Saturday breakfast and politics

As I have done for the last nine years during the Legislative Session, I will hold Saturday breakfast with constituents in the district to keep you up to date on what's happening under the Gold Dome.

Job creation important factor

Along with the arrival of a new year comes the start of another legislative session. It's no secret that this year, legislators must find solutions to some challenging problems - a shrinking budget, securing access to water resources, funding transportation and fixing a broken property tax system.

Too little God and too much government

The above title may seem a bit unconventional, but if the wise men came back today they'd probably agree that we have too much government and not enough God.

Two more blessings just in time for Christmas

Last Thursday, two more blessings were heaped upon us. First, we had U.S.

Courthouse under budget

In 2006 the Dawson County Board of Commissioners initiated the necessary steps to determine the need for a new courthouse and administration facility. A company with expertise and a background in this type of project was hired by the county to research the need and to determine the size and scope of this project.

Tax credit enables more people to purchase

Let's talk turkey. Well maybe that wasn't such a great choice of words so let's talk about home sales then?

Time to count some of this year’s blessings

Christmas is right around the corner. That means it's time to count some of this year's blessings.

Georgia is the state for business

Georgia is open for business and will remain that way as long as we don't raise taxes.

Preview of amended 2010 budget

For the past six weeks, some of my fellow legislators and I have been preparing for the upcoming hard work on the amended 2010 budget.

Give more than thanks this year

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we reflect on what has been a financially tumultuous year for families and individuals across America.

New courthouse

Several years ago in the middle of rapid growth, I along with other county commissioners began to hear rumblings about the current courthouse.

Celebrating Veterans Day is special in the Amerson family

Celebrating Veterans Day has always been important to my family.

Honor America's heroes on Veterans Day

For generations, American men and women have risked their lives to defend our country on the front lines of battle. Rather than drive to an office each day and go home to their families at night, they work in war zones where danger lurks around every corner. Instead of watching their kid's sports games or dance recitals on weekends, they continue fighting to protect the people they love ...

Prices, inventory are on the decline in Dawson

Time is running out. The window of opportunity for the Federal and State Tax Credit is closing quickly.

First look at Georgia’s state 2010 budget

Over the last year, Georgia has seen historic drops in revenue. Our state has had only 10 years of revenue declines since 1952, and 2009 proved to have the most significant decline of those 10 years. Looking ahead to the 2010

Mayor mulls run against Gov. Deal

David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, is making noises about challenging incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary. Say what?

Session has ended

The legislative session has ended, and Gov. Nathan Deal has now either signed or vetoed every bill that passed the General Assembly.

What’s next for Georgia?

The debate surrounding second amendment rights received national attention a few weeks ago as the U.S. Senate voted down a bill that would require expanded background checks for firearm purchases.

Senior triumphs, inspires

Thankful for the community support

We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported the Lady Tigers basketball team this season.

The continued budget cuts

Senator Gooch recently wrote about the final budget for Georgia for fiscal year 2014.

Concert supports recovery

Relay for Life is a stunning example of what the caring, compassionate and hard-working people who live in Dawson County can accomplish.

Nothing to do but dress as Big Bird

RING! RING!

Ensuring returns on state’s transportation investment

When I was named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee in January, it was becoming clear that there could be some struggles with producing a balanced FY 2014 budget for Georgia.

Brings back memories of Atlanta attack

When the terrorist attacks occurred in Boston during the running of the Boston Marathon, memories came flooding back of our own dark days in Atlanta. It was 17 years ago, July 27, 1996, when those of us who were a part of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games had our worst fears realized. A pipe bomb detonated in the Centennial Olympic Park during the middle weekend of that worldwide celebration, killing two people and ...

You never really get back home

A friend and I met up in the massive Frankfurt airport's central lobby just by coincidence.

Education, Medicaid are areas of concern

One of the most challenging tasks the Georgia General Assembly takes on each year is sorting through the state's finances. Unlike legislation, the budget isn't something that can be carried over to the next biennial year.

Does this column sound familiar?

Has it really been 43 years since the first "Earth Day?" I remember it well; that's when I became an environmentalist.

Legislators need a push

It turns out that you can go home again. I recently established a chair in crisis communications leadership at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communi­cations at my beloved University of Georgia. UGA President-elect Jere Morehead, along with Dink NeSmith, chairman of the Board of Regents came for the ceremony and both made my family and me feel warmly welcomed on campus. That is something we haven't felt at my alma mater for a long time.

Team is UGA’s best-kept secret

They are the best University of Georgia athletic team you have likely never heard of. They have won five national titles and go into next week's national championships one of the favorites to win it all again.