Courtesy John Fredricks / Beacon Media
House Speaker Pro-Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton) is the Joan of Arc of re-creating Milton County.
Hopefully, she'll end up with a better result than the famous French national heroine did.
The resolute Jones is determined to make sure of that. And she's pulling out all the stops to get the 125 votes she needs in the House next week to insure her constitutional amendment -- HR21 --gets to the senate.
Jones, speaking before a record crowd this morning at the annual Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Expo breakfast in Alpharetta, said she is a handful of votes short of the two-thirds majority she needs -- as of today. "We have been working the other side of the aisle, and we have picked up considerable Democrat house support," Jones said. "We've closed the gap considerably in the last several days." Earlier this week Jones stated, "Good governance and economic efficiency is non-partisan and slices thourgh party affiliation." She says Fulton County cannot be fixed. "The only way to fix it is to eliminate it," Jones argued. The North Fulton legislator maintains that the resolution is good for all Georgians. "It [HR21] is gaining momentum as more House members review the facts behind it," she claimed. Jones says she needs about 20 Democrat votes to get it over the top.
REPUBLICAN BAILOUTS
Jones' Milton county supporters got thrown for a loop last week when her Majority Whip, Rep. Ed Lindsey (R-Buckhead) came out against the resolution and tacked on an amendment at the last minute to stall it from getting out of one obscure house committee. His Kamikaze bid failed, 9-7, but his opposition forewarned trouble ahead
One veteran North Fulton Representative vented his disgust with the Lindsey stealth bombshell, referring to Atlanta's only Republican representative as "Judas."
BIG GUN CALLED IN
Jones countered the Lindsey defection by rolling out her big gun: Rep. Mark Burkhlater (R-Johns Creek). The former Speaker Pro-Tem, who has staked his political career on making the re-creation of Milton County a reality, delayed several business trips to help Jones and her North Fulton legislative team round up votes. Burkhalter, immensely popular in the Gold Dome with deep ties to many Democrat house colleagues, has been working feverishly to gain support for the resolution, sources say. "He's made great progress, as our entire team has," Jones said.
DO OR DIE IN RULES NEXT WEEK
Jones says she is confident the resolution will make it out of the Rules committee next week. Once accomplished, the gnostic house leader said the historic floor vote would then get on the docket. But Jones warned that she would not bring the resolution to the floor if she didn't have the votes. "If we are not successful in this session, I will bring it back next year," Jones vowed. "It's not a matter of 'if' for Milton County," she predicted. "Its a matter of when."
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Gwinnett Jail Visits Turn Into Longer Stays.
Courtesy CBSAtlanta
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Trips to the Gwinnett County jail turned into longer stays for two people who deputies said were arrested while visiting inmates.
According to a statement released Monday, sheriff’s deputies arrested Donna Sue Harber of Lawrenceville Saturday after a deputy saw her exposing her private parts to an inmate in the visitation booth. Harber posted bond and was released.
In a separate incident, Kinnith Ray Devrick of Suwanee was arrested by deputies in a visitation booth after learning Devrick had four outstanding felony warrants against him, investigators said.
The warrants were for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, theft by receiving, criminal use of an article with an altered identification mark, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
Investigators said that during a search, deputies found eight pills in Devrick’s possession that tested positive for ecstasy. Additional warrants were obtained for crossing a guard line with drugs, investigators said. Devrick was being held at the jail Monday without bond.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Trips to the Gwinnett County jail turned into longer stays for two people who deputies said were arrested while visiting inmates.
According to a statement released Monday, sheriff’s deputies arrested Donna Sue Harber of Lawrenceville Saturday after a deputy saw her exposing her private parts to an inmate in the visitation booth. Harber posted bond and was released.
In a separate incident, Kinnith Ray Devrick of Suwanee was arrested by deputies in a visitation booth after learning Devrick had four outstanding felony warrants against him, investigators said.
The warrants were for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, theft by receiving, criminal use of an article with an altered identification mark, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
Investigators said that during a search, deputies found eight pills in Devrick’s possession that tested positive for ecstasy. Additional warrants were obtained for crossing a guard line with drugs, investigators said. Devrick was being held at the jail Monday without bond.
Trial starting for man charged with hotel killing.
Courtesy WALB News
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - A man accused of gunning down a car salesman during an August 2008 armed robbery in a hotel parking lot is expected to stand trial this week.
Gwinnett County authorities charged Christopher Avery Brown of Jonesboro with murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault after the shooting of 50-year-old Robert Lovelace at a Holiday Inn near Stone Mountain. Police say Brown robbed Lovelace before opening fire on him.
Brown was on the run until last year when he was arrested by U.S. Marshals in New York.
A woman, Charlotte Lynne McDaniel, was arrested in December 2008 and accused of providing the shooter a getaway car in order to traffic cocaine.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - A man accused of gunning down a car salesman during an August 2008 armed robbery in a hotel parking lot is expected to stand trial this week.
Gwinnett County authorities charged Christopher Avery Brown of Jonesboro with murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault after the shooting of 50-year-old Robert Lovelace at a Holiday Inn near Stone Mountain. Police say Brown robbed Lovelace before opening fire on him.
Brown was on the run until last year when he was arrested by U.S. Marshals in New York.
A woman, Charlotte Lynne McDaniel, was arrested in December 2008 and accused of providing the shooter a getaway car in order to traffic cocaine.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Cox Wants To Raise Lottery Ticket Prices To Fund State's Schools.
Kathy CoxCourtesy Beacon Media
State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox says lottery ticket prices should be raised to help pay for K-12 education in Georgia.
Cox said during an appearance Friday on CNN that hiking the price by just 50 cents per ticket could raise $350 million to help fill a massive hole left by state budget cuts in the last two years. Cox said raising prices would ensure K-12 got money while also preserving funding for the HOPE college scholarship and state's pre-kindergarten program.
The state constitution already allows lottery revenue to go to technology and buildings for elementary and high schools, but lawmakers stopped allotting that money to K-12 in 2003. Cox said the state's education budget has been slashed by nearly $3 billion in the last 19 months.
Cox, a Republican, is running for her third term as state school chief.
A lottery spokeswoman said she would have a comment early next week.
Suwanee offers prizes to promote Gateway.
Courtesy Gwinnett Daily Post
The city of Suwanee will soon use a new campaign — one that involves free prizes — to promote its Gateway, the city’s oldest and largest commercial area. The Suwanee Gateway is a four-square-mile commercial area that boasts more than 300 restaurants, shops and other businesses. Through the campaign, called “Get It in the Gateway,” participants can win daily prizes and a grand prize package valued at more than $1,000.
The city of Suwanee will soon use a new campaign — one that involves free prizes — to promote its Gateway, the city’s oldest and largest commercial area. The Suwanee Gateway is a four-square-mile commercial area that boasts more than 300 restaurants, shops and other businesses. Through the campaign, called “Get It in the Gateway,” participants can win daily prizes and a grand prize package valued at more than $1,000.
Suwanee to present final Buford Highway plan.
By Shane Blatt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Suwanee will host a community open house next week to share the final draft of its Buford Highway Transportation Plan.
Over the past eight months, city leaders have worked with URS Corp., an engineering and construction firm, to develop alternatives for Buford Highway from McGinnis Ferry Road to the entrance of George Pierce Park.
The plan envisions the highway as a pedestrian-friendly, two-lane local route. It would have bike lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking, landscaped medians, additional turn lanes and signal controls.
The city hopes the route would enhance the connection between historic Old Town and Town Center and help preserve the roadway’s tree canopy.
The open house will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at City Hall. The City Council is expected to consider the plan at its April 27 meeting.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Suwanee will host a community open house next week to share the final draft of its Buford Highway Transportation Plan.
Over the past eight months, city leaders have worked with URS Corp., an engineering and construction firm, to develop alternatives for Buford Highway from McGinnis Ferry Road to the entrance of George Pierce Park.
The plan envisions the highway as a pedestrian-friendly, two-lane local route. It would have bike lanes, sidewalks, on-street parking, landscaped medians, additional turn lanes and signal controls.
The city hopes the route would enhance the connection between historic Old Town and Town Center and help preserve the roadway’s tree canopy.
The open house will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at City Hall. The City Council is expected to consider the plan at its April 27 meeting.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Georgia man pleads not guilty in 1976 Mo. slaying
Courtesy The Associated Press
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - A 65-year-old Georgia man has pleaded not guilty to killing a former University of Missouri student who disappeared in 1976.
Johnny Wright pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder Monday afternoon at a brief arraignment hearing in Boone County Circuit Court. Wright had been indicted Friday.
The Lawrenceville, Ga., man was arrested in late September, more than two decades after he was charged in the death of 23-year-old waitress Rebecca Doisy. The woman disappeared in August 1976, and her body has never been found.
Wright declined to comment Monday as he left court.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - A 65-year-old Georgia man has pleaded not guilty to killing a former University of Missouri student who disappeared in 1976.
Johnny Wright pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder Monday afternoon at a brief arraignment hearing in Boone County Circuit Court. Wright had been indicted Friday.
The Lawrenceville, Ga., man was arrested in late September, more than two decades after he was charged in the death of 23-year-old waitress Rebecca Doisy. The woman disappeared in August 1976, and her body has never been found.
Wright declined to comment Monday as he left court.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sofo Foods Buys Freezer/Cooler Property in Suwanee
Courtesy Costar.com
Johns Creek Distribution Bldg, Sells for $2.9 Million
By Ashley Willis
November 11, 2009
Sofo Foods, an entity of Antonio Sofo & Son Importing, acquired 3910 Lakefield Drive in Suwanee, GA, from Mound Investment LP for $2.9 million or $25 per square foot. Built in 1995 at Johns Creek building park, the Class B industrial building is on 13 acres in the North Fulton/Forsyth County Industrial submarket. The building is 114,412 square feet and includes freezer/cooler components. Chris Cummings, Elizabeth McSweeney and Bill Buist of Colliers Spectrum Cauble represented Sofo Foods. Mike Spears and Ryan Sawyer, also of Colliers, represented the seller. For additional information, please refer to CoStar COMPS #1792373.
Johns Creek Distribution Bldg, Sells for $2.9 Million
By Ashley Willis
November 11, 2009
Sofo Foods, an entity of Antonio Sofo & Son Importing, acquired 3910 Lakefield Drive in Suwanee, GA, from Mound Investment LP for $2.9 million or $25 per square foot. Built in 1995 at Johns Creek building park, the Class B industrial building is on 13 acres in the North Fulton/Forsyth County Industrial submarket. The building is 114,412 square feet and includes freezer/cooler components. Chris Cummings, Elizabeth McSweeney and Bill Buist of Colliers Spectrum Cauble represented Sofo Foods. Mike Spears and Ryan Sawyer, also of Colliers, represented the seller. For additional information, please refer to CoStar COMPS #1792373.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Federal stimulus money helps traffic flow in Gwinnett
Courtesy http://www.theweekly.com
Lawrenceville, Ga., (July 21, 2009) – Fiber optic traffic signal controls will be added to sections of Buford Highway and Sugarloaf Parkway using the federal stimulus funds Gwinnett Commissioners appropriated on Tuesday. The equipment to be installed over the next 18 months will add 12 more miles of remote-control capabilities to the current system.
The Board awarded a $2.58-million contract to Infrasource Underground Construction Services, LLC. The funds will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed earlier this year.
The controls on Buford Highway will be installed between Global Forum Boulevard and Sugarloaf Parkway. The Sugarloaf Parkway project will run from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to State Route 20/Grayson Highway.
The new equipment will allow Gwinnett’s Traffic Control Center to monitor traffic using live video cameras and make adjustments to traffic signal timing by remote control. The Georgia DOT will also use the cameras as part of their Georgia Navigator system.
“This equipment really helps us move traffic, spot congestion or malfunctioning signals, and monitor detours,” said Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen. “We are grateful for these federal funds to help us expand our traffic monitoring system.”
Lawrenceville, Ga., (July 21, 2009) – Fiber optic traffic signal controls will be added to sections of Buford Highway and Sugarloaf Parkway using the federal stimulus funds Gwinnett Commissioners appropriated on Tuesday. The equipment to be installed over the next 18 months will add 12 more miles of remote-control capabilities to the current system.
The Board awarded a $2.58-million contract to Infrasource Underground Construction Services, LLC. The funds will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed earlier this year.
The controls on Buford Highway will be installed between Global Forum Boulevard and Sugarloaf Parkway. The Sugarloaf Parkway project will run from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to State Route 20/Grayson Highway.
The new equipment will allow Gwinnett’s Traffic Control Center to monitor traffic using live video cameras and make adjustments to traffic signal timing by remote control. The Georgia DOT will also use the cameras as part of their Georgia Navigator system.
“This equipment really helps us move traffic, spot congestion or malfunctioning signals, and monitor detours,” said Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen. “We are grateful for these federal funds to help us expand our traffic monitoring system.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
