Tuesday, January 25, 2011
TSPLOST, service levels among topics discussed at GOP forum.
If there was a theme to tonight’s candidate forum, it concerned the role of local government. The four candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners - Will Costa, Larry Gause, Duane Kissel and Charlotte Nash - were asked to share their views on a variety of topics, but the discussion kept returning to what purpose government is meant to fulfill. For Lilburn resident Will Costa, the government’s role is to make hard decisions. “If we don’t stop the business as usual, we’re not going to make it,” he said. “The hard decisions we have to make now are going to be a lot harder later.” Those hard decisions, Costa said, include working with MARTA, dealing with the fact that Gwinnett is part of a larger metro area, reassessing …
Friday, January 21, 2011
Event to be held at Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.
Voters will have their first chance to meet all four candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Jan. 24. The candidates – Charlotte Nash, Larry Gause, Duane Kissel and William Costa – have been invited to attend a forum at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The candidates will field questions from moderator Mike Moore. The forum is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The four political hopefuls offer different solutions for making up budget shortfall.
In part five of our weeklong series, Dacula Patch asked each of the candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners how he or she would balance the county’s budget. Gwinnett County’s 2011 budget included subsidy cuts and a 15 percent reduction in library funding. Officials project the tax digest will shrink another nine percent this year and expect further revenue declines on 2012. The next chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will not only have to deal with these declining revenues, but also address the county’s $18 million budget deficit. Each of the candidates expressed opposition to a property tax increase at this time, but offered varying opinions regarding how best to address the budget shortfall. …
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Trash plan remains unpopular with several candidates.
In part four of our weeklong series, Dacula Patch asked each of the candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners if he or she favored modifying or repealing the county trash plan. Though conceding repeal of the trash plan would be difficult at this point due to contractual obligations, several candidates expressed displeasure with the way the trash plan was implemented. Candidates Charlotte Nash of Dacula, Larry Gause of Tucker, Gerald Duane Kissel of Snellville and Will Costa of Lilburn were each asked to weigh in on the county run program. Dacula Patch did not limit the length of the responses. Each candidate’s answer is presented unedited and in its entirety. Dacula Patch asked, “Are you in favor of modifying or …
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Three candidates express support, another has reservations.
In part three of our weeklong series, Dacula Patch asked each of the candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners if he or she supported the privatization of Briscoe Field. While some candidates support privatization and even expansion of the airport, not all candidates feel the county should relinquish control. Candidates Charlotte Nash of Dacula, Larry Gause of Tucker, Gerald Duane Kissel of Snellville and Will Costa of Lilburn were each asked to explain their position regarding the potential privatization of Briscoe Field. Dacula Patch did not limit the length of the responses. Each candidate’s answer is presented unedited and in its entirety. Dacula Patch asked, “Do you support the privatization of Briscoe Field? …
Monday, January 17, 2011
The four candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners weigh in on the biggest issues facing the county.
In part two of our weeklong series, Dacula Patch asked each of the candidates for chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to identify the three biggest issues facing the county. Candidates Charlotte Nash of Dacula, Larry Gause of Tucker, Gerald Duane Kissel of Snellville and Will Costa of Lilburn identified a variety of problems including budget issues, crime, loss of public trust and declining property values. Dacula Patch did not limit the length of the responses. Each candidate’s answer is presented unedited and in its entirety. Dacula Patch asked, "In your opinion, what are the three biggest issues facing Gwinnett County?" LARRY GAUSE: DUANE KISSEL: I could use some of the cliche answers and say crime, drugs and gangs. …
Jimmy Orr
8:36 am on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Back a few years ago down in Jacksonville, Florida had Georgia on the ropes. Florida had the ball at midfield. It was fourth and one. Florida went for it and didn't make it. Georgia took over on downs. The momentum swung over to Georgia and they would on to win the game. The Florida folks still call this play fourth and dumb. What about a play call to invoice the country of origin of illegal … more ›