Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal disagrees with today's decision to extend Ga. 400 tolls until 2020.
"Ga. 400 commuters are also taxpayers like all other drivers in our state, and I don't think it's fair to continue to single them out for this daily fee," Deal said. "It's certainly true that this corridor has undergone explosive growth in the past 20 years, but so have many other corridors in the metro Atlanta area.
"In these tight budget times, we must consider all options for improving mobility in metro Atlanta and throughout the rest of the state. Tolls will play a role in how we fund needed expansions in highway capacity. Georgians will only support that option if we keep our promises. The state said it would end the tolls when the bonds were paid. I said this summer that the tolls should end when the bonds are paid off next year, and I believe that would have been the best path to take."
Barnes' sordid record on Ga. 400
While Nathan Deal sides with Ga. 400 commuters, Democrat Roy Barnes should add north Fulton and Forsyth County to his "2010 Apology Tour."
In 2002, Barnes took $10.4 million from Ga. 400 toll funds and bought 6.8 acre tract of land at Atlantic Station - a price that state officials determined was THREE times the land's appraised value. That parcel of land still sits vacant today at Atlantic Station.
Ga. 400 toll money was supposed to be used only for building and improvements in that corridor. Barnes' toll authority director quietly changed the rules so that the money could be used for other projects - but the Atlantic Station property purchase was the only other use of the money. Barnes' toll authority director, Jim Croy, added to the deception in an April 2, 2002, AJC piece by acknowledging the Ga. 400 agreement had been changed but that "there have been no changes, nor are there any currently planned, as to how Ga. 400 tolls will be spent." The AJC pointed out on Sept. 30, 2002, that $10.4 million HAD ALREADY BEEN DIVERTED for the property purchase at that point.
A state inspector general's report released in April 2003 showed that Barnes paid $6.7 million too much for the property. ("$10 million in tolls for $3 million land - Inspector suggests Ga. 400 revenue misused," AJC, 4-22-2003). The IG called the purchase a "questionable use of state funds without documented due diligence." A Georgia Department of Transportation appraisal THREE MONTHS before the purchase placed the value of the land at $3.7 million.
According to the same AJC article cited above: "A deputy attorney general said state lawyers working with the authority believed the transaction was conceived and expedited because Atlantic Station developers were experiencing cash flow problems and needed money to bridge the gap."
The project's co-developer was Jim Jacoby, a major donor to Barnes. Jacoby Development gave $10,000 to Barnes' campaign in November 2001.
The next toll authority director, John Leonard, said after the IG's report: "It's disappointing. It's embarrassing, and we're going to make sure it never happens again."
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Rasmussen Poll on GA Governor's Race
Georgia Governor: Deal (R) Holds Narrower Lead Over Barnes (D)
Despite a swirl of questions about his past financial dealings, former Republican Congressman Nathan Deal remains slightly ahead of Democrat Roy Barnes in the race to be the next governor of Georgia. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Georgia Voters finds Deal with 45% support, while Barnes earns 39% of the vote when leaners are included.
Despite a swirl of questions about his past financial dealings, former Republican Congressman Nathan Deal remains slightly ahead of Democrat Roy Barnes in the race to be the next governor of Georgia. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Georgia Voters finds Deal with 45% support, while Barnes earns 39% of the vote when leaners are included.
First Student-Led Gubernatorial Debate to be Aired Live on GPB Oct 3rd
In an effort to increase voter participation among college students, student leaders from universities across the State of Georgia have planned a gubernatorial debate between the three candidates in the Governor’s race: Roy Barnes (D), Nathan Deal (R), and John Monds (I). All three candidates have confirmed to participate in the live debate on Sunday, October 3rd from 78pm on Georgia Public Broadcasting, located on Fourteenth Street in Atlanta. The debate will focus on issues pertinent to voters aged 18‐30, including the economy, transportation, taxes, higher education, and energy policy.
Students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates via the debate website www.gastudentvote.com. Questions will be selected from that website and used during the debate. The interactive and web‐based nature of the debate makes it truly unique and helps students connect with the election cycle in ways previously unexplored or underutilized. In addition to the debate, universities will hold voter registration drives on their campuses and promote active participation in the various statewide and federal races.
The studio audience will be principally comprised of students representing various universities and colleges throughout Georgia. The studio can accommodate 250 audience members. School administrators and the Board of Regents have been invited to attend, as well. All universities are invited to attend the debate and submit questions for the candidates. In addition to a student audience, each university is encouraged to host its own live viewing party on campus, especially to accommodate the schools who located too far to attend the debate. Debate watching parties will increase total audience size and participation throughout the state.
The debate has primarily been organized by the Student Government Association of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, the student governments from the University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University, and Morehouse College have chosen to participate as principal partner schools and will each have a student panelist asking questions to the candidates during the debate. Susan Hoffman, a GPB host and producer, will be the moderator for the debate. Her fifteen years of experience with GPB brings additional expertise and guidance. GPB has been an excellent process throughout the entire planning process, and broadcasting the debate live on their network will greatly increase the scope of this debate.
Students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates via the debate website www.gastudentvote.com. Questions will be selected from that website and used during the debate. The interactive and web‐based nature of the debate makes it truly unique and helps students connect with the election cycle in ways previously unexplored or underutilized. In addition to the debate, universities will hold voter registration drives on their campuses and promote active participation in the various statewide and federal races.
The studio audience will be principally comprised of students representing various universities and colleges throughout Georgia. The studio can accommodate 250 audience members. School administrators and the Board of Regents have been invited to attend, as well. All universities are invited to attend the debate and submit questions for the candidates. In addition to a student audience, each university is encouraged to host its own live viewing party on campus, especially to accommodate the schools who located too far to attend the debate. Debate watching parties will increase total audience size and participation throughout the state.
The debate has primarily been organized by the Student Government Association of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, the student governments from the University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University, and Morehouse College have chosen to participate as principal partner schools and will each have a student panelist asking questions to the candidates during the debate. Susan Hoffman, a GPB host and producer, will be the moderator for the debate. Her fifteen years of experience with GPB brings additional expertise and guidance. GPB has been an excellent process throughout the entire planning process, and broadcasting the debate live on their network will greatly increase the scope of this debate.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Herman Cain to Host Candidate Interviews on Radio Program
On September 21, I will begin my Georgia Gubernatorial and Congressional Candidate Forum. On the nights listed below, each one will be interviewed and given the opportunity to educate the public about their stance on the issues.
Various Republican and Democrat candidates have been invited however, the Democratic candidates either have not responded yet or they are unable to participate.
Make sure you become more informed about who is running for office in our state... Listen! You just might learn something!
Sept 21 - Gov Race
Nathan Deal (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 22 - Dist 8
Austin Scott (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 28 - Dist 13
Mike Crane (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 29 - Dist 4
Liz Carter (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 30 - Dist 5
Fenn Little (R) -- Confirmed
Various Republican and Democrat candidates have been invited however, the Democratic candidates either have not responded yet or they are unable to participate.
Make sure you become more informed about who is running for office in our state... Listen! You just might learn something!
Sept 21 - Gov Race
Nathan Deal (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 22 - Dist 8
Austin Scott (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 28 - Dist 13
Mike Crane (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 29 - Dist 4
Liz Carter (R) -- Confirmed
Sept 30 - Dist 5
Fenn Little (R) -- Confirmed
The New Herman Cain Show
Weeknights 7pm-10pm
On AM750 and Now 95.5FM News/Talk WSB Listen! You just might learn something!
On AM750 and Now 95.5FM News/Talk WSB Listen! You just might learn something!
There are several ways to listen to the show:On AM750 and Now 95.5FM News/Talk WSB
LIVE ONLINE
LIVE on IPHONE/IPOD
LIVE on BLACKBERRY
LIVE ONLINE
LIVE on IPHONE/IPOD
LIVE on BLACKBERRY
Chuck Donovan: The Only U.S. Senate Candidate in Georgia to Sign the "No Pork" Pledge
Chuck Donovan is now the only U.S. Senate candidate in Georgia to sign the No Pork Pledge. The No Pork Pledge is published by the Citizens Against Government Waste, a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on eliminating waste and mismanagement in the government. Only one other candidate in Georgia is on record as having signed this pledge, and no other Senate candidate has signed it.
Although there are strict limits stated in the pledge, Donovan felt the pledge is not strict enough. The original language stated he would not support a budget request that “Greatly exceeds” the previous years funding. Because of the huge spending increases in the past years, during Donovan’s first full term of office there will be no need for a Federal budget increase of any kind. Donovan crossed out the word “Greatly” to make the statement read, “Exceeds …the previous year’s funding.”
Additionally, Donovan signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, the De-Fund ObamaCare Pledge, and the Death Tax Repeal Pledge.
No other candidate has demonstrated this kind of dedication to spending cuts. Donovan has laid down a challenge to the other candidates in this race, incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson and former Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “Both of you speak of fiscal discipline, but neither of you have demonstrated your commitment by putting your name on the line.” He continued, “In particular, Johnny Isakson is trying to portray himself to Georgia voters as a ‘fiscal conservative’. His record shows he has been a fiscal disaster.” Donovan goes on to warn Georgia voters “Don’t think it will be different this time unless you vote differently.”
Copies of the signed pledges may be seen at the Donovan campaign website, www.DonovanForSenate.com
Although there are strict limits stated in the pledge, Donovan felt the pledge is not strict enough. The original language stated he would not support a budget request that “Greatly exceeds” the previous years funding. Because of the huge spending increases in the past years, during Donovan’s first full term of office there will be no need for a Federal budget increase of any kind. Donovan crossed out the word “Greatly” to make the statement read, “Exceeds …the previous year’s funding.”
Additionally, Donovan signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, the De-Fund ObamaCare Pledge, and the Death Tax Repeal Pledge.
No other candidate has demonstrated this kind of dedication to spending cuts. Donovan has laid down a challenge to the other candidates in this race, incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson and former Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “Both of you speak of fiscal discipline, but neither of you have demonstrated your commitment by putting your name on the line.” He continued, “In particular, Johnny Isakson is trying to portray himself to Georgia voters as a ‘fiscal conservative’. His record shows he has been a fiscal disaster.” Donovan goes on to warn Georgia voters “Don’t think it will be different this time unless you vote differently.”
Copies of the signed pledges may be seen at the Donovan campaign website, www.DonovanForSenate.com
Sunday, September 19, 2010
PSC candidate Echols to speak at “Farm of the Future” on Monday
On Monday, September 20th, PSC Candidate Tim Echols will join PSC Chairman Bubba McDonald at Haven Farms at 628 Battle Road in Calhoun, Georgia for a “flip switching” ceremony at one of the largest solar farms in the state of Georgia. The ceremony will be at 12:30pm followed by a BBQ lunch.
“The Grogan Family with their 440 ground-mounted solar panels are helping themselves, their poultry farm, and the environment,” said Tim Echols. “North Carolina has created over 10,000 jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Georgia should follow their lead.”
Echols said that solar is part of the solution for national energy independence and energy security because becoming energy independent is required in order to have economic security.
“Solar works great in our state and it is creating a significant number of jobs and economic development,” said Echols. “Georgia has the ingredients to be a leader in Solar and Cleantech development with GA Tech, The Technical College Network, The Port in Savannah, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, I-85, I-95 and I-75.”
Echols, the GOP nominee for the open seat on the Public Service Commission, won both the primary and primary run-off for the Republican party. He has conducted his “town hall” style meetings across Georgia discussing Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light’s rate increase cases. Other forum items include discussion on alternative energy sources and the two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle.
“Vogtle’s construction of the two new reactors will be a huge economic boost for Georgia,” said Echols. “It will be my job to try to make sure Ga. Power and their partners stay on budget.”
“One of the primary jobs of a good Public Service Commissioner is to make sure to balance consumers expectations to keep rates low with the need for utilities to recover their operating costs,” said Echols. “With the heat wave this summer, Georgia Power has certainly had a windfall in profit, and their rate increase request needs to be adjusted.”
“The PSC is the gatekeeper and makes sure the energy providers, phone companies and others regulated entities are held accountable,” said Echols. “I intend to ask the hard questions to these companies and make sure consumers are protected.”
Echols said that serving on the Public Service Commission is an incredibly complex job with a mountain of data that has to be analyzed before any hearing—a challenge he looks forward to. “The action of the PSC impacts your electric, gas and phone bill,” said Echols. “Voters can count on me to scrutinize all rate requests before the Commission.”
Echols has spent the last 15 years at the Georgia Capitol training young people and their parents on how the legislative process works. “Being involved in training others in how to impact public policy has prepared me for this position.”
Tim Echols has been married to Windy Davis Echols of Roswell 27 years and they have seven children ranging from a 21 year old to a 10 year old. Echols has three degrees from the University of Georgia. He is the author of the book "Real Citizenship," a primer on grassroots political activism. The book is available on Amazon. Echols has been active in GOP politics assisting candidates all over the country. He grew up in Clayton County and attended public schools there before attending the University of Georgia.
After the Calhoun event, Echols will speak at the Fannin County GOP meeting in Blue Ridge, held at 440 W. First Street, Blue Ridge, GA at 7pm.
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“The Grogan Family with their 440 ground-mounted solar panels are helping themselves, their poultry farm, and the environment,” said Tim Echols. “North Carolina has created over 10,000 jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Georgia should follow their lead.”
Echols said that solar is part of the solution for national energy independence and energy security because becoming energy independent is required in order to have economic security.
“Solar works great in our state and it is creating a significant number of jobs and economic development,” said Echols. “Georgia has the ingredients to be a leader in Solar and Cleantech development with GA Tech, The Technical College Network, The Port in Savannah, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, I-85, I-95 and I-75.”
Echols, the GOP nominee for the open seat on the Public Service Commission, won both the primary and primary run-off for the Republican party. He has conducted his “town hall” style meetings across Georgia discussing Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light’s rate increase cases. Other forum items include discussion on alternative energy sources and the two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle.
“Vogtle’s construction of the two new reactors will be a huge economic boost for Georgia,” said Echols. “It will be my job to try to make sure Ga. Power and their partners stay on budget.”
“One of the primary jobs of a good Public Service Commissioner is to make sure to balance consumers expectations to keep rates low with the need for utilities to recover their operating costs,” said Echols. “With the heat wave this summer, Georgia Power has certainly had a windfall in profit, and their rate increase request needs to be adjusted.”
“The PSC is the gatekeeper and makes sure the energy providers, phone companies and others regulated entities are held accountable,” said Echols. “I intend to ask the hard questions to these companies and make sure consumers are protected.”
Echols said that serving on the Public Service Commission is an incredibly complex job with a mountain of data that has to be analyzed before any hearing—a challenge he looks forward to. “The action of the PSC impacts your electric, gas and phone bill,” said Echols. “Voters can count on me to scrutinize all rate requests before the Commission.”
Echols has spent the last 15 years at the Georgia Capitol training young people and their parents on how the legislative process works. “Being involved in training others in how to impact public policy has prepared me for this position.”
Tim Echols has been married to Windy Davis Echols of Roswell 27 years and they have seven children ranging from a 21 year old to a 10 year old. Echols has three degrees from the University of Georgia. He is the author of the book "Real Citizenship," a primer on grassroots political activism. The book is available on Amazon. Echols has been active in GOP politics assisting candidates all over the country. He grew up in Clayton County and attended public schools there before attending the University of Georgia.
After the Calhoun event, Echols will speak at the Fannin County GOP meeting in Blue Ridge, held at 440 W. First Street, Blue Ridge, GA at 7pm.
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Gary Black: Spend School Lunch Dollars on Georgia Grown Produce
Partnership with Education Department Would Result in Fresh Local Foods for Kids, Expanded Markets for GA Farmers
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gary Black today called for a partnership with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to increase the use of fresh, local produce in Georgia's school lunch program. He said he has met with Republican State School Superintendent candidate John Barge to begin discussions to implement such a plan.
"Georgia educators and school nutritionists want to provide top quality fresh food to their students and we will give them the tools to do just that," Black said today. "We can buy healthy, locally-grown produce through our school lunch program which is good for the students, good for the farmers and good for Georgia's economy."
Black said that he will work with the School Superintendent and local school systems to identify seasonal needs of schools and match them with local growers who can fulfill those needs and increase on-site preparation of Georgia-grown products. "Local leaders know best what is best for their communities. But I believe state leaders of agriculture and education can be of service by partnering to address the in-school nutrition needs of Georgia students," Black said.
He also said that highlighting individual school nutrition success stories will provide a blueprint to best practices that all schools can look to. "Cobb County and Decatur City Schools have initiated creative farm to school programs that deserve recognition. Teaming Georgia farmers, school nutrition professionals and parents together promises to yield positive, sustainable results we can all be proud of," Black said.
According to the GaDOE, 74% of Georgia's public school students eat school lunches -- including 1.2 million servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
"Georgia Grown carrots and strawberries are better for our kids and for our economy than potatoes grown and frozen in Idaho any day of the week," Black said.
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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gary Black today called for a partnership with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to increase the use of fresh, local produce in Georgia's school lunch program. He said he has met with Republican State School Superintendent candidate John Barge to begin discussions to implement such a plan.
"Georgia educators and school nutritionists want to provide top quality fresh food to their students and we will give them the tools to do just that," Black said today. "We can buy healthy, locally-grown produce through our school lunch program which is good for the students, good for the farmers and good for Georgia's economy."
Black said that he will work with the School Superintendent and local school systems to identify seasonal needs of schools and match them with local growers who can fulfill those needs and increase on-site preparation of Georgia-grown products. "Local leaders know best what is best for their communities. But I believe state leaders of agriculture and education can be of service by partnering to address the in-school nutrition needs of Georgia students," Black said.
He also said that highlighting individual school nutrition success stories will provide a blueprint to best practices that all schools can look to. "Cobb County and Decatur City Schools have initiated creative farm to school programs that deserve recognition. Teaming Georgia farmers, school nutrition professionals and parents together promises to yield positive, sustainable results we can all be proud of," Black said.
According to the GaDOE, 74% of Georgia's public school students eat school lunches -- including 1.2 million servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
"Georgia Grown carrots and strawberries are better for our kids and for our economy than potatoes grown and frozen in Idaho any day of the week," Black said.
---
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Physicians Endorse Deal for Governor of Georgia
The Georgia Medical Political Action Committee (GAMPAC), which is the Medical Association of Georgia’s (MAG) political action committee, has endorsed Nathan Deal in the gubernatorial race in Georgia.
“Nathan Deal truly understands the issues that affect physicians the most, including tort reform and insurance reform and Medicaid funding,” says GAMPAC Chairman Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D. “He’s earned his reputation as an intellectual champion for patients and physicians in Georgia based on his actions, and he has an articulate vision for health care in this state.”
When it comes to noteworthy action, Dr. Chapman points out that Deal opposed the Clinton administration’s health reform proposal – and he says the Republican candidate led the fight against the recently-enacted national health reform law in his role as the leading Republican of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
“In his role as governor, we are confident that Nathan Deal will take steps to mitigate the effects of the new federal health care law at the state level in the legal and legislative advocacy arenas,” Dr. Chapman says. “He knows that this new law can’t possibly be sustained from a financial standpoint, and he understands it’s given far too much power to the federal government when it comes to individual medical decisions.”
MAG recognized Deal with the James A. Kaufmann Award for outstanding government service in 1998, while the American Medical Association gave him the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in 2009.
“In the same way you build a house, Nathan Deal has built his reputation as an effective and trustworthy advocate for both physicians and patients in Georgia,” concludes Dr. Chapman. “That means day-after-day, one brick at a time.”
GAMPAC is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.nathandeal.org for additional information and to support Deal with a campaign contribution.
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“Nathan Deal truly understands the issues that affect physicians the most, including tort reform and insurance reform and Medicaid funding,” says GAMPAC Chairman Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D. “He’s earned his reputation as an intellectual champion for patients and physicians in Georgia based on his actions, and he has an articulate vision for health care in this state.”
When it comes to noteworthy action, Dr. Chapman points out that Deal opposed the Clinton administration’s health reform proposal – and he says the Republican candidate led the fight against the recently-enacted national health reform law in his role as the leading Republican of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
“In his role as governor, we are confident that Nathan Deal will take steps to mitigate the effects of the new federal health care law at the state level in the legal and legislative advocacy arenas,” Dr. Chapman says. “He knows that this new law can’t possibly be sustained from a financial standpoint, and he understands it’s given far too much power to the federal government when it comes to individual medical decisions.”
MAG recognized Deal with the James A. Kaufmann Award for outstanding government service in 1998, while the American Medical Association gave him the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in 2009.
“In the same way you build a house, Nathan Deal has built his reputation as an effective and trustworthy advocate for both physicians and patients in Georgia,” concludes Dr. Chapman. “That means day-after-day, one brick at a time.”
GAMPAC is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.nathandeal.org for additional information and to support Deal with a campaign contribution.
---
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Libertarian U.S. Senate Candidate and Airline Pilot Makes Statement on Ninth Anniversary of 9/11
Chuck Donovan, candidate for U.S. Senator from the state of Georgia, issued the following statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:
"Like most Americans, I took the attacks of 9/11 very hard. As a professional pilot, I took them personally. We pilots had been trained with a plan to deal with hijackers; a plan we were told included team members outside of our cockpits. September 11, 2001 showed us we were disarmed and alone.
"Nine years later, we Americans are more and more restricted from using the tools of self-defense. Far too often and in far too many ways, we find ourselves helplessly at the mercy of a government we cannot rely on.
"The government's reaction to 9/11 was to energetically use its' two favorite tactics; expand power at the expense of our liberty, and to spend lots more money. Neither the poorly named "Patriot Act" nor the new Department of Homeland Security held anyone in government responsible for their failures that day. They also failed to effectively deal with the clearly exposed lack of inter-agency coordination.
"Today all we have to show for the huge investment is a bigger, more bloated government that finds it impossible to protect us from someone like Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, better known as the "underwear bomber." All the layers of bureaucracy were unable to take clear information on a known threat and act upon it. Our government makes a show of security, forcing experienced flight crew wearing layers of identification, to take off their shoes and belts, open their suitcases, or to wait at the border on return from international flights, yet someone like Abdulmutallab easily slips through the system.
"Our Federal government can only be relied upon to posture as a kind of Robocop. In reality, it is more like the Keystone Cops.
"The one small success on that terrible day 9 years ago was when free people on board United Airlines Flight 93 voluntarily joined together and resisted a deadly threat. Years later, it was free people once again, who stopped Abdulmutallab without the help of government.
"Today the threat of an overreaching, overspending government, using its authority to arrogantly step into every aspect of our lives, has finally become clear to many Americans. Benjamin Franklin warned us, 'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.' Yet too many Americans remain unconvinced. If we fail to heed Franklin's warning, we will soon find ourselves without liberty or security."
Chuck Donovan is an international airline Captain who has over 30 years of experience as a professional and military pilot. Donovan's career in this no-nonsense profession, as well as his staunch support for small, fiscally responsible government, make him the best candidate for Georgia's new Senator.
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"Like most Americans, I took the attacks of 9/11 very hard. As a professional pilot, I took them personally. We pilots had been trained with a plan to deal with hijackers; a plan we were told included team members outside of our cockpits. September 11, 2001 showed us we were disarmed and alone.
"Nine years later, we Americans are more and more restricted from using the tools of self-defense. Far too often and in far too many ways, we find ourselves helplessly at the mercy of a government we cannot rely on.
"The government's reaction to 9/11 was to energetically use its' two favorite tactics; expand power at the expense of our liberty, and to spend lots more money. Neither the poorly named "Patriot Act" nor the new Department of Homeland Security held anyone in government responsible for their failures that day. They also failed to effectively deal with the clearly exposed lack of inter-agency coordination.
"Today all we have to show for the huge investment is a bigger, more bloated government that finds it impossible to protect us from someone like Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, better known as the "underwear bomber." All the layers of bureaucracy were unable to take clear information on a known threat and act upon it. Our government makes a show of security, forcing experienced flight crew wearing layers of identification, to take off their shoes and belts, open their suitcases, or to wait at the border on return from international flights, yet someone like Abdulmutallab easily slips through the system.
"Our Federal government can only be relied upon to posture as a kind of Robocop. In reality, it is more like the Keystone Cops.
"The one small success on that terrible day 9 years ago was when free people on board United Airlines Flight 93 voluntarily joined together and resisted a deadly threat. Years later, it was free people once again, who stopped Abdulmutallab without the help of government.
"Today the threat of an overreaching, overspending government, using its authority to arrogantly step into every aspect of our lives, has finally become clear to many Americans. Benjamin Franklin warned us, 'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.' Yet too many Americans remain unconvinced. If we fail to heed Franklin's warning, we will soon find ourselves without liberty or security."
Chuck Donovan is an international airline Captain who has over 30 years of experience as a professional and military pilot. Donovan's career in this no-nonsense profession, as well as his staunch support for small, fiscally responsible government, make him the best candidate for Georgia's new Senator.
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Sunday, September 12, 2010
John Monds, Libertarian Candidate for GA Governor
John Monds is fifth generation Georgian, whose family has called Georgia home for over 140 years. He is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta with a degree in Banking and Finance, a devoted husband and father, as well as a dedicated community volunteer.
John married his wife, Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds, in 1998. While attending and and upon graduation from college, Mr. Monds worked as a finance officer for Lehman Brothers. He later worked for a small airline until he and his wife decided to have children and is now the proud father of four. He is currently committed to public sevice and providing his four beautiful children with a quality home-schooled education.
In 2002 and 2003, Mr. Monds earned the Superior Service Award, following that up with the Omega Man of the Year Award in 2003 - both from the Mu Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In 2005, he earned the honor of being named Man of the Year by the Grady County NAACP.
In his capacity as a member and President of the Grady County NAACP, Monds has held financial literacy classes for the Holder Park Summer Program, helped implement the Freedom Day Health Fair and advocated for citizens who believed they had been treated unjustly. He is a twenty year member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and has held various leadership positions on the local and state level including President of the Mu Beta Beta chapter.
In addition to his service via the NAACP and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Mr. Monds also serves on the Grady County Planning Commission, Grady County Habitat for Humanity board, the Libertarian Party of Georgia Executive Committee and the Grady County Fine Arts Project.
Mr. Monds’ 2008 Public Service Commission (District 1) campaign garnered the most votes of any Libertarian Party candidate in their history, as he attained 1,076,760 votes statewide. He was the first candidate in Libertarian Party of Georgia history to eclipse the one million vote mark, and he remains the hightest Libertarian vote-getter of all time.
In early 2009, Mr. Monds announced his intent to seek the Libertarian Party of Georgia nomination for the office of Governor, and at the 2010 convention in April, he was unanimously nominated to seek the office. Upon completion of the qualifying process on June 29th, Mr. Monds became the first African-American in state history to appear on the General Election ballot for Governor in Georgia.
Platform (detailed at www.votemonds.com/issues_index.html ):
Provide a better environment for the creation of jobs in Georgia by removing barriers to existing and new industries combined with tax reform.
Protect individual's and state's rights by standing up to federal encroachments while also working with our Congressional delegation to reverse policies of the past that have allowed these encroachments.
Reduce government spending by advocating policies to reduce the scope of government, eliminate waste and implement “zero based budgeting”.
Improve our education system by giving parents more choices resulting in increased competition and a better educated citizenry.
Pursue more public-private partnerships for transportation and work to expand market based solutions such as tolls and HOT lanes, with a plan to veto any attempt to use the gas tax to funnel funding to any project other than our highways and roads.
Promote more local control and decision making for policies in education, alcohol sales, transportation and new industries.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
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John married his wife, Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds, in 1998. While attending and and upon graduation from college, Mr. Monds worked as a finance officer for Lehman Brothers. He later worked for a small airline until he and his wife decided to have children and is now the proud father of four. He is currently committed to public sevice and providing his four beautiful children with a quality home-schooled education.
In 2002 and 2003, Mr. Monds earned the Superior Service Award, following that up with the Omega Man of the Year Award in 2003 - both from the Mu Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In 2005, he earned the honor of being named Man of the Year by the Grady County NAACP.
In his capacity as a member and President of the Grady County NAACP, Monds has held financial literacy classes for the Holder Park Summer Program, helped implement the Freedom Day Health Fair and advocated for citizens who believed they had been treated unjustly. He is a twenty year member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and has held various leadership positions on the local and state level including President of the Mu Beta Beta chapter.
In addition to his service via the NAACP and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Mr. Monds also serves on the Grady County Planning Commission, Grady County Habitat for Humanity board, the Libertarian Party of Georgia Executive Committee and the Grady County Fine Arts Project.
Mr. Monds’ 2008 Public Service Commission (District 1) campaign garnered the most votes of any Libertarian Party candidate in their history, as he attained 1,076,760 votes statewide. He was the first candidate in Libertarian Party of Georgia history to eclipse the one million vote mark, and he remains the hightest Libertarian vote-getter of all time.
In early 2009, Mr. Monds announced his intent to seek the Libertarian Party of Georgia nomination for the office of Governor, and at the 2010 convention in April, he was unanimously nominated to seek the office. Upon completion of the qualifying process on June 29th, Mr. Monds became the first African-American in state history to appear on the General Election ballot for Governor in Georgia.
Platform (detailed at www.votemonds.com/issues_index.html ):
Provide a better environment for the creation of jobs in Georgia by removing barriers to existing and new industries combined with tax reform.
Protect individual's and state's rights by standing up to federal encroachments while also working with our Congressional delegation to reverse policies of the past that have allowed these encroachments.
Reduce government spending by advocating policies to reduce the scope of government, eliminate waste and implement “zero based budgeting”.
Improve our education system by giving parents more choices resulting in increased competition and a better educated citizenry.
Pursue more public-private partnerships for transportation and work to expand market based solutions such as tolls and HOT lanes, with a plan to veto any attempt to use the gas tax to funnel funding to any project other than our highways and roads.
Promote more local control and decision making for policies in education, alcohol sales, transportation and new industries.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Congressman Phil Gingrey M.D. -Town Hall Meeting September 7
Tuesday, September 7th
6:00 p.m.
Paulding County Commission Room
240 Constitution Blvd
Dallas, GA 30132
Join Congressman Phil Gingrey M.D. this evening for an America Speaking Out Town Hall in Paulding County to discuss issues facing our nation, your ideas for a better Washington, and to ask any questions you may have.
Republican members of Congress are holding these meetings across the nation and look forward to sharing your ideas and comments with others in Washington D.C. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your Congressman!
-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
6:00 p.m.
Paulding County Commission Room
240 Constitution Blvd
Dallas, GA 30132
Join Congressman Phil Gingrey M.D. this evening for an America Speaking Out Town Hall in Paulding County to discuss issues facing our nation, your ideas for a better Washington, and to ask any questions you may have.
Republican members of Congress are holding these meetings across the nation and look forward to sharing your ideas and comments with others in Washington D.C. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your Congressman!
-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Monday, September 6, 2010
Deal Update - Diagnosis: Amnesia or gross hypocrisy
Obamacare was central to campaign that Barnes gave maximum contribution
Because of health care rationing sure to come under Obamacare, Democrat Roy Barnes may need to pay out of pocket for treatment of his political amnesia or chronic hypocrisy.
In an AP story here, Democrat Roy Barnes said Obamacare could be “financially devastating” for Georgia and called the partisanship of the bill the “greatest failure, modern failure, of political leadership in my lifetime.”
“President Obama’s promise of universal coverage – which conservatives see as socialism – formed the centerpiece of his campaign in 2008, and Roy Barnes was so excited about Obamacare that year that he gave over the legal limit to the president’s campaign,” said Deal for Governor spokesman Brian Robinson. “Now he’s running for governor and his party’s policies are ‘devastating’? Surely, Roy Barnes isn’t claiming he’s the only person in the United States who didn’t know that Obamacare would crush taxpayers, undermine private insurance and degrade the quality of health care Georgians have come to expect. If he is, he needs to do another apology tour around Georgia for insulting our intelligence.
“Roy Barnes knew good and well what Obamacare would cost. He’s singing a different tune because he’s desperate for power. If it wasn’t Obamacare that got him all excited, what was it? Cap and trade, which would cause energy costs for Georgia’s families to skyrocket?”
Before giving more than the maximum limit to President Obama’s campaign, Roy Barnes served as Georgia co-chair for fellow trial lawyer John Edwards – who ran a campaign to the left of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
“John Edwards managed to make Barack Obama look like a moderate – and he had no bigger supporter than Roy Barnes. Barnes has given thousands and thousands of dollars to U.S. senators who passed Obamacare, including a maximum contribution to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.),” Robinson said. “Barnes also donated big bucks to Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.), Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) who were major players in Obamacare and actually expressed concerns that it didn’t go far enough! Since 2004, Barnes has given more than $15,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, headed for most of that time by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Was the glaringly clear agenda of these ultraliberal senators apparent to everybody but Roy Barnes?
“Democrat Roy Barnes has bankrolled the leftist agenda that has so angered Georgia voters. Roy Barnes thinks he’s fooling Georgia voters. He’s actually reminding them of why they fired him in the first place. Independent estimates show that Barnes’ agenda for Georgia is just like President Obama’s – $2.4 billion in more spending and bigger government that Georgia taxpayers can’t afford.”
Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal, in contrast, fought Obamacare as the lead Republican on the Health Subcommittee and voted against it. Deal was the first member of the House to point out that the individual mandate in Obamacare was unconstitutional. Many states, including Georgia, agreed and took the Obama administration to court. Deal supported a less costly alternative that would have allowed small businesses to pool resources for group health care, allowed purchase of insurance over state lines and set limits on medical liability judgments, among other targeted reforms that would have expanded coverage without a government takeover of health care.
Because of health care rationing sure to come under Obamacare, Democrat Roy Barnes may need to pay out of pocket for treatment of his political amnesia or chronic hypocrisy.
In an AP story here, Democrat Roy Barnes said Obamacare could be “financially devastating” for Georgia and called the partisanship of the bill the “greatest failure, modern failure, of political leadership in my lifetime.”
“President Obama’s promise of universal coverage – which conservatives see as socialism – formed the centerpiece of his campaign in 2008, and Roy Barnes was so excited about Obamacare that year that he gave over the legal limit to the president’s campaign,” said Deal for Governor spokesman Brian Robinson. “Now he’s running for governor and his party’s policies are ‘devastating’? Surely, Roy Barnes isn’t claiming he’s the only person in the United States who didn’t know that Obamacare would crush taxpayers, undermine private insurance and degrade the quality of health care Georgians have come to expect. If he is, he needs to do another apology tour around Georgia for insulting our intelligence.
“Roy Barnes knew good and well what Obamacare would cost. He’s singing a different tune because he’s desperate for power. If it wasn’t Obamacare that got him all excited, what was it? Cap and trade, which would cause energy costs for Georgia’s families to skyrocket?”
Before giving more than the maximum limit to President Obama’s campaign, Roy Barnes served as Georgia co-chair for fellow trial lawyer John Edwards – who ran a campaign to the left of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
“John Edwards managed to make Barack Obama look like a moderate – and he had no bigger supporter than Roy Barnes. Barnes has given thousands and thousands of dollars to U.S. senators who passed Obamacare, including a maximum contribution to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.),” Robinson said. “Barnes also donated big bucks to Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.), Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) who were major players in Obamacare and actually expressed concerns that it didn’t go far enough! Since 2004, Barnes has given more than $15,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, headed for most of that time by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Was the glaringly clear agenda of these ultraliberal senators apparent to everybody but Roy Barnes?
“Democrat Roy Barnes has bankrolled the leftist agenda that has so angered Georgia voters. Roy Barnes thinks he’s fooling Georgia voters. He’s actually reminding them of why they fired him in the first place. Independent estimates show that Barnes’ agenda for Georgia is just like President Obama’s – $2.4 billion in more spending and bigger government that Georgia taxpayers can’t afford.”
Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal, in contrast, fought Obamacare as the lead Republican on the Health Subcommittee and voted against it. Deal was the first member of the House to point out that the individual mandate in Obamacare was unconstitutional. Many states, including Georgia, agreed and took the Obama administration to court. Deal supported a less costly alternative that would have allowed small businesses to pool resources for group health care, allowed purchase of insurance over state lines and set limits on medical liability judgments, among other targeted reforms that would have expanded coverage without a government takeover of health care.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Deal Releases Tax Returns
Calls on Barnes to disclose cases in front of judges he appointed
Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal today released 30 years of personal income tax returns, posting them on his campaign Website.
The forms show that Deal has paid his taxes in full. This release of documents, combined with 17 years of financial disclosure reports, provide Georgia voters with a transparent look at Nathan Deal's income, his assets and his liabilities. His financial disclosures give details on his interests and partnerships as a small businessman and investor.
A Roy Named Sue
With the release of his tax returns, Nathan Deal calls on trial lawyer Roy Barnes to disclose:
1. In the past eight years, how many cases has he or his firm tried in front of judges whom he appointed to the bench?
2. How much money did Barnes or his firm earn in those cases?
Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal today released 30 years of personal income tax returns, posting them on his campaign Website.
The forms show that Deal has paid his taxes in full. This release of documents, combined with 17 years of financial disclosure reports, provide Georgia voters with a transparent look at Nathan Deal's income, his assets and his liabilities. His financial disclosures give details on his interests and partnerships as a small businessman and investor.
A Roy Named Sue
With the release of his tax returns, Nathan Deal calls on trial lawyer Roy Barnes to disclose:
1. In the past eight years, how many cases has he or his firm tried in front of judges whom he appointed to the bench?
2. How much money did Barnes or his firm earn in those cases?
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