Citizen Newsletter #252 Sat, March 12, 2011 11:31:47 AM

From: Henry Citizen <hccitizen@hccitizen.n... View Contact

To: hc.citizen@hccitizen.org

The Citizen Newsletter

Issue # 252 March 12, 2011

The Conservative Voice of Henry County

Contact The Citizen at hc.citizen@hccitizen.org Your comments and submissions are always welcome!

2013
In This Issue
One sunny day in January, 2013 an old man approached the White
House from across Pennsylvania Avenue, where
he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the U.S. Marine
• News & Announcements standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and Meet with President
• Stockbridge Town Hall Obama."
• Steve Davis: Capitol Update The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Obama is no longer
• Tim Echols Announces Sting President and no longer resides here."
• the Hack Line The old man said, "Okay", and walked away.
• Your Voice The following day, the same man approached the White House and
• Gary Purcell: Dope About Hope said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President
• Columbus Tea Party Obama."
• The Henry Players The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Obama is
• Ladies Night Out no longer president and no longer resides here."
• McDonough Wellness Program The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.
The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke
to the very same U.S. Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet
with President Obama"
The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man
and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking
to speak to Mr. Obama. I've told you already that Mr. Obama is no
longer the President and no longer resides here. Don't you
understand?"
Editorial / Publication Policy The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand. I just
Available in HTML (original) or PDF format love hearing it."
Send email to hc.citizen@hccitizen.org The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you
tomorrow, Sir."
The Citizen newsletter is available online
at Scribd.com View online at
Shirley wrote: "It is the average everyday people that make this
country great not the fringe that promote hostilities or the arrogant.
http://www.scribd.com/larry_stanley We as a country encompass everyone, good, bad, and ugly but we
have more good than the other. Freedom of speech protects even the
hostile fringe but we as a people can stand up and call it wrong when
a church in the name of god pickets a funeral of fallen soldiers."

The Mayor’s Authority

Your Support is Appreciated
The Conservative Voice of Henry County has
opened a venue for news, comment and opinion that
exists nowhere else. It is because of you; a steady
list of people who read and submit articles sharing
ideas and principles.
I have known for some time now that several members of our city
council were extremely disappointed by the results of our last mayoral
election (2009). If you'll recall, our current mayor defeated Rudy
Kelly 57% to 42% (See Attachment, Page 2). So by my definition, the
race wasn't even close. And although the majority of the citizens
decided to choose a different leader than Mr. Rudy Kelly -who served
this community well for over 30 years, I do not believe it was that
same majority's desire to see Mayor Lee Stuart enjoy any less
authority in his position as the chief executive officer of this
municipality, than has been enjoyed by previous administrations.

It is my understanding that any change to our municipal charter

must be approved by the state legislature. I want to know if you
Or visit www.hccitizen.org
would be interested in joining some of your fellow state legislators in a
town hall meeting that I will help to organize and sponsor so that you
can hear the other side of the story. I think it is only fair that you
hear the opinions of the majority of the voters that elected our mayor,
and what we think of this recent development.
 Houston E. Nelson III
General Manager,
MOLLY MAID of Henry County

Actionable Recourse Needed

Due the personal nature of this feedback, if selected for inclusion in

the newsletter I would like this comment to be anonymous.

I think the work you are doing with The Citizen is very valuable. At
times I wholeheartedly disagree with much of the information found
within, but overall I get your point. Concerning Commissioner
Bruce Holmes, I would ask The Citizen to identify ways that District 5
voters can voice their concern. It's great to investigate records and
hold him accountable for his actions but beyond that please consider
offering actionable ways to have this addressed.

Additionally, Holmes has not responded to a single message that I

have left for him. This is disturbing for me because Basler (love or
hate him) returned every message I ever left with a phone call.
Please go easy on Mrs. Holmes, being in an abusive relationship is
difficult, even more so when the abuser is in a position of authority.

Editor Note: Although many conversations, some research and much

political dodging has occurred regarding the antics – and actual
residence – of Commissioner Holmes, not one elected official appears
poised to truly investigate or pursue the issues.

Thank you for your support and participation

Stockbridge Town Hall Meeting

The Legislative body from Henry County to the State has set up a Town Hall Meeting for the Citizens of
Stockbridge

At Stockbridge City Hall, 4640 N. Henry Blvd

March 24th at City Hall from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Speakers: 3 minutes each, no speakers after 9:30pm

After a brief introduction by Delegation members each citizen or interested party will be given three minutes to speak. Each
person wishing to speak is asked to sign in and state whether or not they are residents of the city. We will here from all
residents first and they will be heard in the order of which they sign in. The delegation will make every effort to hear as
many speakers as possible before 9:30pm when we will adjourn.

Please come and let your voice be heard. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers at the Stockbridge City Hall
starting at 7pm.

Rep Glenn Baker, Delegation Chairman. E-mail: glenn.baker@house.ga.gov

Rep Howard Mosby, Vice Chairman. Contact: doris.littlejohn@house.ga.gov

Rep Steve Davis, Secretary. E-mail: steve.davis@house.ga.gov
Rep Rahn Mayo, Member. E-mail: rahn.mayo@house.ga.gov

Capitol Update
Representative Steve Davis

Highlights:

State Board of Education: The State Board of Education will be meeting on Monday 3/14/11 to vote on proposed changes
to the states math curriculum. I have been a vocal opponent of the integrated math system we adopted a few years ago
and I am glad to see action being taken by the State Board of Education.

Over the past week we have passed several large pieces if legislation. On Tuesday we passed HB326, Governor Deal's
proposal to fix two of the three educational programs funded by lottery revenue (the HOPE Scholarship, the HOPE Grant).

Last Thursday we passed HB87, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 after three hours of debate.
HB87 strengthens our law in dealing with illegal immigrants and helps relieve the serious financial burden placed by illegal
immigrants on the state.

This week the House passed HB 186 the education pathways bill I co-sponsored with Rep Randy Nix has passed the House
and is in the Senate. I believe our schools need to do a better job of offering options to our students so that they can be
successful in obtaining their high school diploma that is both rigorous and relevant. By giving students more input into the
educational decisions and classes we will keep the better engaged and will increase our graduation rates.

HB 78, The FY12 budget passed the House today and was sent to the Senate. It was tight but I think we did a good job
protecting our priorities. While state funds represent a net 2% increase, total spending for FY 2012 decreases by over 4%
from $39.2 billion to $37.6 billion due to loss of ARRA money.

In essence, we have nearly $1.6 billion less than was available in the budget we passed earlier in the week for Amended
Fiscal Year 2011. Per capita, this puts us – even without inflation factored in – at less than 2001 levels even though our
population has increased by 18% in this same decade. In general, we accommodated these reductions by executing an
average 7% cut to agencies and departments totaling about a half BILLION dollars, reducing Lottery programs by $300
million and hobbling together savings in debt service and a variety of other payments from authorities to balance.

Under the confines of the governor’s conservative Revenue Estimate, we also did not fully restore with state dollars all of the
federal ARRA funds that had been used by executive branch programs during the 17-month streak of declining collections in
the past two fiscal years, and we have kept growth in programs completely in check by adding funds generated by formula-
driven expenses to QBE only.

Representative Steve Davis

Georgia House of Representatives
Steve.Davis@house.ga.gov

Commissioner Tim Echols Announces Sting on “Rogue” Movers in Georgia

ATLANTA, March 11, 2011 –Commissioner Tim Echols said today marks the first day of what he hopes will be the first of
many joint sting operations between the Georgia Public Service Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Safety. At
approximately 10:30 a.m. today in the Polo Fields Subdivision in Cumming, Georgia, “Let’s Move It”, a “rogue” moving
company unregistered with the Commission began loading the household goods of a local homeowner onto a rented cargo
truck. State law and Commission rules require all household goods movers operating in Georgia to register with the
Commission, provide cargo liability insurance, medical certificates for all drivers and to keep their rates within the confines
of Commission approved tariffs.

The specific violations include a criminal misdemeanor charge of O.C.G.A. § 46-7-3 and 46-7-39 for failure to have a
Commission certificate. The company will also face civil violations before the Commission under O.C.G.A. §46-2-90 and 46-
2-91. The criminal charge will be in the form of a Uniform Traffic Citation in the State Court of Forsyth County and carries a
maximum fine of $1,000 and/or 12 months in jail.

For more information on the Commission, visit our web site at www.psc.state.ga.us.

the Hack Line

Infighting and Neck Biting, Life is Grand This Time of Year

If you thought tomorrow was another day – it is. However it is the day of local county Republican Conventions all over the
state of Georgia. In many counties things will go easily and the local parties will become stronger. In some cases though so
called power struggles will ensue. With the influx of the [...]

Ousted Henry County GOP (HCGOP) member Sahar Hekmati is set to wield vengeance. Hekmati’s background with the
HCGOP goes back for a few years. She had moved up in leadership to become the Republican Women’s group leader. Her
antics of not telling the truth and constantly bickering with the rank and file wore thin and she was removed from office as
chair of the women’s group.
 It looks like Hekmati teamed up with State GOP Chairman Sue Everhart. After all Everhart
sanctioned the Conservative Republican Women’s Group for Hekmati over the many complaints of the HCGOP woman’s
group. Needless to say the Republican Women of Henry County are not fans of Everhart. It is the “tell them what they want
to hear” routine Hekmati uses to find support for her needs.

It seems, or at least the impression is, Everhart sent Bob Mayzes down last night to teach the “how to” take over a
convention.

Read more at the Hack Line

http://charlesmobley.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/infighting-and-neck-biting-life-is-grand-this-time-of-year/

YOUR VOICE

Biscuits & Brunch Henry County Networking Group

~This LinkedIn group is members only – SO JOIN TODAY

149 Burke Street
Stockbridge, GA 30281 Latest Discussions
(770) 507-6800
HIRING: Student Ministries Pastor & Children’s Ministries Pastor

HIRING: PRIVATE EVENTS ASSISTANT

position opening at Cape Securities

Cemetery Research
Group AMTRAK IS HIRING - PASS IT ON!!!

www.crghenry.org Immediate opening for a Business Development Manager in the Atlanta area

Signature Broadcasting OPEN HOUSE

Network – SBN TV
We’re all about you!
http://sbn.tv/
Sunday March 13 I will host an Open House at 558 Jodeco Station St. Stockbridge, GA.
This home is $154,000 and has 4 BR and 2 1/2 Bath in a great location.
I invite everyone to come and try to win $1000 in our Super Sunday Drawing.
Thank you!

McDonough Arts 2011 events
For more info contact: Debbie
Withers 678/522-4020 or
debwithers@gmail.com
http://www.mcdonougharts.net
ANNA STEINBERG
REALTOR, Metro Brokers, Inc.
1215 Eagle's Landing Parkway Suite 101
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
404.843.2500 Office
770.390.8112 Direct
770.506.2306 Fax
Political Vine

Tthe AJC's Jim Salzer has a story about HB 77 in which it actually contains the
following bailout/gifts to private medical colleges:

$13 million to Morehouse College (correcting our number last night of "$12 million")

$8 million to Mercer School of Medicine

Last information PV had is that the bill is due on the Governor's desk, but he has not
signed it yet.

Membership Meeting
 Tuesday, March 15 — 7:30pm - 10:30pm

Shane's Rib Shack

579 Jonesboro Rd
McDonough, GA

Georgia Young Republicans of Henry County

Henry County 912 March Meeting

March 14, 2011

6:30 PM Meet and Greet, 7:00 PM Meeting

Henry County Parks and Recreation
99 Lake Dow Rd. McDonough, GA
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In an advisory opinion on the new Georgia Ethics Law, the commission has ruled that
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anyone who speaks to a legislator to either support or oppose a bill that affects their
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business is a "lobbyist." This means they will have been required to register at a cost of
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have in fact not done so.
Rates: Your Voice column ad
(as shown here) - $10 / month
Tom Nicholson
Article length ads with logo or
photo (max 125 words) -
While reading the #251 issue of the Citizen Newsletter I was in agreement with the
$20 / month
comment made about AMS not hosting the March race here and have to agree that the
Bruton Smith Pkwy was probably good investment for those who were "connected"
and yet one of the nicest roads in Henry County is probably one of the least used roads
in Henry County when you consider the cost.

Now, before the screams that this part was paid for by the Feds. and that part was paid
for by the State and we only had to pay this tiny bit.... Where do the Feds and State
agencies get their money?

Maybe a name change is in order. Instead of the Bruton Smith Pkwy why not call it
"Blunder Road" at least that would keep the NASCAR association because bootleggers
were the folks that started the sport. You have to be old enough to remember the movie
"Thunder Road" to understand the association. Maybe there was a actual historical
"moonshine still" located somewhere along all that property and Henry County would
have yet another hysterical society site ..... We could even rename AMS and call it the
"Bruton Smith Circle Track Battlefield" After all there have been some great battles on
that track. My brother in law was even involved in a few of them BUT that was back
when there were NASCAR races going on there.

The road would have been a good investment had Henry County been in control of the
ONE major user of the road. BUT being a PRIVATE business Mr Smith was free to hold or
not hold events at his whim and that is something that a wise investor, the BoC should
have taken in to consideration, well at least it will provide an avenue of access to the
MAJOR film enterprise and that much needed Henry County Airport, which I think part of
the reasoning for that anticipated purchase was because it would make easy parking for
the NASCAR teams private jets, that by the way are partially funded with your and my
tax dollar that would locate here.... But that is another story in and of itself. Does that
mean that NASCAR will still locate teams here even though the track is not going to host
the race?

MMmm. I wonder how many "connected" folks owned or own property that Hwy 20 was
an economic advantage to and increased the potential value of those properties?

I'm not sure but isn't a lot of that development located in district 2 where we also have
given away tax revenue in the form of "incentives to locate here" tax breaks to the
millions of square feet of empty warehouses?

Well I guess that this is one of those things where I don't see the big picture. AND as
the Dr. says follow the money..... if we only would or could.

Don Henderson
Don't Be A Dope About HOPE: The High Cost of "FREE"

By Gerry Purcell

At the risk of angering some parents and young people, I have to get something off my chest.

In my senior year of high school (1980), my dad took me to our family bank to introduce me to his banker. He made
the introductions and said, “Son, this gentleman may be able to help you with your college tuition. I will leave you two
to work it out.” He then left the room and left me to handle it with the banker. I was 18 years old.

I went on to self-finance 100% of my college education, going from an average B student in high school to excelling in
college, graduating in a little over 3 years with Distinguished Military Graduate and business honors. Part of the self-
financing required me to pay back two awesome years of college with four years of military service, which I was
honored to do. It was my investment - I was on the hook - I "worked" it out.

My brother's experience was even more antiquated. He started as a low level bookkeeper at his company while
attending night school to earn his college degree. This tortuous way of learning turned him into true grit, fanatical
capitalist; leading him to buy his company a few years later, and the cubicle he started in. He is now one of the most
successful people in his industry - in the world. Shamefully, he now lives at the beach, which I am entirely envious of.

Somehow, over the years, education has now become another "right," like cell phones in the 1st grade I guess. There
seems little public or parental virtue left in teaching our kids the value of working diligently to better themselves by
bootstrapping their way to learning and a college degree.

Meanwhile, as we have become "smarter" our kids seem less self-reliant to stand on their own two feet. And, while we
are "smarter," we are collectively broke. We are also getting our collective smart butt kicked by other nations who are
out innovating and out competing us in so many areas.

Meanwhile, the cost of college education has soared. Steve Forbes reported recently, "During the past 30 years overall
inflation in the U.S. was 106%; health care costs went up 251%. College tuitions and fees? They soared 439%."
[See: http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2011/0228/opinions-steve-forbes-fact-comment-
dinosaur-u.html]. I don't think it is a stretch to attribute much of this increase to government engineering.
Somehow "free" always ends up costing more.

In designing the HOPE program years ago, our well-intentioned legislators in Georgia handed over the keys to the bank
to the educators without any performance criteria or reform demands. And man oh man, we have built some beautiful
and fabulous edifices and structures on our campuses around the state, all of which contribute very little to real
learning.

Educators found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and started spending money like there was no tomorrow.
When they needed more money, they just raised tuition and our government kept sending the money. Legislators then
pounded their chests extolling the success of HOPE to win more votes. Perhaps, if students want to protest against
something, they should start by protesting against the government stupidity that has caused 439% inflation.

It was reported that one of our legislators, State Senator Jason Carter, argued that "high-achieving students have
upheld their end of the bargain to earn scholarships through HOPE and the state should do the same." [AJC, March 9,
2011]. That is about the dumbest thing I have heard in awhile. Is that really the message we want to send, i.e., study
hard so you can have some government candy for free?

My brother and I did not work hard in order to win an entitlement from the government. We worked hard because we
had an old fashion notion that it might better ourselves, and in order that we would not have to live with our parents
until we were 40 (my apologies for the sarcasm).

Don't get me wrong. I believe in education. And, I believe in providing the greatest access to education - the best,
most technologically advanced learning available at the best price. But, not at the expense of teaching an even more
valuable lesson: If it is self-reliance versus "free," I will choose self-reliance every time. “Free” eventually fails while
self-reliance, combined with faith, sustains you through the storms.

As parents (myself included), we would do well to take a time out and think about what the future fruit of entitlement
looks like. In wanting our kids to have everything, we may be taking away the most important of things; appreciation,
gratitude, creativity, ingenuity to name a few.

As for legislators, especially Republicans (my party), HOPE has no hope if it is broke. And, programs don't last long
without accountability and performance built in (unless you can figure out how to continue to tax the "rich" middle class
on and on). And, please don't be hypocrites for the sake of votes: Apply the same logic to education as you are
applying to the ills of nationalized health care and you will be right on target; a nationalized, centralized education
entitlement for all is just as bad and ineffective.

Someone once said, "If it is going to be, it is up to me." The Southern version goes something like this, "If it is going to
be, it ain't gonna come free." Now is our best chance to fix it right.

P.S. Thank you dad!

Gerry Purcell, a native of Georgia, decorated Army Intelligence Officer and successful businessman, is a nationally known health care
expert who advocates free market solutions to our health care challenges. Recently he was a candidate for Georgia Insurance
Commissioner. Having never campaigned for public office and without any initial base of support, he garnered the support of thousands
of grassroots Georgians while building a reputation as a passionate and straightforward speaker. He and his wife, Julianne, reside in
Alpharetta, Georgia. Gerry can be reached at gerrypurcell@gerrypurcell.com.

Constitution Classes

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Wynnton Rd Burger King, Overlook Room
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Columbus Public Library, Macon Rd
Room: Synovus (side A)
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

RSVP to 3/15. Reservations for the large meeting rooms require a minimum number of attendees. If we do
not maintain attendance, I will not be able to reserve these rooms.

Sandy Toth
706-569-8791

THE HENRY PLAYERS PRESENT

THE PRODUCERS
MARCH 31st – APRIL 3rd 2011
Thursday – Saturday 7:30PM
Sunday Matinee 2:30PM
 

At the Henry County Performing Arts Center

37 Lemon Street, McDonough, GA 30253
Tickets prices when purchased in advance
$12 Adults, $10 Children, Senior Citizens & Students

Exciting New Activity

On the McDonough Square

APRIL 14th
 The Main Street McDonough Program and McDonough Square Merchants look forward to seeing
you and your friends downtown.

The event is planned for the 2nd Thursday of each month through December from 6pm until 9pm.

If you have questions please call 770-898-9868, or go on the web site at www.mainstreetmcdonough.com

The City of McDonough Wellness Program is back!

For the third year, “Walk with Billy” will be the first activity. The calendar below lists ten days and times that
participants can join Mayor Copeland on a three mile walk around downtown McDonough. The activity will begin and
end at the Welcome Center; there will be two “early stop” areas, after one and two miles, near the starting point. The
pace of the walk will be brisk, but not strenuous. Brief pauses will be made along the route at locations, which will vary
during each walk, where Mayor Copeland will share historical trivia and information.

Calendar—

Saturday, April 9, at 11am

Tuesday, April 12, at 6:30pm
Thursday, April 14, at 6:30am
Saturday, April 16, at 11am
Tuesday, April 19, at 6:30pm
Thursday, April 21, at 6:30am
Saturday, April 23, at 11am
Tuesday, April 26, at 6:30pm
Thursday, April 28, 6:30am
Saturday, April 30, 11am

As always, all Wellness Program activities are FREE! Registration is not required. Events for upcoming months will be
announced soon!

The Citizen Newsletter is provided by

Henry Citizens for Responsible Government

Larry Stanley, Editor
899 East Lake Road, McDonough, GA 30252
€
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