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- Thursday, May 23, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
Leaders may finally see limits
Don't look now but I think you are beginning to have some impact on the issue of unlimited lobbying expenditures in the Legislature. Our politicians seem none too happy about having to derail their gravy train. They have tried to ignore you (and me) or, when necessary, explain to us in the most condescending manner the fact that just because they get to take expense-paid trips to fancy resorts (or Germany) or get free meals ...
Session begins under Gold Dome
The Legislative Session is under way and it is off to a busy start. Gov. Nathan Deal delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday. During the speech he discussed his key legislative agenda items for the year and delivered his proposed budget to the General Assembly.
Keeping control of Medicaid
The 2013 legislative session kicked off last week and the Georgia State Senate wasted no time getting to work. Although many issues will pass through the legislature this year, the decision on whether or not to continue the hospital provider fee as a funding mechanism for the state's Medicaid program is one that has received media attention for the past several months.
Stick with local papers
I have the privilege of being with a group of newspaper publishers at the Georgia Press Association's winter gathering in Atlanta this week. It is one of those times I wish my momma and daddy were still around to see the crowd their little boy is hanging out with these days. Momma would be pleased; Daddy would be surprised.
State needs Medicaid expansion
Last week in Sen. Steve Gooch's editorial he spoke of the horrors of implementing ObamaCare. He gave us some biased figures meant to convince people that Gov. Nathan Deal's refusal to implement the health care provisions in this act is good for the people of Georgia.
We can make a difference
The Dawsonville Downtown Development Authority, or DDA, has partnered with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government to focus on how best to attract new businesses, support existing businesses and improving the sights and sounds of the downtown area - short and long term. It sounds exciting, doesn't it?
Session has started
The 2013 Legislative Session has officially started. I was honored to be sworn in as your 9th State House District Representative on Monday morning.
Georgia’s health care future
My family and I have been lucky enough to escape the terrible flu that is going around (knock on wood). Sure, we've had a few sniffles, but nothing that some tissues and a movie night at home couldn't fix. For the most part, we have escaped the long waits in the waiting room at the doctor's office.
Looking forward to serving
I can honestly say that 2012 was an exciting year for my family. We have been humbled by the tremendous support we received as I was elected to fill the state house seat being vacated by Amos Amerson.
Life lessons from a child
Dear Cameron Charles Yarbrough: Over the years it has been a tradition at the first of the year to impart some words of wisdom in this space to your father, uncle and cousins, who double as my grandsons.
Man thankful for kindness
Back during the month of September, my wife and I were riding our motorcycle to Florida through your town. I had stoped for gas at a local station but all I had was a $100 bill, which they could not make change for.
Georgia’s budget situation
I know I am "preaching to the choir" when I say December has been a busy month for my family. Christmas gatherings, community programs and events, finding the perfect gifts for loved ones - our calendar has certainly been full. There won't be much of a break between the holidays and the 2013 legislative session for me, but I don't mind. I am humbled by your support in this year's election, and consider it an ...
The same ol’ song list
I own 49 CDs of holiday music. For you young people, a CD is what music was recorded on prior to iTunes and MP3s. I know I have that many because every holiday season I have to remove 49 CDs from my CD player that holds 300 discs. I put in the holiday music and let her rip for the season.
Sorry Mayans, but there is a new year ahead
I was hoping that for once the Mayans would be right about something and that the world would have ended on Dec. 21 as they had said it would. That would have taken care of the fiscal cliff and all the politicians that caused it. A little fire and brimstone would serve them right.
In the midst of it all, Christmas
As I write this, 'tis a few days before Christmas and all is not well. As you read it, the "right jolly old elf" will have taken his reindeer out of sight, but beneath the rooftop, what will have changed?
Articles by Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
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.
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.
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