Georgia News(Week 6) - Chief Executive Officer Key to Vote

A campaign for numerous improvements in DeKalb County has much support behind it, including Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones, according to a recent article. Many do not trust Jones' opinion, however, as Jason Cecil mentions, stating that "'Jones has a pattern of favoring south DeKalb while allowing north DeKalb infrastructure to "crumble.'" According to the article, "a lengthy critique of past county tax and spending practices and some bruising budget battles that left some in north DeKalb accusing Jones of treating them unfairly." The final decision, however, will lie in the hands of the people of DeKalb county, as the issue will be placed on a ballot and voted on. This is an interesting situation, as those in favor of stopping the proposal would, in effect, affect North DeKalb county also. There is also no proof, however, that Jones tends to favor one section of DeKalb county over the other. It is appropriate that the decision lie in the hands of the people, since whatever decision is made will no doubt affect their county and how the roadways, etc. are handled, and their condition maintained.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/1005/28bondvote.html

Georgia News(Week 6) - Foster Care Reform

Foster care systems in Fulton and DeKalb counties will soon undergo major reforms, thanks to a federal judge's approval of a settlement in a recent lawsuit. The aforementioned foster care systems, according to the article, "were so flawed they were hurting the children they were intended to help. Caseworkers had too many children to watch over, and children were crowded into too few foster homes." As a result of the lawsuit, foster care workers workloads will be lowered, and improvements will also be made in the areas of foster child abuse/neglect and health services. Many worry that the new mandate will cost too much. The Atlanta Journal Consitution obtained a budget showing that the state would pay around $15 million/yr. Many are hopeful, also, that this mandate could eventually be taken statewide, influcencing foster care practices outside of the earlier mentioned counties. Gov. Sonny Perdue is in support of the mandate, stating through a spokesman that "'since this lawsuit was filed in 2002, we've hired hundreds of new caseworkers, reduced employee turnover and started turning the corner on protecting our most vulnerable children.'" This seems like a very promising mandate, as it will bring about many of the procedures necessary for an effective and safe foster care system throughout Georgia and not just in a few small counties. It is a positive sign to see state officials taking such an active role in the safety and upbringing of the state's children.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/28metfoster.html

Georgia News(Week 6)-Sewage Treatment Mess

A requirement that would have forced communites to build expensive and new sewage treatment plants was eliminated by the state Board of Natural Resources, according to a recent article. The requirement in question reaches back to 1973, requiring that "new sewage treatment plants were supposed to sanitize wastewater using the 'highest and best practicable' technology." This requirement was brought back into the forefront due to a recent Supreme Court case involving Gwinnett county's push for a $750 million sweage treatment plant. The aforementioned regulation would actually hinder the plant's attempt at the "highest and best treatment of the wastewater," thus leading to the recent change in state wastewater rules. Communities other than Gwinnett, however, are also involved, as they too have high hopes for future wastewater management, and must wait to see how the newly implemented plans will affect their own proposals. I find this article interesting, as I rarely see any controversy or uproar concerning wastewater disposal. This is an important issue, however, as improper disposal of wastewater can have serious consequences for the surrounding areas, thus making this issue an even bigger one.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/26waterrules.html

Georgia News(Week 5) - Judge Stands behind Voter ID Ruling

A federal judge recently refused a request from Georgia that he lift his suspension of a contested state voter ID law, according to a recent article. Judge Harold Murphy ruled Tuesday that the law in question "imposes an unconstitutional poll tax and unduly burdens the right to vote." The Attorney General's office, however, feels different, citing the fact that "'the changes that injunction relief would bring at this time would disrupt" the upcoming elections.'" Judge Murphy refuted this claim, however, referring to the various opinions of poll workers. These opinions were in favor of the injuction, stating that keeping the injunction in effect will not hinder the voting process. Judge Murphy issued the injuction out of a fear that the law "[would] have the 'likely effect of causing a significant number of Georgians to forego going to the polls or forego obtaining and voting an absentee ballot.'" I agree with Judge Murphy's decision, as the voter ID law, described in a previous entry, would hinder the voter process and keep many people from the polls, an effect far more negative than the supposed effect that the Attorney General spoke of.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/21voter.html

Georgia News(Week 5)-"Drug maker tempts Medicaid"

Eli Lilly & Co. has proposed giving $5 million to Georgia's Medicaid program in exchange for the lifting of state restrictions, an action that would increase sales of Eli Lilly & Co.'s drugs, according to a recent article. This proposed deal is being seen as suspicious by many, as they feel that Eli Lilly & Co. is simply trying to "buy their way on [the preferred-drug list] again." Many are also concerned with the "safety, effectiveness or cost" of the company's drugs. Other Lilly proposals, according to the article, also had similar strings attached. The aforementioned preferred-drug list, which Lilly wants its drugs to be on, "is a roster of medications that can be prescribed for Medicaid patients without any state restrictions," according to the article. This case can be a show of possible corruption in the Medicaid system, as it seems as if companies can buy their way onto the list, instead of making it on the list fairly and deservingly. In my opinion, this measure will not be completed, as Georgia will most likely not be willing to take the political backlash that could stem from taking part in a deal like this.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/20bizmedicaid.html

Georgia News(Week 5)-Illegal Immigrant Controversy

A recent article describes a rally at the Georgia state Capitol calling for legislation that would deny benefits to illegal immigrants. According to the article, Republican leaders promised to make illegal immigration one of the top issues when they convene in January. There is a proposed legislation that will require anyone receiving "state taxpayer-funded benefits prove [they] are a Georgia resident and a U.S. citizen." Cobb County Republican Party Chairman Anthony Scott-Hobbs organized the rally. Scott-Hobbs commented on detractors who feel that the aforementioned legislation will be anti immigration: "It's not anti-immigration. It's anti-illegal immigration." Many speakers at the rally called for action on the part of Gov. Sonny Purdue. Many also feel that illegal immigrants drain taxpayer-funded programs. The proposed bill would not apply to school districts or life-threatening emergencies, although illegal immigrants would not be allowed to enroll in Georgia public universities and colleges. This case is obviously controversial, as it can be viewed as helpful for taxpayers or discriminatory against immigrants. Come January, the case will no doubt become a hotter issue.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/1005/18metprotest.html?cxntnid=amn101805e

Georgia News(Week 4) - First Contested Election for Morrow City

For the first time in many years, Morrow city and its voters will take part in a contested City Council election, according to a recent article. Newcomer Dorothy Brandon is running against incumbent Virlyn Slaton, a member of the City Council for four years. According to the article, "council members in Morrow serve at-large and [do not] represent particular distrcits. But a candidate can choose who they would like to run against for a specific council seat." Slaton's opponent has been a resident of Morrow for eight years, and is very popular throughout the community. Brandon has mentioned her plan to get Morrow residents "more involved in city affairs." This should be an interesting contest, as it will be something that the city of Murrow has not seen in a long time, and it involves two qualified and respected opponents.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/clayton/1005/clxmorrow13.html

Georgia News(Week 4) - Possible Run at White House for Gingrich?

Former Georgia congressman and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has hinted at a possible presidential run, according to a recent article. Although not set in stone, Gingrich says that he will run for the Republican nomination in 2008, as long as no other candidates are mentioning certain ideas. If they do use his ideas, however, Gingrich will "be able to relax and go play golf," as he hopes. In addition to the necessity of his issues' relevance, Gingrich is also relying on the public's acceptance of the issues that he plans to run on. Gingrich is currently touring the United States speaking on these same issues. Although early, this is quite interesting, as I had not heard Gingrich's name mentioned as one to possibly be thrown into the 2008 race. His run for the White House does not seem likely, however, as it depends on too many outside factors, such as the prevalance of issues and the public's views. The outcome of Gingrich's statement will be seen, albeit not until 2008.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/14gingrich.html?COXnetJSessionIDbuild100=DPjOIL1KgTj9WbwLtPwuC2yTIYhCYJJNKp0G1Z40BhLMntbBHANZ!-1055117768&UrAuth=aNaNUObNWUbTTUWUXUTUZTYU_UWU_UaUZUcU[UcTYWYWZV&urcm=y

Georgia News(Week 4) - Fax Controversy

In a recent article, an incident is described in which David Mokowitz, a "longtime democrat," sent a fax to a fellow Democrat concerning a Republican fundraiser involving many organizations, etc. that once supported the Democrats. In his fax, which accidently found its way into the hands of Gov. Sunny Purdue, Moskowitz states: "Here's your program. Read it and vomit." Upon receiving knowledge of the fax, top GOP lawmakers immediately recommended Moskowitz's resignation from the State Ethics Commission. Many also feel that the fax shows partisanship, a claim further substantiated by the fact that Moskowitz "was appointed to the Ethics Commission last year by Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, a Democrat." This is an interesting situation, as Moskowitz's action and language show obvious partisanship. Whether or not he'll face any consequences, however, is yet to be seen.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/14metethics.html

Georgia News(Week 3) - Gerrymandering

The Republican-dominated Georgia state Senate, according to a recent article, approved a new political map that reshapes Georgia's congressional districts, a move that could also help Republicans come election time. Republicans hope this move will "put Georgia back together" after a similar move by Democrats in 2001. Many, including Democrats, however, feel this is a "very, very flawed process" that shuts out African-Americans. Many incumbent Democrats are also at risk, as the redistricting will place them in the running against veteran Republican incumbents. The new districts will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice, however, as Georgia is covered by the Voting Rights Act, given its "history of discrimination." I find the redistricting controversial, as the new districts obviously change the African-American vote, which helps Republicans for the most part. It is not surprising that Republicans favor this measure, however, as their likelihood of victory has greatly been increased by the new districts.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/legis05/0305/22legmaps.html

Georgia News(Week 3) - Lottery Hijinks

According to the article, it has recently come to light that four of the most prominent evangelical leaders were recruited to support a measure banning online gambling. Another prominent evangelical leader, on the other hand, was hired to sink that same measure, a feat at which he succeeded. Not surprisingly, the effort to stop the legislation was financed by eLottery Inc., a company who would no doubt profit from the proliferation of online lottery ticket sales. Edwin McGuinn, president of eLottery, "laid it out for Congress" that "the sale of lottery tickets on the internet is inevitable." The demand for online lottery tickets stems from the fact that most lottery ticket sales come from convenience stores, which are usually only located in less affluent neighborhoods, thus alienating the more affluent people who want to buy tickets, affecting potential profits. Allowing online lottery tickets, proponents argue, would give the "well-to-do" a medium to buy lottery tickets, thus increasing profits. The Georgia state House recently passed HB 346, allowing the online sale of Georgia lottery tickets. This is an interesting issue, as I find it somewhat strange that evangelists would support the sale of lottery tickets, an obvious form of gambling. It is not surprising, however that eLottery or Lottery.com would have such strong interests and influence in the issue concerning online lottery regulation.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/insider/index.html

Georgia News(Week 3) - Dispute Over Lobbyists' Influence

There is an ongoing debate concerning the influence of lobbyists over Gov. Sunny Purdue's decision to close schools for two days last month in order to save gas, according to the article. Surprisingly, a recent poll found that 52% of Georgians supported the Governor's decision. This poll, however, was conducted before an article was released alleging that convenience store and oil lobbyists pressured Purdue to close schools. Gov. Perdue completely denies this accusation, however. Although there may be no proof towards either side's claim, this issue will no doubt be hotly contested throughout the state.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/07metgov.html