Ongoing crisis of no sense

Disclaimer: Though this is a serious issue with serious implications, large amounts of sarcasm are used in the following opinion. Sometimes it's better to laugh than to cry. Proceed at your own risk.

Georgians will be without drinking water

Recently, a federal judge ruled that metro Atlanta residents have no right to tap Lake Lanier for their drinking water. Because that function was not originally authorized when the lake was built 50 years ago, 3 million people could be without a single source of water if a compromise with Florida and Alabama is not reached within three years.

Act takes power away from you

My dad used to say: "Your freedom ends where my nose begins."

Are DDT, nuclear power, swine flu scary?

How soon we forget who the "boogie man" is. In the 1970s it was the little ice age followed by mad cow disease. Then DDT became the bad guy on the planet.

No place to hide when taxes go up

I've written about my aversion to backdoor property tax increases since before I was first elected to the Legislature in 2000.

Health care reform puts health of the U.S. at risk

Despite President Barack Obama's utopian fantasy to provide "free" health care to all Americans, Congress cannot help but make someone pay the price for such reform.

Lucky for us, Georgia isn’t California

On July 1, California became the first state in the country to issue IOUs instead of being able to pay its bills.

Banks continue to be aggressive with assets

Last month, the 400 North Board of Realtors reported a total of 17 sales county wide for April.

Is Independence Day 2009 different than 1776?

There will be Independence Day celebrations in virtually every county in the state. The Independence Day celebration in Dahlonega should be another showcase event. Once again we will be reading portions of the Constitution.

Gold Museum will open 7 days

Last week, Dahlonega's Mayor hosted a meeting with the State Director of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites to discuss keeping the Gold Museum open every day, rather than having to close it Mondays and Tuesdays to meet DNR budgetary requirements.

Take advantage of a staycation

ATLANTA - Kids are out of school and ready for their summer vacation. But right now, most families are more worried about keeping a steady paycheck and putting food on the table than booking costly airline tickets or hotel rooms.

In touch with local government

As most everyone knows, the Dawson County Government is in the process of designing and building a new courthouse and administration building.

Dining out on the taxpayers’ dime

Just a day before President Obama promised another $30 billion of taxpayer money to bail out General Motors, he and the First Lady jetted to New York City for a night out on the town. They enjoyed a lavish dinner and choice seats to a Broadway show - all on the taxpayers' dime.

Raising high school standards to meet needs

Last Wednesday, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, reeling from a 39 percent state budget cut, announced a series of "heart-wrenching" moves designed to deal with the spending cuts and a 24 percent drop in revenue.

Remembering our military on Memorial Day

"The kids today don't know the history. That's because their teachers and parents don't know. But I try to tell them."

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.