The only restriction on the blog is no profanity. Other than that,there will be no deletions of any topic that users wish to discuss. UNLIKE some blog forums, I will not censor or be bias regarding your opinions and concerns,this is a true open forum. Even though I moderate this blog the only reason I would need to delete or change your comment would be due to profanity in the comment.

That is the one and only reason that your comments are moderated. I hope you will enjoy your participation on this blog and feel you can finally be heard regarding issues that concern you in your county.


Have post topic suggestions or questions, email me at:


united4change@charter.net




Saturday, February 27, 2010

WATCH MARCH 2,2010 9AM REGULAR BOC MEETING AND SEE WHO'S POCKETS WILL BE JINGLING A BIT HEAVIER OVER THE LAMBERT BID BEING APPROVED BY THE BOC?

Watch listen and learn how the deals are getting done here in Henry County. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure these folks out.

There is a very extensive list of very questionable deals made within SPLOST(tax payer funds)also with stimulus funding.

I have said it before and know it to be true. What goes around will come back around. We are almost back to full circle now. It is just a matter of time before the balloon will bust,when it does then the citizens of Henry County will have prevailed against the evil doers of this County.

WE DEMAND FULL DISCLOSURE OF "ANY" OTHER BIDS CONSIDERED!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Work will begin on a $192,515 facelift at the 70-acre Alexander Park in McDonough to prepare it for more walking trails.

For this amount of money, I'll grab my weed wacker and rent a backhoe.

I even think I could have this completed all by myself in an earlier time frame.

The amount of money this county is spending never ceases to amaze me!

Friday, February 19, 2010

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS TO OR CONSTITUTION TO BE VOTED ON IN 2010 INTRODUCED BY AUSTIN SCOTT: CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR 2010, HE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN GEORGIA!

09 LC 28 4399

House Resolution 75
By: Representative Scott of the 153rd

A RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to provide for state-wide grand juries; to provide for the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of state-wide grand juries; to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for procedures for the summoning and empaneling of state-wide grand juries; to provide for a presiding judge; to provide that the Attorney General or his or her designee shall act as the legal adviser and prosecutor for such state-wide grand juries; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.Article VI of the Constitution is amended by adding at the end thereof a new Section XI to read as follows:

"SECTION XI.

STATE-WIDE GRAND JURIES

Paragraph I. State-wide grand juries. (a) State-wide grand juries shall be summoned and empaneled upon petition of the Attorney General to the Supreme Court under procedures provided by law.(b) A state-wide grand jury shall consist of not fewer than 13 nor more than 23 persons. The jurisdiction of a state-wide grand jury shall extend throughout the state, and it may investigate and return indictments for crimes committed anywhere within the state. The term of any such state-wide grand jury shall not exceed 12 months.(c) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall designate a superior court judge to act as presiding judge for each state-wide grand jury. Upon designation by the Chief Justice, the presiding judge shall summon and empanel a state-wide grand jury in accordance with procedures provided by law.(d) The Attorney General or his or her designee shall act as legal adviser to any state-wide grand jury. The Attorney General, in his or her discretion, may designate any member of his or her staff or any district attorney to provide legal advice, counsel, or assistance to a state-wide grand jury.(e) The subject matter jurisdiction of state-wide grand juries shall extend to the investigation and indictment of persons and other legal entities for any crime involving corruption in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the state, any political subdivision or municipality of the state, or any authority or instrumentality of the state, a political subdivision, or municipality; fraud by a vendor or recipient of goods or services for which funding has been provided by the Department of Medical Assistance; any violation of the election laws of this state; violation of the oath of a public officer; bribery; false statements, representations, or writings concerning matters within the jurisdiction of state and local governments; conspiracy to defraud the state or any political subdivision or municipality thereof; and any other criminal activity for which the Governor has directed the Attorney General to petition the Supreme Court for the empaneling of a state-wide grand jury.(f) It shall not be necessary for a proposed bill of indictment to be presented to a state-wide grand jury prior to its engaging in investigative activities. The attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at such investigations may be compelled by subpoena, signed by any official authorized by the state-wide grand jury to issue such process."

SECTION 2.The above proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be published and submitted as provided in Article X, Section I, Paragraph II of the Constitution. The ballot submitting the above proposed amendment shall have written or printed thereon the following:

"( ) YES


( ) NO


Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide for state-wide grand juries which shall have the authority to investigate and indict for crimes committed anywhere in the state, including those committed by public officials; to provide for the types of offenses which may be investigated and acted upon by such state-wide grand juries; to provide for a presiding judge; to provide authority for the Attorney General or his or her designee to act as legal adviser and to prosecute any indictments rendered by such state-wide grand juries; and to further authorize the General Assembly to establish by law procedures for the summoning and empaneling of such state-wide grand jurors?"


All persons desiring to vote in favor of ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote "Yes." All persons desiring to vote against ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote "No." If such amendment shall be ratified as provided in said Paragraph of the Constitution, it shall become a part of the Constitution of this state.


SEE THE SAME AT THIS LINK:


REGISTER TO VOTE, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BY VOTING YES ON THIS AMENDMENT IN 2010,YOU WILL BE VOTING TO STOP NON-ACCOUNTABILTY OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN THE FEDERAL,STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
TAKE BACK YOUR VOICE ON DECISION MAKING AND PUT A STOP TO THE BACK ROOM POLITICAL CORRUPTION

Monday, February 15, 2010

PRESS RELEASE: THE VETERANS WALL OF HONOR PRESERVATION COMMITTEE WILL MEET WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER AT HERITAGE PARK ON WEDNESDAY 2/17/2010

Out for concern for the current state of the Veterans Wall of Honor, VWOH, located at Heritage Park in McDonough, GA, a group of private citizens have organized a preservation committee to ensure that this important tribute to our fallen military heroes and their families is maintained. The Veterans Wall was the vision of Ms. Joanne Consalvo-Mulvaney and her father Mr. Joseph Consalvo, a World War II veteran, to honor all of our military heroes who have unselfishly fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate price for us. The VWOH was dedicated in November 2008. Since the dedication, the monument has not been properly maintained by the Henry County Board of Commissioners and has received little preventive maintenance subsequently causing structural and or façade damage.

It is the goal of the Veterans Wall of Honor Preservation Committee, VWOHPC, to work with the BOC and the community to ensure that the monument is maintained and continues to exemplify the meritorious work of our brave men and women. Members of the committee are Alfred Britt, Robin Earnest, Mike Eddy, Susan Edwards, Don Henderson, Mike Moon, Larry Stanley, and Lee Stuart.

The committee has been gathering information as to the condition of the site and will be meeting with Henry County Manager, Mr. Butch Sanders, on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 11:45 AM. The meeting will take place at the VWOH site in McDonough and will focus on needed maintenance as well as other pertinent VWOH information. Anyone interested in assisting the Veterans Wall of Honor Preservation Committee may contact Mike Eddy at 678-641-2746 or via email: mikeeddy@att.net.
Chairman, Henry County Republican Party

There is MORE:
A slight change with regard to the interview:

TIME CHANGE ONLY: 11:30 AM on WEDNESDAY 2/17/2010

Look at the Martha Zoller Radio Show calendar: Look at the Martha Zoller Radio Show calendar:
The interview via conference call will be on 2/17/2010 Wednesday at 11:30 AM

The discussion will include: The Veterans Wall of Honor Monument and The Veterans Wall of Honor Preservation Committee.


I would not miss this if I were you !

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre: Henry County Style

Most of us have heard about the famous murder that took place in Chicago labeled the St. Valentine's Day Massacre where warring factions of the mob establishment killed several people in a warehouse. Al Capone was believed to have been the one who ordered the job done. Now let's fast forward about eighty years to today. Henry County has proven to have itself a St. Valentine's Day Massacre of it's own brewing.
Here though we are not talking about mob hits and just down right murder we are talking about something else entirely. We are talking about the murder of taxpayers money through a system that seems to have a bottomless pit. The taxpayers have been lined up against the wall of greed and have been drained of their money to create things in this county that we just don't need.

Look at the plans for the Hudson Bridge Rd-Jonesboro Rd. Corridor. This is ridiculous wanting to bring such a creation to Henry County. The people don't get the quality service of roads, schools, and other amenities as it is already. Why would anyone want to bring such a creation to the county? Because they have not the forethought to see the problems that it will create and the troubles it will bring with it.

The taxpayers are being fleeced as it is through land deals such as the one that made the Abernathy family very rich and the taxpayers $4 million dollars poorer.

Not to mention the land deals that helped to make the former Sheriff's family a good deal more richer. A massacre in the making at the wallet.

Let's show how a massacre is accomplished with a person who has lived here all their lives. The Chamber of Commerce and Board of Commissioners finds out about a company wanting to locate within Henry County. Then either one of the rich in the group will go out and pay those good people what they feel is a nice sum for their property or threaten them with eminent domain. Then there is the idea of getting a good friend of the Chamber and BoC to sell their property at a premium to the folks who want to locate here. Of course they have no respect for their neighbors and friends they have known for years.

Money talks and the rest ..well you know the story.

So, we would like to wish everyone a happy St. Valentine's Day here in Henry County. Just be careful to watch your wallet because that massacre is lurking around the corner.

The Doctor

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

BREAKING STORY FROM FOX 5 NEWS INVESTIGATOR DALE RUSSELL UNCOVERS ANOTHER DIRTY DEAL IN HENRY - LAND BOUGHT WITH TAX PAYER FUNDS TOTALING FOUR MILLION

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/subindex/news/iteam#

The story is listed by title: Bullet and Land
IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FOX FIVE BREAKING NEWS STORY...................YOU NEED TO RIGHT NOW!

Will tax payers take heed now and VOTE?

BREAKING NEWS AFFECTING YOUR COUNTY

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce has a new leader. Andy J. Welch, III, was installed during the organization’s 43rd annual meeting Saturday, at Eagle’s Landing Country Club in Stockbridge. He replaces Charles Woodroof. Mr. Welch stated in the article that he would like to see the county build a technical school in Henry County. “The budget’s tight this year, but the need for a technical school in this county still remains,” he told attendees. “It remains a strong and high priority of this chamber, and of our economic strategy for Henry County."  See the full article here: Henry Herald

As I read this article, one thought came to mind for me as a tax payer in Henry County. The wordage in the first paragraph was key (installed) connections, connections, connections, like a big fish bowl!

Now my fellow tax payer's and voter's; I think a technical school would be great for Henry County, I do not however think that Henry should ask our legislators TO REQUEST more funds to build it. Henry has dipped enough stimulus and grant money out to last for quite some time. WE tax paying American's will be paying this money back now, THEN leaving it for future generations to pay back.

I highly recommend that our county sell NASH FARM BATTLEFIELD to pay for the technical school, in fact this property will be the perfect location for a revenue gaining facility to be constructed. I state Battled Field due to the fact that the BOC still have not moved forward to change the signage on the property to reflect Nash Farm Park. This park has been a drain on our county since purchased under
eminent domain by, you guessed right, the County Commissioners voting practices. SO let's sell Nash Farm for what it is really worth, make a huge profit as usual, due to taking someone elses land by under paying for it and build a technical school for our citizens. Put it to good use.

The citizens were not asked if they wanted to purchase Nash Farm, they were told.  

Why not place this matter to the people of this county by vote?

It should read:

(Shall Henry County sell Nash Farm Park and the funds be spent to construct a Technical School for the citizens of Henry County)

We have enough parks, we have an over abundance of soccer fields, bike trails and questionable historical sites. At this time due to our economic challenges we owe it to ourselves and our families futures to do with a little less. To proceed in obtaining what we REALLY need instead of what we may want.

HEY HENRY:         
"NO MORE STIMULUS MONEY!"

"NO MORE GRANT'S"

"STOP THE SPENDING SPREE!"

And NO to Broadband Fiber Optics!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Henry BOE takes a vote today to cut Orchestra Program, do they need to take budgeting courses?

The kids were given one-day notice of the board meeting to discuss cutting the Orchestra programs at all high schools I just posted the following at their FaceBook site:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=281760218575&ref=search&sid=1164014160.1393891337..1&v=info#!/group.php?gid=281760218575

Just invited 36 Friends from around Henry County. What I am most concerned about is that our BoE has known for a couple years the tax base was dwindling. Last year they tried to get a $256-million bond for new schools. Thankfully the referendum failed. Now they are trying to cut $46-million from the budget -- that i...s what I call great forethought and planning! How about looking at adminstrative staff salaries, costs of athletic programs, the counseling staff at every high school... hey even Mr Surma can take a pay cut. The last thing to go on the chopping block should be beneficial programs for outstanding students!!! It is simply wrong to penalize students for the board's failure to manage their $500-million-plus budget.

Larry Stanley
McDonough, GA
Cell: 404-425-2361
http://www.hccitizen.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "adeal0820@charter.net"
To: hc.citizen@hccitizen.org
Sent: Sun, February 7, 2010 6:52:46 PM
Subject: Fwd: Fw: Orchestra Update

My name is Meghan Deal, and I am a junior attending Union Grove High School. I am also an extremely active member of one of several Orchestra programs in Henry County, a program that is on the chopping block. The Henry County Board of Education has decided that to save money, the Orchestra program should be cut. We are doing everything in our power to try to prevent them from making such an irrational mistake. You met my fellow friends at the Kroger, and they gave me this e-mail address. I have forwarded you a parent letter that supplies Board of Education Member e-mail adresses. Please send e-mails, make phone calls, and sign the petition.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Please preserve the smiles of over 700 students here in Henry County.

Forever Grateful,
Meghan Deal

Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:18:05 -0800 (PST)
From: PAUL & JEANNE BOLTON Orchestra Update
On Thu, 2/4/10
From: Cindi Chambers
Subject: Orchestra Update

To: "Craig Chambers"Cindi Chambers"
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 7:57 AM

Dear Orchestra Parents,

After attending yesterday's School Board meeting, I am very concerned about the continued existence of the Orchestra Program in Henry County schools. The Board members will vote Monday (2/9) on whether or not to retain the Orchestra. It was obvious to me that from body language and wording that the vote will not be in our favor.

At this point, we, as a group (parents, students and other supporters), need to email or call the School
Board with concerns. Be aware that the School System is looking to cut 41 million dollars from the budget. Orchestra is self-sufficient. The county pays for the instructors salaries only. I am not sure that the school board understands the importance of a string program to the students that are involved. I did not hear of any athletic programs (or band/chorus) being cut or even trimmed. I feel that a cut of all programs in order for all programs to survive would be more equitable in this hard economic time.

We need the board to understand that these are the top academic students that will apply to major universities. They need the string program to help them spring board their futures when competing for coveted college acceptance and scholarships. A statistic I have seen states that "20% of Orchestra students are in the top 10% of their class, even though they make up less than 5% of the student population"...this is from a study performed by professors from Ohio State and Kent State (http://www.jstor.org/pss/3345761).

Here is the link to the Board of Education
http://www.henry.k12.ga.us/398board.htm

Please send emails and make phone calls to express your concerns and ask questions of your elected officials. They owe us answers.
My questions are:

1) What is the cost per orchestra student to the county vs. the cost per athlete?

2) How much does the school system spend to maintain the immaculate football and baseball fields?

3) What is the percentage of students that participate in orchestra that go on to enroll in college vs. the percentage that participate in athletics?

4) What is the percentage of students that receive scholarships vs. those that participate in athletics?

I have nothing against athletics and support them whole-heartedly. I certainly do not want to come across as attacking the valuable athletics programs at our schools. My concern is that these programs seem to have priority in situations like this, when maybe they should be more equal. I would be willing to bet that there was absolutely no study commissioned to look at the impact that orchestra has on a school system.

Also, there is a Facebook page that was created by a High school student to support the orchestra.

If you are on Facebook you should probably consider joining this group as it may be a good way to disseminate information. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=281760218575&ref=search&sid=1164014160.1393891337..1

We have 2 days to be heard. Feel free to copy and send to friends even it they are not orchestra parents, their support is needed.If we do not advocate for our children, no one else will.

Craig and Cindi Chambers

One person did send a message to all the BOE members today:
This is an urgent message.

Date: Monday, February 8, 2010 7:18 AM
From: A very concerned tax payer
To: Ray.Hudalla@henry.k12.ga.us, Pam.Nutt@henry.k12.ga.us, jbp@preston-cleveland.com, Charles.Vickery@henry.k12.ga.us, Erik.Charles@henry.k12.ga.us
Subject: WE NEED TO KEEP OUR ORCHESTRA IN THE BUDGET
Size: 1 KB
Dear Board: The parents of Henry County need , want and deserve answer's to the following questions before you vote today!

1) What is the cost per orchestra student to the county vs. the cost per athlete?

2) How much does the school system spend to maintain the immaculate football and baseball fields?

3) What is the percentage of students that participate in orchestra that go on to enroll in college vs. the percentage that participate in athletics?

4) What is the percentage of students that receive scholarships vs. those that participate in athletics?

Thank you,
A very concerned tax payer

Saturday, February 6, 2010

My choice is Austion Scott for the next Governor of Georgia




Scott for Georgia
Campaign Update - February 5, 2010

Dear United4change,
This has been another fantastic week at Scott For Georgia. We've gained many new supporters since Austin's debate last night, enjoyed lots of good press coverage, and Austin has continued to work hard to bring jobs to Georgia. Thank you for your support!

Austin Successful in Second Debate

Austin enjoyed another successful debate last night, this time in Alpharetta. It was an opportunity to explain his platform of job creation, education, and ethics in front of a group of more than 500 North Fulton Republicans, many of whom came up afterward with one thing on their minds: "Austin won it...hands down."

Austin's career-long track record on ethics and his solid, realistic proposals to fix the issues facing Georgia were very well-received. He told the audience that as a legislator, he does not conduct business with the state, nor does he accept campaign contributions from lobbyists. If elected, he promised to make our budget the most transparent in the nation and to reduce taxes to bring more jobs to Georgia.

"We're six months from putting our nominee forward to face a strong Democratic challenger and I'm the only candidate who's articulated a clear plan for our economy," Scott said. "That's what our Party needs going forward."

Austin introduces tax cut measures in GA House

Georgia needs jobs. On Monday, Austin introduced two tax reform measures in the Georgia House aimed at immediately bringing more jobs to the state. HB 1029 proposes to eliminate the corporate income tax in Georgia, and HB 1037 will cut the long-term capital gains tax in half. If passed, these two measures will move Georgia to the top of the list for many companies evaluating their relocation options.

"We have an opportunity right now to bring jobs to Georgia from manufacturing industries in the Northeast. These tax cuts will send a strong message around the world that Georgia means business," said Scott.

Click here for the full article from the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Coming Soon: Austin on Education

Austin Scott takes the success of our education system personally. Next week, we release a detailed look at his thoughts and plans for public education in Georgia.

We will discuss a variety of issues in Georgia education, including student performance, SPLOST funds, teacher compensation and retirement funding.

Remember, you can change the way we govern. Tell your friends and family to vote Austin Scott on July 20th.
Sincerely,
The Scott for Georgia Campaign Team

In This Issue
Debate Update!
Less Tax=More Jobs
Coming Soon
Featured Articles
Quick Links
Facebook
Twitter
More About Austin
Walk of Georgia
Featured Articles

Peach Pundit explores political corruption that Austin Scott fought against for two years.
And, from the Fayette County News: 'Scott holds promise'.

Scott for Georgia
PO Box 988
Tifton
GA
31793

Friday, February 5, 2010

Governor Perdue wants to change state government by giving the Governor elect in 2014 the power to appoint some state constitutional officers. Your thoughts?

News broke that Gov. Sonny Perdue would like for some state constitutional officers to be appointed:

Gov. Sonny Perdue is proposing that four state constitutional officers now elected by the public should instead be appointed by the governor. The four are state school superintendent, agriculture commissioner, labor commissioner and insurance commissioner. The change would require two-thirds approval in each house of the Legislature, and would have to be ratified by the state's voters.

The governor elected in 2014 would be the first to appoint people to the four positions. It will require two thirds approval in each house of the legislature and would have to be ratified by the states voters.



Comments:

I will be voting for Austin Scott for Governor he is by my standards honest,trustworthy and most importantly wants Georgians to get back to work, he will demand Government transparency,which we have been yearning for.

I think Governor Perdue would be proud of my choice. Austin Scott holds the same standards that I voted for in Mr.Perdue.

I agree most completely with Governor Perdue regarding the position of Governorship having the power to appoint positions to Insurance,School,agriculture and Labor board's. I also adamately believe most importantly County commissioner Board's should be appointed by the Governor of Georgia and not by votes within the counties.

The county commission board is where the trouble starts,there are to many related people that have to many family ties and supporters through decades of generations within Henry County. How could this not perpetuate special considerations to certain individuals and companies that desire considerations. I know this practice occurs in Henry County, why would any other county be different?

The political game needs to cease. Commissioners in Henry County have been running their own agendas.

Citizens in Henry County are sick of it. They will be voting in 2010 and 2012 until the county is kulled of the good ole boy and one girl back door politics that the citizens of this county have indured for far to long.

Citizens in Henry County are finally taking a stand on it! it is time for change in their county. The current BOC has just pushed the last citizen to the breaking point.

I will be writing Mr. Perdue and ask him to add County commissioners to his list of county officials that should be appointed by the Governor of Georgia. I know that BJ. Mathis has been appointed by Mr. Perdue to head the committee for the 2010 census, however does he really know all there is to know about BJ? we shall see.

Posted by: votingin2010