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- Tuesday, May 21, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
Real story on Gov. Perdue’s performance pay for teachers
I applaud the school boards in the 9th Georgia House District for making the same tough decisions that we at the capitol have been coping with. We have tried to cut the least from those who are the most vulnerable; still, some people and organizations can't seem to accept or deal with today's reality.
Real estate market in the new year
Greetings from your 400 North Board of Realtors.
Consumer-driven legislation headlines the week in session
Georgia consumers and businesses stand to benefit from two bills that have already received final passage by the full legislature this session. Banking customers in good standing, notably businesses and homeowners, now have a greater chance of getting their loans renewed.
Time for fire officials to change ways
Technology has improved and personal protective equipment and apparatus are safer, while building codes are better, but we are still losing 100 or more firefighters and around 2,000 civilians a year to fire.
No texting while driving is just plain common sense
The "no texting while driving" legislation (HB 944) had its first hearing last week. I want to thank Sally Sorohan for coming to the Capitol and testifying on behalf of the bill. Thanks also to all of you who have sent e-mails, written letters and made phone calls.
Senate plans to overhaul property taxes
Georgia's current property tax system places unnecessary financial burdens on families and individuals who are already struggling to survive in this grim economy.
When the people speak, Georgia’s Legislators listen
Unlike Washington D.C., when the people of Georgia speak, Georgia's Legislators listen.
Legislative focus on jobs continues
Moving into the third week of session, we continue to focus on the legislature's role in job growth for Georgia.
The battle has just begun
Last week's budget hearings continued to produce frustrations with more predictions of revenue shortfalls. Gov. Sonny Perdue introduced both the FY 2010 Amended Budget and the FY 2011 General Budget on Tuesday.
Budget dominates the session
As the Georgia General Assembly kicks off the 2010 Legislative Session, I'm honored to again represent the people of the 51st Senate District at the State Capitol. While our most immediate task is to balance the statewide budget, our overarching goal must be to revitalize Georgia's job sector. The state cannot hope to move forward until we create more jobs and get Georgians back to work. <font ...
Motorsports park should not defend speeders
I am writing regarding a troubling announcement made by the Atlanta Motorsports Park on Jan. 16. In a press release, the park offered any person ticketed under the new "Super Speeder" law a free half day of access to the park - if and when it is built. All they have to do is bring in their speeding ticket.
Check property values closely
The real estate foreclosure crises have played havoc with property values throughout the nation now for more than a year.
Bill introduces limiting texting, cell phone use while driving
Last week at the Capitol was not what we usually expected at the start of a session.
Commenting on others’ comments
As I write this on the last afternoon in 2009, I probably should be considering some of the many resolutions that could be made for 2010. Instead I am remembering the theme, which I had intended to use as a focus for a column a couple of weeks ago. Obviously, my first resolution might be to take my own frequent advice: Don't just intend, do it.
This year may also be interesting for home sales
Ready or not, 2010 is here. For the most part, 2009 was a year that will go down in the record books as a year of adjustments in the real estate industry.
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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