Author: Charlie

Tax Cuts And Increased Spending Point To Revenue Needs

This week’s Courier Herald column: The muted lull between the Georgia General Assembly’s March Sine Die and the January 13th reconvening of legislators has been relatively quiet publicly.  Behind the scenes, there has been a philosophical and practical struggle over Georgia’s budget – all within the ranks of the majority Republican party. In late summer,

Governor Kemp Makes Judicial Appointments

From a press release: Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp announced his selection of four judicial appointments in Bibb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. Bibb County State Court Sharrell Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Georgia and law degree from Mercer University School of Law. Presently, she serves as the chief

Speaker Ralston Announces New Committee Chairs, Members

From a press release: ATLANTA – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced changes in leadership positions of several House committees. The Speaker also appointed additional members to the House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees. These changes were discussed with members of the House leadership team and are effective immediately. “As we prepare for what

Army Corps Upsets Augusta, Mollifies Gainesville

There’s always a lot going on regarding water and water policy in Georgia. Whether it be the Tri-State Water Wars, Restoring the proper boundary with Tennessee in the middle of the Tennessee River, Definitions of waterways subject to federal jurisdiction, or the control of water levels, there are constant struggles. This week the Army Corps

Failing to show for jury duty has consequences

This week’s Courier Herald column: In January of 2015, Bud and June Runion left their Marietta home for a short day trip to McRae Georgia in Telfair County.  Their 200-mile day trip was to look at a vintage Ford Mustang convertible advertised on Craigslist.  Instead of purchasing a car, prosecutors say that the grandparents were

On the birthday of a GA Interstate

This week’s Courier Herald column: Interstate 285 turned fifty years old this month.  The then two-lane highway opened in October 1969 allowing travelers to completely bypass Atlanta.  Georgia hasn’t built many freeways since I-285, favoring instead to constantly add lanes to those we already have.  I-16 connected Macon to Savannah in 1978.  Other spur highways

What are we cheering for?

This week’s Courier Herald column: Sometimes it takes a swift kick in the gut to assess where we are, why we do what we do, and what we should be doing going forward.  For sports fans in Georgia, we’ve been provided ample opportunity.  It was a week that began and ended with embarrassing losses by

Dean Alford Resigns From Board Of Regents; Charged With Fraud

Per press release from Georgia’s Attorney General’s Office: ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation today announced that a joint investigation of suspected racketeering and criminal attempt to commit theft by taking has warranted the arrest of Clarence Dean Alford, a former member of the Board of Regents representing

Reps Rich, Greene Introduce Vaping Legislation

From a press release this morning: ATLANTA – State Representatives Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee) and Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert) today announced that they will introduce legislation during the 2020 legislative session to address vaping and e-cigarette use in Georgia.  “As a mother of teenagers, I have firsthand knowledge of the insidious and harmful effects of youth vaping