Vote ‘no’ on Nov. 6

It has been my honor to serve our students, parents and community on the Dawson County Board of Education for 23 years. During that time, I have taken my responsibility to act in the best interests of children very seriously. During the 23 years, I have never felt it necessary to write a letter to the newspaper on a single issue, as I now feel compelled to do regarding a constitutional amendment.

Pro-charter amendment forces bullying opponents

If the pro-charter amendment people are trying to win friends and influence voters to pass the measure in November, they have picked a bad way to do it. Attorney Glenn Delk and proponents are clearly trying to intimidate opponents of the amendment by accusing the state's 180 local school districts of illegally using taxpayer money to campaign against the amendment.

Agreeing with opinions of others

Recently, I've read several statements that I find highly interesting and want to share. I have also heard some good things, but it's safer to quote the written word unless one has a recorder.

School had impact on students with special needs

If you aren't careful, it is easy to get pessimistic these days. We have gotten too loud, too adversarial, too politically-correct, too ethically-challenged, too secular and too narrow-minded - not to mention slightly humor-impaired. Just when I think that maybe this world and those that occupy it are beyond redemption, I run across someone like Ava White and I am reminded that there are good people quietly doing good things for all the right reasons.

Like it or not, we have to make choices

Last week I had a chance conversation with a friend who succinctly summarized part of what many of us ordinary people have been thinking about present-day politics: "I just want to understand how some of these policies and pieces of legislation will affect me." Well, I thought, maybe politicians and pundits do explain their versions and it's like studying the Bible from different translations: It may be a matter of interpretation.

Junior E. Lee says UGA tops on list

Junior E. Lee, general manager of the Yarbrough Worldwide Media and Pest Control Company in Greater Garfield, Ga., just called me with what he said was an exciting development. It either had to be that he had the latest poll numbers on the presidential race - Junior runs our polling firm, Round or Square Polling Inc. - or that he had finally gotten the termites out of Arveen Ridley's barn - Junior is also a certified pest control professional.

What is that amendment about?

"Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?" That sounds like an innocuous question to be on the Nov. 6 ballot. My first question was: Why is a constitutional amendment necessary?

Leader refutes charter claims

With the vote on the charter school amendment just over a month away, the heat is getting intense. I know. I have felt it. I wrote a column a few weeks ago giving the pro-charter folks an opportunity to make their case for the amendment. For my trouble, a number of anti-charter advocates wondered if I was going soft on them and backers of the bill continued to accuse me of giving out "misinformation." I love this job.

Fear can paralyze

You would have thought someone would have checked this out before they sent this guy to help me, but apparently not. I came down out of the Mt. Hagen highlands of Papua New Guinea after about four weeks to finish up some work in the coastal swamps. I was out of the cool mountains and into the hot sticky flatlands. I met my help at the airstrip and we soon found ourselves pitching tents in a grassy reed area near some bogs.

If you haven’t already, you should

For this week, I really wanted to tackle a political issue, but that can wait a bit. Time is passing for some local events that, if you haven't already done so, I hope you will consider.

The party may be over for legislators

When the gavel bangs to open the 2013 session of the Georgia General Assembly, I would suggest the first order of business be to have Willie Nelson serenade our solons with "The Party's Over." Willie sings that song better than almost anybody and it would be an effective way to remind our intrepid public servants that there is a new sheriff in town. We the Unwashed are calling the shots on lobbying reform these days ...

Advocates present case for charter amendment

Rep. Edward Lindsey, R-Atlanta, majority whip of the Georgia House of Representatives asked me if I would talk to the proponents of the upcoming constitutional amendment on charter schools and get their side of the story. This was after Lindsey and I had publicly crossed swords over the issue.

Valuator useful to clarify opinions

I got called a "liberal" the other day by a reader in Cherokee County who doesn't think much of my opinions and suggested "Someone should retire his word processor." My word processor, Barney, was elated at the thought. Barney hates this job. When I brought Barney home, it was with the promise that he and I would create poetry. I was afraid to tell him the truth about writing snarky columns because I figured he ...

Wait times for Georgia driver’s licenses improving

On July 3, 2012, the Georgia Department of Driver's Services (DDS) enacted a secure ID program to enhance the integrity and security of your Georgia driver's license or identification card. In order to ensure that your renewal or application process runs smoothly, I would like to discuss how these changes will affect you - the constituents of the 51st Senate District.

Some ‘gleanings’ that are good anytime

With summer winding down, with school and football (How about those Tigers?) reving up, with the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention energizing the political scene, it's time to leave commenting on the contemporary to experts. Instead, let's relax with some quotations I have taken from various sources.

Commission in good hands

I have said it before, but let me repeat: I have no problem with charter schools. I did have a big problem with the ham-handed way last November's referendum was rammed through by proponents.

A two-step I’d rather not dance

To understand this column, one must be aware that since April 28, I have been in a "confined" situation not of my choosing.

Islam and history

The religion of extremist Islam is a mortal danger to the world and to the United States.

Waiting for atheists to create sunset

Dear God:

The Port of Savannah: Key to Georgia’s economic success

Georgia is well-known throughout the United States as a strong competitor for international business investment. Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, AFLAC and Delta Air Lines are as synonymous with Georgia as sweet tea and peaches - and each year, the list of companies that call Georgia "home" grows longer.

Revitalization interesting

It was interesting to read the recent recommendations for downtown Dawsonville revitalization. They were almost identical to the items we identified when the previous revitalization committee was active probably 15 years ago, including the desire to utilize the David house in some way. We also worked under the guidance of a University of Georgia planner, Paul Kreager.

Expert: Students are not blueberries

Dear public school teachers in Georgia:

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!