few new twists
will be part of this year's family festival.
More than 170 exhibitors will offer a variety of arts and crafts,
fine art, and food. Gertrude Thomas, 83, will be there just as she
has been every year since 1984 when she was one of two vendors at
the inaugural festival. She'll be selling bars of her secret-recipe
peanut brittle, which typically sells out shortly after lunchtime.
"There were only two of us [exhibitors] the first year,"
recalls Thomas. "The next year, there were two or three more.
As it went on, it just got bigger and bigger. Now, it's humongous.
I guess you can find just about anything you'd be looking for."
The Suwanee Day parade grand marshal is the Michael Phelps who
is a 19-year-old Suwanee area resident, Auburn University student,
and up-and-comer on the NASCAR race circuit. Phelps will lead off
the 10 a.m. parade, the theme of which is, appropriately, "totally
'80s."
The Suwanee Day festival is going green. With the assistance of
gold sponsor Allied Waste, the festival will recycle paper, plastic,
aluminum, and cardboard.
The first Suwanee Day was held in May 1984. About 75 people attended
the event held behind the current Gwinnett County Fire Station #13.
Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.suwaneeday.com.
Police get ability
to identify people in field wirelessly
Gwinnett Police and other law enforcement officers will soon be
able to check photos and fingerprints in the field using a new wireless
system called Rapid ID. County commissioners recently agreed to
join a $1.28 million regional system being established in the metro
Atlanta area.
Grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the
Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) will provide workstations
and handheld units to 23 agencies. In Gwinnett, those agencies include
Gwinnett Police, Gwinnett Sheriff and city police departments in
Duluth and Lawrenceville.
Fish and Wildlife
Service funds fish habitats in Georgia
Recognizing the need to fix crumbling stream-banks and dilapidated
culverts, and to improve water quality for brook trout and other
aquatic species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently provided
more than $3 million to support 70 fish habitat projects in 31 states
across the nation. With an additional $7.8 million in partner contributions,
the projects will restore and enhance stream, lake, and coastal
habitat to improve recreational fishing and help recover endangered
species.
Funding for National Fish Habitat Action Plan Partnership projects
in the Southeast includes:
- Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, Lake Oconee,
Ga., $114,286 in service funds and $29,740 in partner funds to
enhance and restore island habitat in Lake Oconee.
- Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, lower Flint
River, Ga., $5,714 in service funds and $10,400 in partner funds
to enhance and restore springs feeding the lower Flint River.
- Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, Chattahoochee National
Forest, Ga., $40,000 in service funds and $72,500 in partner funds
to restore brook trout in 13.6 miles of in stream habitat in 15
Chattahoochee National Forest Streams.
- 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
W.C. Pauley first
registered landscape architect in state
William
C. Pauley was the first professionally trained landscape architect
to establish a permanent practice in Atlanta. He worked to achieve
the registration of landscape architects in Georgia and, following
the adoption of professional registration, was granted the first
state license to practice landscape architecture. Pauley's career
included designing the campuses and grounds for more than 100 schools
and colleges in the Southeast, 35 hospitals, and 18 cemeteries.
He was also involved to varying degrees in the planning for 50 parks
in Georgia.
Pauley |
William Crooks Pauley was born in Lafayette, Ind. He earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in 1916 from Purdue University, and a Master of
Landscape Architecture degree in 1918 from Massachusetts Agricultural
College (later University of Massachusetts at Amherst). Pauley and
his wife, Frances, had two daughters, Mary and Joan. Frances Pauley
became a well-known social activist and political organizer in Atlanta.
In 1919 Pauley moved to Atlanta. Early in his career, he designed
a number of significant private estates and residences in Georgia.
Perhaps his most important design is the Gardens at Bankshaven in
Newnan, which was built during the 1920s and 1930s in collaboration
with the historian William Banks' father. Another important project
was Hurt Park, built as a memorial to the Atlanta builder, financier,
and philanthropist Joel Hurt. The Atlanta park is located between
Central Avenue and Courtland Street, with the Hurt Building in sight.
Pauley's notable projects outside Georgia include his design for
the Lake Eola fountain in Orlando, Fla., which forms the centerpiece
for Orlando's downtown park, and the grounds for the Grand Hotel
in Point Clear, Ala.
Pauley was active in Atlanta civic affairs, including the preservation
of Fernbank Forest in the Druid Hills neighborhood. He died in 1985.
Another consideration
of what heaven will be like
"The diversity of heaven will be far greater than anything
we earth-bound humans can possibly imagine. If we plan on going
to heaven, let us begin now to embrace with rejoicing and love the
gift of diversity that is in us in our time and place."
-- P.J. Woodall, interim rector, Christ Episcopal Church,
Norcross.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
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