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- Sunday, May 19, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
A senior citizen’s view on homestead tax exemption
With the 2010 General Election less than a week away, I feel compelled to speak out on this timely and important issue of homestead tax exemption for senior citizens in Dawson County.
The thought police are alive and well
Recently, "National Public Radio" terminated the contract of Juan Williams after comments the veteran journalist and news analyst made about Muslims on FOX's "The O'Reilly Factor" a few days before.
Senior citizens property tax relief does not hurt Georgia education
An opinion article recently printed was full of misleading information. The author of the column seems to believe that the senior citizens property tax relief items on the ballot would be detrimental to the school system. Her information is incorrect, as I will explain.
Energy and the environment
As the chairman of the House Committee on Science & Technology and as a member of the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, I have been asked to be a participant on the "Energy and Environment" panel for Georgia Tech's annual Legislative Roundtable.
Step right up
What'll you have? Have your order in your mind and your money in your hand.
Short-falls will continue if the tax system is not changed
It has become abundantly clear that the current tax system in Georgia will not produce the revenues to support requirements for our growing population. An expected short-fall of $1 billion to $2 billion is expected this fiscal year, and short-falls are expected to continue in future years if the tax system is not changed.
Sometimes it pays to think twice
Thinking twice about a decision doesn't necessarily mean changing one's mind: It really should ensure that we have garnered facts and considered angles.
Understanding amendments on the ballot
Many voters do not understand the five proposed State Constitutional Amendments on the November ballot and have asked me what they mean.
Guide to 2010 ballot questions
As you cast your vote in this year's general election, you will be asked to vote for or against five proposed changes to the state constitution. Each amendment was passed by the General Assembly during the 2010 legislative session and will appear on the ballot this year for voter approval. Following is a breakdown of each proposed amendment to give you a clearer understanding of the proposals you'll ...
Some events just demand comment
I'm writing this hurriedly to slide it in past deadline, but I promised the papers that I'd do it today. I just had to wait to see how the "10 Years of Bowen Center" gala turned out. And it was great.
Deal would give significant flexibility for local schools
As chairman of the House Science & Technology Committee, I was encouraged and enthusiastic with gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal's educational platform. He considers job creation to be the state's top priority and knows that jobs are "reliant on a top-notch education system that focuses on math, science and technology."
Hospitality key to draw tourists
As autumn approaches, the North Georgia mountains are gearing up for a busy fall season. Our beautiful mountain communities play host to a variety of activities in the fall, from the Ellijay Apple Festival, Oktoberfest in Helen, Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega and of course my personal favorite, the Dawsonville Moonshine Festival. These experiences are made all the more unique with Georgia's touch of Southern hospitality. Our ability ...
Getting our eyes back to the fall
During summer months, a number of regular activities are canceled or relaxed. Families are on vacation or just playing around at home; picnics and cookouts replace ordinary dinners; here in Lake Lanier country, water sports help to relieve heat stress.
It’s a sermon to struggle with
Although I sometimes mention something about my personal religious beliefs and I often get "preachy" about civic responsibilities, this may be my first attempt to use my column to deliver a sermon.
Finally, two consecutive months of positive revenue collections
Following the unprecedented downturn of the economy during the past two fiscal years, the positive revenue collections for June and July seem to signal a significant change in direction. But are two back-to-back months of positive revenue really good news?
Articles by Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
Knocking down the silos
I stood on an oil rig miles off the coast of Africa as the final pipe joints were pulled from a just completed well. The mood was somber because we had not found oil. The following week I sat in an uncomfortable meeting where our corporate vice president declared my efforts had resulted in the driest well in years. Back in my office overlooking the beautiful San Francisco hills I pondered what to do next with the project.
Skeeter not impressed with reform
When the phone rang, I knew who was on the other end: Skeeter Skates, owner of Skeeter's Tree Stump Removal and Plow Repair in Greater Metropolitan Pooler. I can't tell you exactly why but the phone always sounds more urgent when Skeeter calls. One thing about Skeeter Skates. He gets right to the point. Niceties aren't his style.
The final countdown
In January, the Georgia State Senate started the first term of the 152nd legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly with a challenging task list. We were asked to find a way to fill a large anticipated Medicaid shortfall, evaluate the ethical behavior of elected officials, do more with less in the state budget, revamp the state's juvenile justice system, clarify points from 2012's tax code overhaul and find ways to expand access to higher ...
Some more learnings to share
In my last column, I shared some observations about current happenings and promised some more. So here they are. As Christians observed Holy Week leading to Easter, one of the emphases has been on service and sacrifice.
Honoring District 51
One of the best parts about serving in the Georgia State Senate is the ability to honor groups and individuals in the Senate chamber. I am proud to represent District 51 at the State Capitol, and I am even more proud of the efforts that keep our district one of the best places to work and raise a family in Georgia. While the work we do in the Senate is great, it pales in comparison to the way each of you represents the pride and labors of our communities.
Some things I have been learning
It is IRS time and I've been putting together information to take to the CPS who has figured Taylor taxes for decades (one thing I have not completely learned). Surprisingly, I admit my gratitude that, even with a limited income, I usually must pay some extra dollars. That means that I have had money to live well enough and have something left. Fortunately, I don't have huge medical bills or credit interest payments and I ...
From the mountains to the ocean
It is a theological fact that God really likes Georgia. That is why He put mountains in north Georgia and the Golden Isles smack up against the Atlantic Ocean and added a bunch of lakes and parks and historical sites in between. Otherwise, we could have been Iran. Or Detroit. I stopped by last week to visit the man who is entrusted with these assets, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources Mark Williams, to ...
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