aPVOC-GA

Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Rally - VeteransPark

the Insanity – Fair Tax Now”, “Congress, I Stand For Integrity – Will You?”, “Stop Big Government”, “Vote The Bums Out!”, “It’s About Freedom”, “No More IRS”, “Taxed Enough Already – Support Fair Tax”, “We Are Not Your Welfare Slaves – Need Fair Tax”, and “I Owe How Much? – That’s Taxation Without Representation”. A number of speakers used the podium to get their point across to a cheering crowd: Dr Bill Mayberry (Rally Planner and Coordinator), Sarah Bell (Gainesville State College Instructor), Jay Hanley (Oconee GOP Party Chair), Bill Greene (creator of RightMarch Web site), Nikki Broun (for US Congressman Paul Broun), Rob Peecher (Publisher Oconee Leader Weekly), Bob Smith (Retiring State Rep), Bill Griffin (Clarke County GOP Chair), Kirk Shook (Oglethorpe County GOP Chair). Planners talked of having another TAX Protest nearer the time of the midterm elections in November 2010. Go to www.apvoc-ga.com to see photos of the event. NOTE: Not one local elected official attended to observe or participate in the citizen’s objection to tax increases. Taxes on the local level are too high also. Beware, the county is contemplating a 1.0 millage rate which will take about $50 more per year on a home worth $100,000 out of our pockets.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Home Values Going Down – Headline in Oconee Enterprise.    Above the fold, the weekly gave the citizens some good news: Assessment on our homes will be decreased. Publisher Vinnie Williams attended all 3-days of budget hearings at the courthouse. The bad news is that because assessment is decreased, the millage rate will have to be increased. Taxes down for one thing and up for another. If the millage rate is not increased, some additional services may be cut although most departments stated that there is no more room to trim their budgets. Look for a lively debate about a tax increase in a recession.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Washington D C’s TEA Party Event.    The TEA Party Express , a caravan of buses that started on the West Coast weeks ago and criss-crossed across the nation, arrived in Washington, D C yesterday.  The crowd numbered in the thousands, many converging on their representatives in the Halls of Congress  before gathering at Freedom’s Plaza located at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue to express their concerns and address their government. They were orderly, but carried many signs that indicated their anger at the U S Government’s out-of-control spending. There were a few opposition protesters at the scene, but no serious confrontation took place – SEIU union members tried to prevent a load of TEA Party members from getting off a bus to join their fellow demonstrators at the Plaza. TEA Party members and concerned persons from other groups number about 3 million but are adding more each day. Another bus ride and demonstration is scheduled for August and one in September by the various groups.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Democrats Want Bail-Out for Laid-Off Teachers.    Georgia House Minority Leader, DuBose Porter, Democratic candidate for Georgia Governor, has called on the federal government to pass a stimulus package that would re-instate all Georgia teachers that were laid off. Some of the stimulus money has been filtered down to all states to assist school systems, but Democrats want a package just for teachers who have lost their jobs and help for those who were took several days of furlough. Democratic Senator Tom Larkin from Iowa has introduced a bill that would do just that. Most Democrats are in favor and most Republicans are against the total relief, but rather they advocate for an inventory to remove the waste and fraud in the school systems first.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
National Day of Prayer Ruled Unconstitutional.   A U S District Judge (Barbara Crabb) in the district that includes the state of Wisconsin ruled that the National Day of Prayer created by Congress in 1952 is unconstitutional. The Freedom From Religion chapter in Wisconsin started the action stating that the traditional Day of Prayer violated the separation of church and state. A large group of anti-ruling participants gathered on the steps of the Wisconsin Capitol to pray. Some signs read “Obama cannot tell me not to pray.” A poll found that 56% of Americans favor the Day and only 5% oppose it. A rally participant stated that “no one in government has ordered us to come down here and pray.” Many groups all over the nation are gathering to do the same. The enforcement of the ruling has been suspended awaiting an appeal by the Justice Department ordered by the Obama Administration.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Clarke County BOE Approved 85 Layoffs.   The Clarke County Board of Education members had to make up a $9.6 million shortfall which resulted in a budget of $118.7 million, $3 million less than last year’s budget, but only after a total of 85 school positions were eliminated. That includes 52 paraprofessionals, 12 teachers, and the rest – office assistants. To fill the financial gap, the district’s punitive alternative school will be closed; transportation (buses) costs will be reduced; and the rest comes from the district fund balance (savings). Salaries eat up between 85% and 90% of most school budgets and once that area is cut, there’s not much left to cut without doing extensive damage to the education of students. Classroom size will increase but hopefully not to the extent first considered. Jackson County BOE approved 44 lay-offs; Barrow County is holding off approving a budget as long as possible waiting for legislative decisions in Atlanta to surface. As of this date, the Oconee BOE has not eliminated any teaching positions.

Friday, April 16, 2010
Georgia Schools Change to Semester System.    Nationwide, most schools of higher learning and  including  high schools are on the semester system – 2, 15-week periods rather than the 3, 10-week quarters. The same amount of credit load can be finished and the degrees can be obtained in the same amount of time, assured JR Taylor, Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia. Athens Tech announced today that it will switch from the quarter to semester system. The University of Georgia converted to the semester calendar several years ago as did most high schools, both Oconee High Schools included. The trend is to move entirely to the semester system in Georgia.

Friday, April 16, 2010
Oconee Science Teacher Travels to Ocean Floor.   Vicki Soutar, Science teacher at the Oconee County High School has taken her students on many virtual trips through the ocean waters to explore the ocean floor. She and other science teachers, guided by UGA’s oceanographer Daniela Di Iorio from the Department of Marine Science took a trip to Juan de Fuca Ridge off the coast of Washington State to do research on ocean activity. The researchers collected data on various levels of pressure and measured pressure of plate tectonics at a very high temperature.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Reservoir Water Managers Keep Close Tabs on Temps.   Some reservoirs in the area are no more than 4 to 8 ft deep. During the hottest part of the summer, the reservoir water temperature may rise 3 or 4 degrees during the day and when night temperatures fall, the warm water on the bottom rises to the top bringing with it some of the bottom sediment causing the water to be murky. In addition, the ecology (biological organisms and their responses) may be drastically changed to cause damage to viability of the water plants and animals. This effect is less damaging to deep water reservoirs. In Statham, the lake is only 4 ft deep where the problem of silt was seen first in this area, the city had to stop using their lake’s water and used instead water from Barrow County. Chemicals (algaecide) were finally used to try to remove the strange odor and discoloration in an effort to clarify the water for use. One solution is to keep the top layer of water moving (aerators) to dispel the extreme wide gap of temperatures of day and night.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thurmond May Run Against Isakson for US Senate Seat.     Michael Thurmond, a graduate of Clarke County High School and UGA, and the current Director of the Georgia Labor Department is mulling over announcing his intention to run for the U S Senate to replace Senator Johnny Isakson, the junior senator from Georgia. Thurmond, who will announce after the Georgia Legislative Session is concluded, is a Democrat and Isakson is a Republican. RJ Hadley is Thurmond’s only Democratic challenger at this time. He was first elected to the Labor Directorship in 1998 when Zell Miller was Governor. He said that it will be an uphill battle for an underdog (Georgia is heavily Republican) but that’s all he’s ever known is “fighting the underdog’s battle.”  In a survey taken by the liberal blog, Daily Kos, Thurmond was favored by 26% to Isakson’s 53% (21% undecided). He said finding jobs for Georgians has been his life’s work and that at this particular time on the economic front, he might be able to help in finding jobs on a national level.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Oconee’s Popular After-Prom Night.   Several years ago, teachers, parents and students created the “After Prom” for high school students in Oconee County, an event that takes place after the senior proms and break up at 11:00 pm. After prom starts when the prom is over and continues all night until the next morning at daylight. The event always includes a lot of entertainment, food, sleeping (nodding) and just plain hanging out. Event planners always have major sponsors from the County support the expense. Chaperons are present to assist in arranging and producing entertainment and assisting with food service. Students can attend after prom instead of being out late at some other venue after midnight. This is a big event in Oconee and many parents support the event with their planning, presence and dollars. Some students may not choose to attend but as time goes on, more and more students are choosing to be part of the action.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Family Fun Day With Your Pets.     The Oconee County Animal Control organization held an event for family fun and a rabies clinic for pets today at 10 am to 4 pm at Heritage Park on U S 441 south of Watkinsville. A rabies vaccine was $5 and a microchip was $15. Residents at Animal Control were up for adoption; train rides were enjoyed by adults as well as the children; live music and food available all day. About 100 people attended at the annual event that Oconee sponsors for the safety of our pets. The cost is a bargain.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
TEA Party Movement Terrifies Liberal Politicians.    The TEA Party movement is a grass roots group of citizens that have been sitting on the sidelines for most of their lives, but who now feel the need to get involved in their government’s direction since the election of Obama who is taking the country into socialism,  many believe. The New York Times published an article this past week that was the result of a survey which found a particular demographic of the group: They are white, middle aged or retired, highly educated and well off financially but then described them as an angry mob. The weekend commentators from most TV stations and radio with the help of Former President Clinton leading the criticism, compared the TEA Party members to Timothy  McVeigh’s destructive explosion of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City in 1996 saying that the TEA Party members hate their government similar to the attitude of McVeigh. The liberal press are quick to report any incident that might show the TEA Partiers in a negative light, ignoring incidents that involve bad behavior of Union members. Comment: They don’t hate their government; they are unhappy with the way the politicians are trampling all over the U S Constitution – the standard of civil law on which the U S was founded. Compared to our founding fathers who wrote the Constitution, today’s politician are not wise statesmen, but rather power hungry partisans who look at the citizens as ignorant sheep that must have politicians think for them on how they should be governed. The TEA Partiers are turning the world of governing liberals up-side-down. TEA Partiers are making history.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
2010 Legislative Session Winding Down.   Just 4 more days of the Session to go – 2 days this week and 2 next week and we will know what bills were actually passed by both Chambers and eventually what bills will be signed by the Governor (he has 1 week after the Session ends to sign all bills into law) and become the law of the Georgia land. On day 39, all bills will go to the conference committee (3 senators and 3 representatives) to resolve any differences before passing on to the Governor. Most will probably reduce some taxes to stimulate the economy and some increase in fees (specific taxes) to make up the loss in revenues. Prediction is that the cuts to the University will not be as drastic; secondary public schools will not be hurting as bad as first predicted; and small business and property owners will get some relief from the tax burden. After the Session is over, politicians will go into campaign mode for the rest of the year until November’s midterm election. Look for an enormous dump of campaign mail in your box in the coming months. 
From State Representative John Lunsford at the Capitol:
This week the House tackled a daunting task and a major accomplishment as the members balanced and passed the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, House Bill 948.  One of our duties as legislators, and also a requirement of our State Constitution, is that we pass a balanced budget for the state. This budget included a total budget for the state of $17.8 Billion. The FY 2011 budget will now go to the Senate for consideration and most likely a Conference Committee will meet to work out the differences.  The General Assembly has decreased the size of government and the FY 2011 budget is near the budget levels from 2005.  The only necessary way to way to balance our budget for the state was to reduce spending.  To downsize the budget we had to make difficult cuts to many good programs and areas which we all consider high priority.  A key element of the FY 2011 budget is that it does not include state mandated furlough days; however some agencies may eliminate positions or require furlough days so that they can manage their budgets.  Hoping for an economic recovery soon, the state received encouraging news as revenue collections for the month of March increased one percent.  The General Assembly passed tax relief this week with HB 1055.  Called by some as the  “Georgia Taxpayer Relief Act of 2010,” the passage of this legislation brings needed relief to taxpayers.  This bill would eliminate the taxes on all senior retirement income and would also eliminate the state portion of the ad valorem property tax.  Another aspect of this Act is that it will adjust outdated state fees and fines.  In analyzing our budget and trying to find ways to save, we found that at many times the fee charged by the state for services does not cover the cost of the service.  This difference was passed on to the taxpayers of Georgia; however, under this Act the issue will be addressed and those using the services will pay for it. 

Monday, April 19, 2010
Board of Education Approves IE2 Option.    Monday night, the Oconee County Board of Education gave approval for the administration to proceed with preparing an IE2 (Investing in Educational Excellence) proposal to the State of Georgia in compliance with requirements in charter school legislation enacted by the Georgia General Assembly in 2008.  That legislation requires all school systems to choose one of three flexibility options (IE2, charter system, or status quo) by July 2013.  In choosing IE2, Oconee County Schools could be freed from some state rules governing teacher certification, class size, expenditure requirements and teacher salary schedule. Oconee County Schools (OCS) has received state-wide recognition for excellent schools partly because of the uniform quality that is evident in all schools.  IE2 will allow us to explore innovative and effective approaches to instruction.  That is our primary focus—not financial incentives. We will be seeking community input as we develop the IE2 proposal.  BUDGET NEWS: You probably have been following the news of other school systems as they grapple with declining revenues.  OCS has not finalized or published a tentative budget for next school year because we are awaiting final state revenue figures.  We expect to receive this information some time during the week of April 26th.  Although no one can make promises, we do not foresee the massive layoffs that are occurring around the state.  Sacrifices will have to be made, but we remain committed to quality classroom instruction. CRCT REMEDIATION AND  RE-TEST: Oconee County students in grades three, five and eight who do not pass the April CRCT administration will be provided additional remediation during the regular school day and will be re-tested during the final week of school. The state mandates a re-test opportunity for third grade reading, fifth grade mathematics and reading, and eighth grade mathematics and reading.  Re-test dates are:
May 17 – 3rd grade Reading Re-test
May 18 – 5th and 8th grade Reading Re-test
May 19 – 5th and 8th grade Math Re-test
May 20 – Make-up

CONGRATULATIONS, STATE CHAMPIONS! The following students were recognized by the Board of Education on Monday evening for winning first place in the State for their respective competitions:

• Pranav Bhandarkar (MBMS) – State Geography Bee (progressing to national competition)
• Josh Burke (OCMS) – State Science Fair – Microbiology
• Dylan Carter (OCHS) – Community Emergency Response at the HOSA Conference
• Alex Loyd (OCHS)  – Introduction to Business – State FBLA Conference
• Whitney Rice (OCHS) - Community Emergency Response at the HOSA Conference
• Julie Thornton (NOHS) - State Science Fair – Physics
• Samuel Vaughn (OCHS) - Extemporaneous Speaking at State Literary

PARENT COLLEGE – SATURDAY – APRIL 24^TH: Oconee County Middle School is hosting a set of conference-style presentations relating to different aspects of middle school and young adolescents. The presenters include University of Georgia professors, OCS faculty, and OCS administration. The purpose behind the event is to expose parents to the issues facing today’s young adolescents as well as provide useful strategies for parents. The event will be held at Oconee County Middle School on Saturday, April 24th, 2010, starting at 9:00 a.m. and is open to all OCS parents.  Breakfast snacks and drinks will be provided, and the event is free of charge.  Childcare, with activities and games, will be provided to keep your children occupied during this time.  John A. Jackson, Ed.D. Superintendent, OCSchools. Reprinted from Dr Jackson’s report.

Monday, April 19, 2010
Patriots Day Celebrated At Eagle Tavern.    Oconee County Citizens gathered at the Eagle Tavern on Main Street in Watkinsville today to celebrate the 235^th anniversary of Paul Revere’s race from Boston to Lexington, GA to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming to arrest them. In a proclamation in honor of Patriots Day, Governor Sonny Perdue noted the role of the 13^th colony (Georgia) in winning the war and the 64 Georgia counties named for the Revolutionary War Patriots. Sons of the American Revolution members attended to hear Mayor Jim Walter read the document.

Monday, April 19, 2010
“Carving Up Oconee”    Tonight, at the Oconee Library, the documentary “Carving Up Oconee” was shown for the second time in as many years. It is about growth in Oconee – land prices shot up and residential and commercial development hit an all-time high for this county, once known as a “bed-room community.”   Written and produced by Celestea Sharp who lives in New York currently  but has relatives living in Bishop, made the film to show how small communities (population jumped from about 12,000 in 2000 to over 28,000 in 2010) are affected by elected government officials who push for growth and job creation against citizens who wish to keep the landscape as rural as possible. Several people from both sides of the debate were featured in the film.

Monday, April 19, 2010
Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT).     The CRCT will be administered in grades 1 – 8 during the week of April 19th.  Parents, you can help our students do their best by observing the following during the week of testing:
* Make sure your child gets plenty of rest each night.
* Ensure that your child has a healthy, low-sugar/no-caffeine breakfast.
* Reduce stress by providing encouragement.
* Arrive at school early.    – John A. Jackson, Ed.D. Superintendent, Oconee County Schools

Wednesday, April 19, 2010
A Verizon Wireless Tower for High Shoals Town.    The North High Shoals City Council voted 3-1 tonight to allow the cell phone company to erect a 180-ft cell tower near the High Shoals Elementary School. Several people at the meeting expressed objection to the tower’s impact on surrounding historic properties and the possibility that the tower would need warning beacons. According to a study by David Kirk, an Atlanta Attorney for the company, he found that such a tower would not affect historic properties. He said the council would have to vote to make any changes in the original tower requirements.

Wednesday, April 19, 2010
Rash of Thieves Breaking Into Oconee Vehicles.    Over the past 2 weeks, the Oconee Sheriff’s Office has reported an increase in the crime of care break-ins. Some individuals are renting cars or trucks in Atlanta, cruising neighbors, finding unlocked cars parked at residences, entering and taking any personal items for the purpose of Identity Theft. Today, Sheriff Scott Berry informed citizens in an email that stated:
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 563
1140 Experiment Station Road
 Watkinsville. Georgia 30677
Community Crime Awareness Bulletin, April 19, 2010
This message from your Sheriff’s Office is intended to inform and request your assistance in stopping several recent thefts of and from vehicles parked in residential drive ways. Their method of operation is to drive stolen vehicles into our residential communities; park and walk to each of their victim’s vehicles. The items taken include but are not limited to: Currency, wallets, pocket books, personal I.D. credit cards, jewelry, guns, computers, cameras etc. Our investigators and patrol deputies are working in a cooperative task force operation with other law enforcement agencies. We have several active leads that will lead to the arrest of those responsible.
Your assistance in stopping these crimes and arresting those responsible is needed in the following areas:

• Be a vigilant neighbor for any suspicious activity in your community
• Immediately notify the Sheriff’s Office of suspicious persons, activity or vehicles
• Call 706-769-3945 or 911
• Remove and secure valuables from your vehicles
• Always ensure that your vehicle and garage doors are locked
• Do not leave vehicle ignition keys inside your vehicles
• Set vehicle alarms over night
• If you have an On Star or other tracking system and your vehicle is taken, immediately notify your monitoring service to activate tracking.

With your continued assistance and support we will stop these area thefts and criminally prosecute those responsible.
Thank You for your Assistance,
Sheriff Scott R. Berry
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office

Tuesday,  April 20, 2010
BP (British Petroleum) Oil Spill In Gulf Coast.  The huge explosion of an oil rig 48 miles out to sea in the Gulf is believed to have killed at least 11 people. The leak is from a faulty valve 5000 ft below the surface. Most of the drilling equipment was damaged and this presents a problem in capping it off. Rescue crews are trying to find the 11 missing and to evacuate the others and then will attend to the spill. Experts say there are 4 options: burn the oil on the surface, mix chemicals on the spills to convert the oil, use powerful suction equipment to collect the oil in containers, or cap off the leaking valve. And some believe that if the oil continues to bubble up at the current flow, all 4 methods to stop it may be necessary. This looks to be larger and more serious than the Exxon Valdez oil spill off the Coast of Alaska in 1989.

Tuesday,  April 20, 2010
Census Bureau Tallies Homes That Will Be Visited.   This week begins the laborious work of putting census returned forms together to compare to the mailed list to deduce who will get a visit from a census worker next month. Those residents who did not fill out a short form or who failed to mail their completed forms will get a real live person who will visit and fill out the form for them. The Census Bureau hopes the visitation number will be small because of the economics: the cost to send in the form is 44 cents compared to the cost of a census worker at $57. So far, 65% of residents have responded with mail-backs for the 10-county area that the Athens Census Office covers.  Oconee County residents have the highest return rate of all Georgia Counties so far at 76%. Yet, census visits will number about 80,000 in the 10-county area. Over 1,000 census workers will start out on May 1 to make a visit.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Goldman Sachs On the Hot Seat.    On April 22, 2010, Goldman Sachs executives will appear before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee of the US Congress on Investigations today, the panel behind some of the most infamous Congressional investigations in modern history. Goldman chief executive Lloyd Blankfein and his colleagues will explain — under oath — their firm’s role in pumping up the market for mortgage-backed securities that seemed like a sure bet, while they worked behind the scenes with a hedge fund to reap huge profits when those same securities collapsed. Seven (7) current and former Goldman Sachs executives are slated to appear at Tuesday’s hearing. Among them will be the company’s current CEO Lloyd Blankfein, its chief financial officer David Viniar, as well as Fabrice Tourre, the 31-year-old Goldman employee who helped broker the now infamous deal that is at the center of the SEC’s claim. Lawmakers will probably show little mercy towards all of them. Here’s a glimpse of what types of tough questions they could face. Questions: Is this the work of a single employee? How should Goldman and other banks be regulated to ensure these conflicts of interest are not hurting investors? You’ve spent a big chunk of money on lobbying efforts this year. What are you trying to accomplish? The slogan on your Web site is ‘Our work enables growth.’ How does a company that generates much of its business from trading help the economy grow?  As answers are given or evaded, some Senators will be irate and try to embarrass the witnesses. This hearing is slated to last for several weeks. Dan Burrows, Daily Finance (in part).

Tuesday,  April 20, 2010
Economic Recovery? For Whom?   Last month’s economic data shows that ½ million more people had lost their jobs than the number a year ago; 35% more foreclosures have taken place in the past year; money is still tight for small business to borrow so they are not expanding and hiring. Rather they are using more technology to do the work of lost employees. In a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the confidence of small business owners (accounts for about 1/3 of the jobs in America – 1/3 of total GDP) in an economic recovery had fallen from 90 last year to 86 today, the lowest since 1973. Small businesses cite weak sales and scarce money to stock the shelves and warehouses as their chief concerns. Customers are not buying. More than half said they will not hire in the next 3 months.

Wednesday,  April 21, 2010
Antebellum Trail Tour Today.    The trail spans about 100 miles from Athens through Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Gray and Macon. Each community along the trail will offer museum tours and planned events as well as entrance to historic homes never before opened to the public. Tickets provide admission to a choice of 7 events in any or all of the communities. In Oconee, the Eagle Tavern, the Elder Covered Bridge, the Murrey House, the relocated Central School House and the share cropper’s reconstructed home. Ticket price is $25. This event is part of the effort to increase tourism to the participating communities.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Regional Transportation Bill Passed Both Chambers.   The bill, passed today, will most likely be signed into law by Governor Perdue. In 2012, a referendum will go on the ballot that asked citizens of 12 different regions across the state, to approve a 1 cent sales tax to be spent on transportation within their districts. In addition, if a majority of residents across the state approve, and one district of the 12 does not, that district will be included to collect the tax also. One of the Districts is the Northeast Georgia Regional District which includes Oconee, Madison, Barrow, Elbert, Walton, Greene, Oglethorpe, Eatonton, Morgan, Jackson and Clarke. Some believe that the bill is not enough because it did not include taxes for a rail line from Athens to Atlanta. Others believe that individual counties should be allowed to join whatever region that would give them some of the taxes for their local roads. McDuffie County believes the bill needs an “opt-out and opt-in” clause. Who in each district will collect the sales tax and dispense it for which road projects? Of necessity, an entity within a district should manage the funds versus all the sales tax going to the state treasury to be dispensed by the state. The bill needs some fine tuning, but there will be 2 more sessions for the Georgia Legislature to improve the bill. If amended in 2012, it would not go into effect until July 2013.

Wednesday,  April 21, 2010
Arizona Wants Proof Before Being Put On Ballot.   The Arizona Legislature has come up with a unique idea to get results: they are pushing a bill that before Obama can be put on the Arizona ballot in 2012 presidential election to run for a second term, he must produce proof that he is a citizen of the United States which is required of anyone to be President of the United States. Obama has been asked to produce his birth certificate. He has not done so either during the campaign nor after being elected. Many have researched his family history and evidence is pretty strong that he came to the U S as a student with a visa to attend college. Why would he need a visa if he was a citizen already? Suspension has whirled around his refusal to make known his origin of birth.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Oconee Chamber Business EXPO.    On April 22, 2010, The Chamber hosted the 20^th Annual Business Expo from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Oconee Civic Center. This year the theme was “Launching New Growth….Maintaining our Classic Heritage”. Local high school art students participated in a poster contest. The winner’s artwork was used in this year’s promotional poster. Exhibitors have an opportunity to provide door prizes and have their display judged for Best Overall, Best New Entry, and Best Use of Theme.  Business Expo Poster

Oconee Chamber EXPO 2010

Contest Winners: The Oconee Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Susan Burger (OCHS) for her help with our Business Expo poster contest.  Each year she incorporates our poster contest into her classroom curriculum.  The students use the skills taught in Ms. Burger’s class to produce these beautiful posters.  Our participation this year was great with thirty- three artists submitting entries. The judges were greatly impressed at the quality of all the entries. The three finalists this year, out of 33 submissions, were:
1) Perry Quick (12^th),  2^nd Place  $50—Perry Quick 12^th       
2) Ginny VanDyck (11^th),  3^rd Place   $30—Ginny VanDyck 11th
3) Sara Gragnani (10^th), 1^st place $100—Sara Gragnani 10th  
Winning poster: “Launching New Growth…Maintaining our Classic Heritage”
The EXPO was held in the Oconee Civic Center meeting room which can be divided into 50 sections for as many businesses to set up booths to advertise their wares, products or services. All booths were sold by opening. Over 1000 visitors came by and enjoyed the 3 hours of learning the many businesses that are available in the county. Door prizes ranged from an old fashioned rocking chair to baskets of goodies. The winners of booths will be announced.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Clarke County McKillip’s Water Basin Amendment Approved.  The House Natural Resources Committee approved the amendment introduced by state Rep Doug McKillip, (D-Athens) that would prohibit a local government from taking water out of one water shed and selling it to an entity in another water shed. The EPD Director would have to approve the donor and the receiver under conditions that evaluates the scientific, economic and engineering elements of such a transfer before approval of new permits to withdraw water from any surface water. Only the 15 counties surrounding Atlanta would be affected. The amendment comes on the heels of a federal judge’s ruling that Atlanta must find an alternative to it water resource at Lake Lanier by 2014. McKillip’s language in the amendment would prevent an hostile takeover of water sources or any agreement that would harm the donor’s future water needs.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day Celebration.   Earth Day was created 40 years ago in 1970 by President Richard Nixon as a result of the Biologist Rachael Carson book “Silent Spring” in which she detailed the destruction of birds and other life by the excessive use of the insecticide DDT.  It has been a day set aside since to bring awareness to the public as to the destructive effects of all herbicides and insecticides in the environment. At about the same time, research scientists were discovering the pollution of the Great Lakes and fish kills in many streams across the US. Many regulatory laws were put into place as a result. Now Earth Day is all about recycling, global warming, landfill scarcity, no-till farming, litter prevention and many other issues that affect the environments adversely. The chant is “Go Green” with more than a billion people worldwide involved in “saving the planet.”  And the goal is to teach the upcoming generation about the issues. Commercial Solid Waste Pick-up services in Oconee and surrounding counties will place specific containers along the curb for families to separate recyclables from other solid waste – all for recycling. Keep Oconee Clean Commission is involved in educating the youth about anti-litter and alerting the public to get involved in keeping all litter picked around their home place. The celebration of Earth Day has entered the conscious about how and why we need to better care for our surroundings.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day Celebration.   Earth Day was created 40 years ago in 1970 by President Richard Nixon as a result of the Biologist Rachael Carson book “Silent Spring” in which she detailed the destruction of birds and other life by the excessive use of the insecticide DDT.  It has been a day set aside since to bring awareness to the public as to the destructive effects of all herbicides and insecticides in the environment. At about the same time, research scientists were discovering the pollution of the Great Lakes and fish kills in many streams across the US. Many regulatory laws were put into place as a result. Now Earth Day is all about recycling, global warming, landfill scarcity, no-till farming, litter prevention and many other issues that affect the environments adversely. The chant is “Go Green” with more than a billion people worldwide involved in “saving the planet.”  And the goal is to teach the upcoming generation about the issues. Commercial Solid Waste Pick-up services in Oconee and surrounding counties will place specific containers along the curb for families to separate recyclables from other solid waste – all for recycling. Keep Oconee Clean Commission is involved in educating the youth about anti-litter and alerting the public to get involved in keeping all litter picked around their home place. The celebration of Earth Day has entered the conscious about how and why we need to better care for our surroundings.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
House Ethics Bill   The ethics bill going through the committees has been criticized for not going far enough. It gives authority to investigate conflicts of interest, abuse of power, requires lobbyists to disclose gifts given to legislatures more often and increases fines for lobbyists and officials who file late. It does not, however, place a cap on the value of gifts received. It also abolishes the joint House and Senate ethics committee and renames the   State Ethics Committee to Georgia Government Transparency and  Campaign Finance Commission. However, it remains a situation in which the Legislators investigate themselves which is not good for a respected outcome. Perhaps it will be amended before it reaches the final vote and the Governor’s signature.

Friday, April 23, 2010
Rev  Franklin Graham Banned From National Day of Prayer.   Posted by Walter Geiger in Opinions. The Army has disinvited Franklin Graham to speak at the Pentagon on National Prayer Day after a military advocacy group objected because Graham has reportedly described Islam as “evil” and “wicked.” He said “I regret that the Army felt it was necessary to rescind their invitation to the National Day of Prayer Task Force to participate in the Pentagon’s special prayer service. I want to express my strong support for the United States military and all our troops. I will continue to pray that God will give them guidance, wisdom and protection as they serve this great country.” Graham was expected to speak at the Pentagon on May 6, drawing the ire of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group focused on religious favoritism in the military. The group had been prepared to seek a temporary restraining order against National Prayer Day if it were “polluted by someone as hideously Islamophobic as Franklin Graham,” said Mikey Weinstein, head of the group. In a 2001 op-ed piece, Graham wrote that he does not believe Muslims are evil, but he objects to the treatment of women in Muslim countries and Islam’s historic “persecution or elimination” of other religions. On Thursday, Graham told Fox News that while he loves Muslims, “I speak out for people that live under Islam, that are enslaved by Islam and I want them to know they can be free through faith in Jesus Christ and Christ alone.” Council on American Islamic Relations spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said it is “completely inappropriate” for Graham to speak in front of a military audience. Graham said that he will be outside the premises praying regardless of the ban.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
No More White Pages From AT&T.   Telephone companies have been required in the past by the Georgia Public Service to leave the business white pages telephone book at all residences in cities of over 50,000 residents. The Service has lifted that requirement per the request of Georgia At&T who is cutting back expenses in this bad economy.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Famous Union Christian Church Annual BBQ.   About this time each year, the folks as the Century-old Church in Oconee County, get everything together to cook up about 12 hogs for the community. It starts on Friday night with a handful of church members roasting the pork on outdoor cooking pits, which takes all night. The next day, a different crew takes over chopping the well done pork and making sauce for flavor. The ladies of the membership make the slaw, tea and deserts. It is ready for serving from 4 to 6 pm. A whole meal is $8 and a quart-carry-out is only $8. Under the tent along with the cooking pits are long tables to accommodate those who wish to “eat & chat” Many neighbors who are not members chip in to help with preparation of the event. This BBQ event, the 73^rd one is known for miles around Oconee County. The proceeds which are usually in the range of $6,000 to $8,000 will go for needed repairs, new equipment or outreach programs of the Church.

Sunday, April 25, 2010
Repair Oconee’s Stream Banks.   The construction of the Hard Labor Creek Reservoir in Walton County will require the alteration of stream banks and the law states that any disturbance in one area must be compensated by repair to other stream bank areas in the vicinity. Jimmy Parker, Project Manager has announced that many streams in Oconee County will be restored as a result of the Reservoir work in Walton County. The management board will restore and protect 5 sites in the county. They are properties that are already owned by the County and the additional work will be mainly the restoration of bank habitat, said Parker. There are streams that were damaged by many years of cotton farming; Three (3) of the sites are: the back side of Veterans Park, Heritage Park and the Rocky Branch Land Application Area. Restoration includes the placement of rocks and plants strategically placed to improve ecosystems health which will result in riffles, small water falls, protected curves still pools. The other 2 sites are in Walton County on Pleasant Valley Road and area around the Apalachee River. These are scheduled to be completed within the next few months. Stream repair (mitigation) is more an art than a science. It will not be so noticed by the public but will enhance the biotic life of the streams.  Good News.

Monday, April 26, 2010
3-State Water Dispute May Never End.  Jerry Sherk a water rights lawyer gave some sobering news to state officials and water conservationists today at the University of West Georgia. He said water rights disputes have always existed and some are never settled and others keep dragging on. He said the dispute over the Arkansas River between Kansas and Arkansas has lasted 10 years already and is not near settlement. The Georgia Stewardship Act passed by the 2010 Georgia General Assembly may save a portion of the water Atlanta needs but will not be enough in the long term. State Rep Doug McKillip made a name for himself when he introduced a bill that would prohibit the transfer of water from one basin to another. However some legislators are leery of the idea since no one has the right to withhold water from their neighbor. Interbasin water transfers are not a necessary evil – we can take advantage of the current technology and everybody can have the necessary amount of life sustaining water.

Monday, April 26, 2010
Landfill Filling Up.   The Lexington Road Landfill at which Oconee takes it’s solid waste at a cost of $$$$ per month will have no more space to dump waste by the end of the year, the Clarke County Government announced. They have made plans to extend the present landfill which partially sits on Oglethorpe land to reach further into Oglethorpe by 79 acre cell once the state EPD approves the plan. Clarke County Commissioners are encouraging more recycling to keep more waste out of landfill space, but even with that mandate, new space is needed. There is not alternative except to bury the waste on privately owned landfills in Barrow and Banks Counties which would cost more than opening the new cell at a cost of $227,000 for an engineering and construction contract.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Arizona Legislature Passed First State Immigration Bill.   It has awakened a lot of Mexicans and most Democrats and especially the Obama Administration. They have called it racial profiling, naturally opponents must use the race issue when it was written specifically to avoid racial profiling but opponents don’t care to read the bill and continue to put out false information. It specifies that a driver must be stopped on suspicion of breaking some law (DUI, no license plate, broken tail light, etc) and if the officer suspects they are illegal, he can ask for documentation that the driver is a citizen of the US. Furthermore, all Arizona police officers must take an extensive training program to execute the law fairly. Several attempts are being made to file suit against the law specifying that it is unconstitutional. In Oconee County, Sheriff Berry states that this county is already rounding up illegals that have broken the law and exporting them to their native country. An INS agent can walk into our jail at any time and take an inmate that is illegal (having been arrested, law enforcement has already run a check on the inmate to determine status) and haul them off to an INS checkpoint for sending them back home. This method will miss those illegals who have not broken the law but are still here illegally, but this method prevents racial profiling. He states that it has already cut down on the problem when a year ago, 6 illegals averaged day were picked up where as now it may be 4 to 6 per month. 

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Oconee Commission Seat Challenged.   Keith Bradberry, an employee of the Pinnacle Bank in Athens qualified today to challenge Commissioner John Daniel in the July 20 Primary. He lives just inside Oconee County in Wellington Park off U S Hwy 78. He plans to cover the county by visiting every household possible to make face to face contact and listen to their concerns on issues confronting the Oconee County government to serve the citizens of Oconee County. In this poor economic environment, he has a challenge in helping find jobs for so many that are out of work here.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Goldman Sachs – On The Hot Seat.   E-mails sent to each other among top officials of Goldman Sachs were discovered that revealed questionable actions for trading stock and reaping huge profits while the housing market was taking a sudden plunge in late 2007 and all of 2008. Earlier, Congress issued subpoenas to several company officials which gives Congress authority to compel testimony under oath. They were questioned based on those e-mails. During the day while being grilled by members of the Finance Committee, the stock market plunged over 100 points to just above 11,000 from a high of 11,289 before the questioning began. The Congressional hearing is happening at the time the Senate is working on a bill to regulate the financial industry with strict oversight. The bill includes further regulations and restrictions to which the Republicans object. Rather, they are suggesting a bill that reforms the financial oversight rather more restrictions. The Republicans have the filibuster-proof vote to stop the passage.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Ray Boyd Refuses to Sign GOP Party Pledge.   Potential candidate on the Republican ticket for Governor is Ray Boyd until he refused to sign the pledge at qualifying that is required by all candidates under the rules of the state party. Several months ago, he announced that he intended to run and put up $2 million of his own money to campaign and stated that he would refuse any donations to his campaign. He was not allowed to qualify today and the only course left is to run as an Independent or form a new party with a petition of 1% of the registered voters (51,000) to be placed on the ballot. His reason for not signing the pledge: he believes the Republican Party has strayed too far from the principles of Ronald Reagan and that the current platform no longer defines the conservative philosophy. He must present the pages of signatures by July 13, 7 days for verification before the primary election on July 20.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
GA Legislative Update.   There are two working days left in the 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly - legislators will meet tomorrow and convene for the final day on Thursday.  State Budget:
A legislative conference committee will finish its work this week on the FY2011 budget.  The nearly $2 billion budget gap will be closed through numerous cuts, a new hospital tax and $96 billion in fee and license increases.   It is predicted that next year’s budget will be even more challenging due to the slow  pace of economic recovery.  The Georgia Chamber will continue to work with elected leaders to identify budget solutions that meet the needs of our citizens while fostering a strong economic climate.  Transportation: After three years of collective hard work, the General Assembly passed a transportation funding plan last week that is expected to be signed by the Governor.  The bill calls for a statewide referendum to be held in 2012 through which twelve separate regions will chose whether or not to tax themselves one-cent for transportation projects.  Local leaders will have a role in project selection and there are financial incentives for those regions that choose to participate.  The Georgia Chamber wants to thank all those who have been engaged on this critical issue and looks forward to working to implement the legislation once it becomes law. Health Care: SR 277, which would let Georgians vote in November on a $10 tag fee on personal and commercial vehicles that could raise necessary funds for trauma care throughout the state, is currently pending in the House. Tax: HB 1405, creating the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, which will convene throughout the year and make recommendations in early 2011, was passed by the Senate last week and now goes to the Governor for signature.   The Georgia Chamber will be a part of this council and looks forward to providing support for this effort to review and update the state’s tax code in a way that will bring both fairness and predictability to all taxpayers. Education: Based on recommendations made by the Commission for School Board Excellence to improve schools by strengthening school boards, SB 84 has passed both chambers and is expected to be signed into law.   The legislation standardizes qualifications, increases training requirements, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of school board members. WorkReady: HB 1195, which would secure the future of the Georgia Work Ready program by codifying its purpose and governance structure, awaits a vote by the full Senate this week.   The Georgia Chamber is a founding partner in this successful economic development program and strongly supports this legislation. Economic Development: HR 178, which brings clarity to Georgia’s employment covenant laws, is currently in conference committee.  This bill would ensure that employers and employees in this state enjoy the same certainty with regard to their agreements as they would in other states by allowing judges to make decisions reflective of the original intent of employment contracts.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Citizen Terry Fohey Interviews Karen Handel.   Ms Handel appeared at an “interview” at Terry Fohey’s Office (Dental Arts at 1551 Jennings Mill Rd in Bogart) with a group of voters on April 20 to share her views for the Georgia Governorship. She is the only woman in the race and that makes it more difficult for her to win. But she is more qualified than some of the other candidates. The turnout was moderate at Mr Fohey’s office. His format is a little different than most political gatherings – he interviews (reporter format) each candidate (he has interviewed many during this political season) and invites the audience to ask good questions. Mr Fohey is your average citizen, but this year after the Obama election, he has become an awakened activist. His statement (published as an ad in the Oconee Enterprise)  is reprinted at the bottom of this page. He expresses in written form his beliefs that mirror the feelings of many citizens nation-wide. See at end of article,  “Being an American is a Participation Sport.”

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Electronics Firm To Bring 400 Jobs to Area.   Mayor Jim Joiner announced at the Jefferson City Council meeting that an electronics company (he wouldn’t name the firm) will move into the 459,000 sq ft empty warehouse in the Jefferson Mill Industrial Park on Hog Mountain Road. He said they were all awaiting an announcement from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Rumors have it that officials from Systmeax, Inc who visited the area several times  earlier this year will lease the building in the near future. The company will hire about 400 new employees.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
Florida’s Republican Gov Crist Switches to Independent Party.   He has been running for the US Senate all year, but competition emerged by the name of Marco Rubio. They are both Republicans, but when Rubio came from behind and started gaining (12 percentage points ahead now), Crist decided against his earlier public statement that he would not run as an Independent, decided today to announce that he will be running on the Independent ticket. He will lose support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and other supporters who have asked him to return their contributions. Sounds a bit wishy-washy and rather risky for him.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Battle Is Over – Last Day of Georgia Legislative Session.   Legislators just completed the longest General Assembly Session in Georgia’s history. Issues that dominated this session were: the budget which limited any major spending programs and resulted in some cuts for consumers; transportation that resulted in the approval of a Regional 1 cent sales tax bill (if voters approve); ethics reform which puts more restrictions on lobbyists; conservation which resulted in stricter uses of water; Safety, texting while driving is now outlawed; Health, Georgia citizens can opt out of Obama Care; Protection, citizens gun-carry law extended to more places; and the formation of a Commission to overhaul Georgia’s tax code.  They met several weeks longer than usual to tangle with the shortfall in the budget trying to find programs and positions to cut to fill the more than $1 BILLION gap in state revenues. Now all legislators will begin campaigning since all House seats are open for reelection at Midterm Election, July 20, 2010.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
Last Day of Session – Lunsford Weekly Release.  State Rep. John Lunsford’s Weekly Capitol Update. It is official; the 2010 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly adjourned Sine Die and came to an end midnight on Thursday, April 29^th. After spending months devoting our time and commitment in Atlanta under the Gold Dome.  After being in session for forty legislative days spread out over four months, continual committee meetings, agreements and disagreements, the members which represent people from all over our state came together and finished the work of the people.  The two days of session this week the members worked into the late hours passing legislation.  Key pieces of legislation were passed this week, including:  the passage of the final Fiscal Year 2011 budget, possible trauma care funding, a ban on texting while driving, clarification on carrying firearms, and the Healthy Georgians Act of 2010. The General Assembly passed a trimmed down $17.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011.  The conference committee reached a negotiation on the budget after working strenuously on it for over a week.  With less money, and a state budget that has been greatly reduced, it was quite an accomplishment. The legislature passed legislation this week as a safety precaution for our drivers across the state.  The bill, which is a combination of two separate bills (HB 23 & SB 360), will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to use a cell phone while behind the wheel.  In addition to this, it would prohibit texting while driving for everyone while behind the wheel.  Evidence has shown that texting while driving is distracting and people are more likely to get into an accident.  If caught texting while driving and not involved in an accident, the fine would be $150; however, if someone gets into an accident and it is discovered they were texting, the fine will be doubled and there will be a one point violation on your driving record.  Georgia joins around 20 other states that have also banned texting while driving. Funding trauma care in the state of Georgia has been an issue that arises yearly.  Senate Resolution 277 passed this week and it will be a statewide referendum which will go on the ballot in November and the decision will be left up to the voters.  It would place a $10 surcharge on certain motor vehicle registrations in the state.  If passed by voters, it will have the potential to bring in around $80 million a year to existing trauma care centers in the state.  Statewide trauma care funding is essential because we want to ensure that citizens have the emergency care available that is needed.  The Healthy Georgians Act of 2010, Senate Bill 411, also passed the General Assembly this week.  This Act would allow insurers to offer wellness and health improvement programs with awards and/or incentives to be available to those with health insurance plans.  Before, it would have been considered an unfair trade practice to offer incentives for wellness and health improvement and this legislation would change that.  Also, attached to this legislation was an Amendment to the bill which would prohibit mandatory participation in any healthcare system.  Due to the federal Health Care Reform that passed, the members of the General Assembly want to give Georgians the option to opt out and not be mandated to purchase health insurance if they chose not to do so. In an effort to give greater rights to our property owners and to expand those rights, the legislature passed Property Tax Reform, Senate Bill 346.  This bill will protect taxpaying property owners by guaranteeing their right to appeal assessments and protecting them from unfair tax assessments.  Expanding gun rights is of importance to the people in our state.  SB 308 passed the legislature and would clarify where licensed gun owners can carry their firearms.  This bill will permit guns to be in the vehicles in parking lots of colleges, court houses, and jails.  It would also eliminate the 1,000 foot limitation on guns and schools at colleges.  The legislative session has ended; however, please feel free to contact me at any time should you have any questions, ideas, or concerns.  I will be concluding the weekly update next week with a session wrap up highlighting key legislation passed this session. Should you have any ideas, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me (404) 656-0213 or write me at: State Rep. John Lunsford, 508 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov

Thursday, April 29, 2010
Music Hall of Fame Move to Athens,   A bill was passed in the Georgia Legislature that would move the Music Hall of Fame from Macon to Athens where many believe that it would fit in better with the local music scene than the Macon environment. It was originated in Atlanta and later moved to Macon in the early ‘90s. The bill specifies that cities across Georgia will have the opportunity to bid on the building and its contents. Athens is interested but the Mayor says the money is probably not available. Having the Hall brings in more tourists which is a shot in the arm for the local economy therefore, Macon may not wish to lose the enterprise or may outbid the other cities in order to keep it. The Hall receives a subsidy from the state and of late, financial troubles have fallen on its success. Legislatures believe that it would pay for itself if in Athens which is famous for the birth of several big well known bands and other musical artists. Bids will begin this summer.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
3^rd Annual Ag Day in Oconee.   Third Grade Agriculture Day was sponsored by Oconee County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee and held at the Agricultural Research Services Station, J. Phil Campbell, Sr. Natural Resource Conservation Center on Experiment Station Road. Third Grade Classrooms from CFES, OCES, MBES, HSES, Athens Academy and Prince Avenue Christian School enjoyed 15 minute small group “hands-on” learning stations about: beef, sheep, horse, forestry, soil erosion-rain erosion, greenhouse, water quality and farm equipment. About 200 third graders attended and touched the horses, cuddled the chicks, petted the sheep and learned about growing plants. The teaching area is made up of 6 stations for the various topics at which a group of 12 students rotate around the grounds to visit each station. It takes about 24 hours for the complete rotation. Hats off to the Chamber and the station teachers who take time to acquaint the young about agriculture in Oconee.

Wednesday, April 30, 2010
Obama Gives Up Effort For Immigration Legislation.   After about a week of the Arizona law making headlines around the country and large groups staging protests, Obama said that he will not ask Congress to work on an Immigration Bill since they are deeply involved in writing an energy bill called Cap & Trade. He decided that it would be against his political career to bring it up now in light of the strong opposition for the Arizona law especially just before the Midterm Elections. He plans to get it done before the 2012 presidential election.

Wednesday, April 30, 2010
“Convict With A Cause”.   Last month on March 30, 1 month ago, a sad story was told by Chris Sandy, a 22 year-old young man, now a convict with a criminal record of having killed a 70-year-old man and his 70 year-old wife when his car hit the victim’s car at 70 mph. His blood alcohol level was 0.14 (legal limit is 0.04) after drinking 4 mixed drinks. This happened when he was a teenager with no thoughts of wiping out his life as he had planned it. He was sentenced for 30 years in prison and now, after serving 9 years he has been paroled to tell his story to young students. His life now is compelling – a curfew, no driving and he must have a job at all times. His mother transports him to work everyday. He was sponsored by OARC (Oconee Area Resource Council) to speak at Gainesville State College. He will be speaking to young audiences all over Georgia or wherever he is invited as a condition of his parole.

Friday,  April 30, 2010
Candidate Qualifying for Local Office Ended Today.   All this week, qualifying for candidates for both political parties was held at the Elections Office on Court Street adjacent-left to the Oconee Courthouse. Qualifying started at 9 am (closed each day at 5 pm) on Monday, April 26 and ended at noon today (Friday). Candidates that qualified were listed and posted in the courthouse by 12:30 pm. They are:
Board of Commissioners
Post 2 – John Daniell (R) vs Keith Bradberry (R)
Post 3 – Margaret Hale (R) vs Tammy Dilland (R)
Board of Education
Post 2 – Mack Guest (R) vs Mark Thomas (R) vs Carter Strickland (D) 
Post 3 – Kim Argo (R) No opposition

Friday, April 30, 2010
Plan for 100,000 New Jobs.    Thurbert Baker is running for Governor of Georgia. He is the former Georgia State Attorney General, black and a Democrat. He qualified today, the last day to do so. He is off and running all over the state to announce his plan for 100,000 additional jobs for the state. He appeared at Athens City Hall to a small rally today. How does he plan to do this? He said his plan would make the state of Georgia the most business-friendly state in the nation by creating a new biotech industry built around UGA which has done so much in biotech research that they are ahead of other institutions. He also promises to fix health care and the all-consuming traffic problem in Atlanta, support farming and improve education. Oh, how many eons ago have we heard that and the problems are worse today. Sounds like a Santa Clause. Beware of one who promises gifts that he can’t deliver.

Friday,  April 30, 2010
Today, Census Takers Will Start Visiting Homes of those residents who have failed to return forms.   

Friday, April 30 2010
Oconee Relay-for-Life.   Relay for Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. All the work that has gone into preparing for this night is evidenced here at the Oconee County High football field. Tents or displays from all 44 Teams are spread around the field – it’s an exciting sight. It started at 6:30 pm and will go on into the night and the next morning until 12 noon. The event started with singing of the national anthem  and then the Survivor Lap around the field. Then the teams were recognized for their take on the theme “Click Off Cancer and Click On Life.” Most of the tents had food booths which were popular with everyone, young and old. Baby carriages were sprinkled throughout the camp sites for those who could not stay awake to participate in the festivities. Live music was provided all night by several bands: Grains of Sand and Tealvox. Some music consisted of musicians and singers from the local scene. The Luminary Service started about 9 pm. The Weather was great and more people attended this year. Participants camped out all night and the next morning, Saturday the drawing of the raffles were held: a golf cart, a 42” TV and several baskets of goodies. The Saturday morning drawing had to be cut short because of the threat of rain so the announcement came that it was over. By 9 am, the field was empty except for a tent here and there. The total funding goal was set at $172,000. It will take a few days to gather all the funds before it is known how close the goal was reached.

The End.

Note: The “What Happened” for the Month is a collection of short descriptions for the events that took place within the most recent month, but may not be inclusive. Information listed is from various sources: personal attendance at events, Washington Post, Associated Press, various Web sites, Fox News TV, George Will and other writers, the Atlanta Constitution, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, the Oconee Enterprise, the Athens Banner Herald,  the Augusta Chronicle, the Bainbridge Searchlight News, NewsMax, USA Today, the Patriot and Talk Radio (1340).  For details on any item, go to the long write-up under the heading ARTICLE. However, some items on this page may not have a corresponding longer Article.